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A meditation on Psalm 36 and how God's lovingkindness is our safe haven in midlife Have you ever felt surrounded? Thankfully, few of us have been physically surrounded by enemies on all sides with no chance of escape. But what if I change the question a bit, and ask if you have ever felt spiritually surrounded, backed into a corner, or under attack? I think all of us can relate to that feeling. Whether it is because of conflict within the family of God or hostility from those who don't share our faith, we have all probably felt some form of spiritual oppression. We do our best to create little havens of peace, but sin and struggles press in and dampen our joy. A Safe Haven for Our Souls Psalm 36 reminds us that God has provided a safe haven for his people right here on earth, right in the middle of the struggle. That haven is His lovingkindness. However, that theme isn't readily visible with a quick reading of Psalm 36. In fact, the psalm begins and ends with a discussion of sin that feels discouraging and hopeless: Transgression speaks to the ungodly within his heart: There is no fear of God before his eyes. and There the doers of iniquity have fallen; They have been thrust down and cannot rise. Psalm 36: 1 & 12, NASB When I read those begining and ending verses, my heart sank. "Evil is inescapable; it surrounds me ," I thought to myself. Because I had missed the heart of the psalm! According to author and theologian W. Robert Godfrey , English readers focus on the beginning of a poem to get the context and on the end of a poem to learn the main point. But the poetic form used by the Hebrew writers of the Psalms often puts the main message right in the middle of the poem. In the case of Psalm 36, that means that what we are supposed to focus on and cling to is verses 3-9. Those verses remind of such truths as Your kindness, O LORD, extends to the heavens, Your faithfulness reaches to the skies. and For with You is the fountain of life; In Your light we see light. Psalm 36: 3 & 9, NASB The middle line of Psalm 36 culminates in this powerful statement of praise: "How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God!" (vs. 7, NASB) This is the central, key point of Psalm 36, sandwiched between the descriptions of despair: The most precious treasure on earth is the merciful, grace-filled love of God toward each one of us. A Midlife Haven in the Middle of My Struggles What if, my friend, the structure of Psalm 36 was a clue for how we should live as the sandwich generation? Here we are in midlife, surrounded by all the changes and challenges that come with this life stage, and it is easy to feel pressured from all sides. Yet, right there in the middle of all the stress, we have access to the lovingkindness of God as He invites us to take refuge in His light and enjoy the abundance He provides. Does that make a difference in how we view our circumstances here in middle age? It does for me--it gives me hope. This principle that the poetic structure of Psalm 36 is teaching us echoes the theme of a very familiar psalm: Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. Psalm 23:4-5a, NASB What Psalm 36 communicates through it's structure, Psalm 23 speaks to directly: No shadow of evil and death is a match for the presence of God in our lives. He loves us so much that He provides a table of refreshment for us in the middle of our struggles. We are seated at that table whenever we spend time in God's Word or in conversation with Him and with others who love Him. So here's the question for us as we meditate on Psalm 36 this week: Where am I living? Am I living in the darkness and depression surrounding the promises in Psalm 36? Or am I living in the light of God's lovingkindness? Let's live in the Light, friends! Readings and Reflection Questions Monday's reading: Psalm 36 Read through this psalm and make a note of the provisions God has made for us through His lovingkindness. How might you ask God to specifically strengthen you through one of His promised provisions? Tuesday's reading: I John 1:5-9 John is very realistic in this passage. He knows that we all struggle with sin, but that sin keeps us from fellowship with God even when we are Christians. What is the solution to the problem of sin in this passage? What are the benefits of walking in the Light? Wednesday's reading: Isaiah 43:1-7 List the promises God makes to His people in this passage. Which speak encouragement to your midlife experience? Thursday's reading:   John 8:1-12 This familiar story of the woman who was accused before Jesus ends with Jesus describing Himself as "the Light of the World." What is Jesus's promise concerning those who follow Him? How is Jesus lighting your way through midlife? Friday's reading: Colossians 1:13-23 In this description of the creative and redemptive power of Christ, what evidence do you find that He is able to defeat the power of sin and darkness in your life? Weekend reading:   Psalm 119:33-40 This psalm describes the power and holiness of God. What responses should people have to God's holy and awesome presence according to this psalm? Are you dwelling in His presence today? Source: Godfrey, W. Robert. (2017). Learning to Love the Psalms . Ligonier Ministries. Available at https://store.ligonier.org/learning-to-love-the-psalms-hardcover

Comfort for weary souls from Psalm 32 My soul is tired, beset on every side with demands, distractions, and difficulties. David, the psalmist and shepherd-king of Israel, would understand my struggle. Surrounded by enemies, slandered and mocked, David penned these words: You have seen it, LORD, do not keep silent; Lord, do not be far from me. Stir Yourself, and awake to my right And to my cause, my God and my Lord. Psalm 35:22-23, NASB "Lord, do not keep silent," David says. More than anything in times of stress and strain, our souls need to hear from God. Not intellectually in the form of a great philosophical truth, not emotionally in a song that brightens our feelings for a moment, and not through a unique experience that helps us forget our troubles for a day. We don't need anything so surface as that. No, we need to hear God's voice speaking to our souls. Though our souls are almost deafened by the noise of everyday living, they continuously plead, Say to my soul, “I am your salvation.” Psalm 35:4b, NASB I have begun to ask myself: What voices are speaking to my soul right now? Voices of truth or deception; hope or anxiety; faith or doubt? David heard them all speak in his darkest times: But at my stumbling they rejoiced and gathered themselves together; The smiters whom I did not know gathered together against me, They slandered me without ceasing. Like godless jesters at a feast . . . Psalm 35:15-16a, NASB Have you been there? To the place where the voices that speak to your soul discourage and demean? If so, pray with David and with me, too, " Speak to my soul in this moment, O Lord, and remind me that You and only You are my salvation ." This week as we study David's words in Psalm 35, pay attention to the voices that are speaking to your soul. We have a choice, friend. We do not have to listen to the voices that wound and encumber. We can choose to tune our ears to the voice of the Lord of our salvation who teaches our souls to rejoice. Readings and Reflection Questions Monday's reading: Psalm 35 Read through this psalm, noting David's description of being surrounded by enemies. What is assailing your soul in this season of midlife? How can you prepare yourself to hear God speak to your soul more clearly? Tuesday's reading: Psalm 42 Carefully read through Psalm 42 and note the actions David takes to find healing for his wounded soul. List them and choose three to practice this week. Wednesday's reading: Psalm 119:81-88 In this portion of Psalm 119, the psalmist pleas with God for soul healing. According to these verses, what part does scripture play in protecting and restoring wounded souls? How has scripture protected and restored your soul in times of trouble? Thursday's reading:   John 10:1-15 What distinguishes Jesus in His role as the Good Shepherd from others who try to speak to our souls? If you have you been listening to voices of theives and robbers, what has been the impact of their words? In what ways have you personally heard the voice of the Shepherd of your soul? Friday's reading:  Matthew 11:28-30 What does Jesus promise to those who come to Him? How does Jesus describe Himself and His desires for us? How might following Jesus provide rest for our souls? Weekend reading:   Psalm 63 This psalm describes the gratitude that comes from a soul that knows and follows God. What is the psalmist grateful for? What are you grateful for?

A Meditation on Psalm 65 and God's Overwhelming Goodness Author's Note: Over the past several posts, we have been covering some difficult topics and reading through some psalms that discuss struggles, sin, and judgment. My spirit needed some joy! So this week, we are skipping ahead to Psalm 65 to remind ourselves of God's faithful presence, power, and provision in our lives. I was anticipating that this psalm would have me singing a loud song of praise! But as you will see, that wasn't the case... If you have ever climbed a steep trail to a mountaintop vista or hiked deep into the woods in search of a hidden waterfall, then you know the feeling of awe at the first sighting of your objective. There is a sudden hush of reverence that descends as you take in the beauty of God's creation. No words are needed because no words are adequate: silence is the only appropriate response. The Silent Praise of David King David understood this quiet reverence. He began the first verse of Psalm 65 with these words: "There will be silence before You, and praise in Zion..." (NASB). In the original Hebrew, these words literally say, "To You, praise is silence" (Wiersbe, 2009). Think about that for just a moment... To You, praise is silence In our contemporary culture, we often equate praise with a group of believers lifting their voices together in song. The experience of silence in daily life is rare. The idea of silent praise is surprising. How can we praise without using our voices and words? Silent praise seems like a contradiction in terms. However, this concept appears in other places in scripture. In Exodus 14, the Israelites had just escaped Egypt. God directed them to camp where they could easily be pinned against the Red Sea by Pharaoh's pursuing army. Predictably, the people began to complain to Moses, saying, “Did you bring us out here just to be killed? You should have left us as slaves in Egypt so at least we would live!” But Moses replied, Do not fear! Stand by and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will perform for you today; for the Egyptians whom you have seen today, you will never see them again, ever. The LORD will fight for you while you keep silent.  (Exodus 14:13-14, NASB) Relating to the Israelites Friend, I can relate to the Israelite people's concerns. I find myself in midlife, with more years behind me than ahead. Life can still seem like an impossible riddle. I expected to have it all figured out by now and gracefully sail into my elder years, watching my grandkids grow up. But that's not where I'm at. Instead, God still asks me to make hard decisions, complete toilsome tasks, and serve in unwelcoming environments. Much like the Israelites with their backs against the impassable sea, I often feel squeezed between a rock and a hard place. There is no clear path to the ease I expected to find at this stage of life. This is exactly where Exodus 14:14 comes in: "The LORD will fight for you while you keep silent." When my prayers turn to whining, and my concerns start sounding like complaints, the best way for me to praise God is to stop talking and wait for Him to fight for me. What does that look like? For me, it means doing the next right thing on my list and letting God worry about the outcome. It may mean completing a mundane task I have been putting off. This is an act of obedience to Him. It could involve stepping into an uncomfortable situation, even if I fear rejection. Ultimately, it means sitting silently in awe of who He is without asking for anything. Because in God, I already have all I need. God Promises Victory Of course, we know how the account in Exodus ends. Moses leads God's people through the Red Sea on dry ground, while Pharaoh's army is destroyed. God releases the restrained waters upon them. Why should I expect anything short of victory if I let God fight for me? The expectation that God will carry us through all dangers, toils, and snares is the essence of what David conveys in Psalm 65. After beginning with a call for silent praise, he lists the attributes of God's faithfulness. He starts with the blessing of His presence, moves on to a description of His power, and finishes with a beautiful portrayal of God's abundant provision. Read it slowly. Stand back and enjoy the view. Psalm 65 allows us to survey who God is and how He provides for us. As I read it, I feel the same awe I experience at the top of a high mountain after a strenuous hike: silent, awestruck praise. Readings and Reflection Questions Monday's Reading: Psalm 65 Read through this psalm, listing all the attributes and actions that describe who God is. Sit in silence, meditating on God's greatness. What is He saying to your heart? Tuesday's Reading: Exodus 14 Revisit the account of the Israelites passing through the Red Sea. In what aspects of your life are you lacking faith like the Israelites? In what aspects are you leading faithfully like Moses? How does this passage encourage you to live with more faith in God? Wednesday's Reading: Joshua 6:1-16 Here's another Old Testament account where the people of Israel were asked to be silent. Why do you think God asked them to be quiet until the opportune time? What was the improbable outcome of their obedience in silently walking where God and Joshua led? How have you seen God work like this in your own life? Thursday's Reading : Psalm 119:89-96 This portion of Psalm 119 talks about the power and faithfulness of God in creation throughout all generations. How is God's Word entwined in the created order? How might you incorporate more silent meditation on God's Word into your life as an act of praise? Friday's Reading: Ecclesiastes 5:1-7 In this passage, Solomon gives us instructions on the proper attitude for approaching God. What principles is Solomon teaching? Why does he advocate for such caution and reverence in what we say to the Lord? Weekend Reading: Psalm 99 This psalm describes the power and holiness of God. What responses should people have to God's holy and awesome presence according to this psalm?

Devotional readings focused on Psalm 20, 91 and 121 for the second week of April. Meditation Skip to the Bible readings This week’s edition of Daily Focus might feel a little different! I’m going to propose a practical exercise for us to do together, one which I think will make a big difference in the way we pray for our kids and grandkids. Do you struggle with having a vibrant prayer life? I do. For me, it is a case of mental and digital clutter: as soon as I begin to pray, my mind typically floods with items from my to do list. Or, as I mention a person to the Lord, my thoughts begin to ruminate on my last conversation with that person. Worse yet, if I’m praying about an area in my life I want to bring into better alignment with God’s purposes, my mind might suggest a list of tips from the latest self-help article or video I encountered online. So much for focusing on the Almighty! But then I opened up Psalm 20. A few verses in, the psalm began to sound like the prayer of a parent for their child. So, I went back to the beginning and read it again as a petition to God. My mind stayed steadily focused on the words of the psalm as I prayed—relief from my usual jumbled thoughts! I know I'm not the first one to suggest praying through scripture. That has been a recommended practice for God's followers since the earliest prayers were written. But it did remind me that God wants prayer to be a joy and pleasure, rather than a burden. It is a privilege to bring our burdens to our Heavenly Father and let Him carry them for us. Even in those times when we struggle to put our thoughts into coherent words, God still wants to hear our hearts. And we never struggle alone. Paul teaches in Romans that the Holy Spirit Himself puts our pain and tears into words when we just can't articulate what's on our hearts: In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know how we ought to pray, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans too deep for words. And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. Romans 8:26-27 One way the Holy Spirit does that is by bringing to mind passages of scripture we have studied so that we can cling to God's promises and, in a respectful and faith-filled way, hold Him accountable to come to our aid. I think God loves to hear the words He breathed out whispered back to Him by faithful hearts. So here's what I'm proposing this week. I have put together a reading list of passages for each day; each passage contains a prayer or a blessing. As you read, note the parts that speak to the needs of your children and grandchildren right now. Then compile those parts into a complete scripture prayer in a note app on your phone, and start praying those scriptures over your family. Feel free to choose other Bible passages that you know, as well! I'm going to share my compiled prayer below in the comments this week. I would love to see yours! And please let me know if this makes prayer easier for you. Our kids and grands need prayer, so anything that removes the roadblock to meeting with God is helpful. I'm praying for you all this week, that the Lord will strengthen your connection to Him through prayer! Suggested Readings for Creating Your Scripture Prayer this Week Here's my compiled prayer--I invite you to pray along with me! Monday's reading : Psalm 20 Tuesday's reading : Psalm 91 and Psalm 121 Wednesday's reading: 1 Chronicles 29:10-19 Thursday's reading: Luke 1:46-55 Friday's reading: Ephesians 3:14-21 Weekend reading: Philippians 1:3-11 Share your prayer below in the comments section . . . can't wait to hear from you!

Devotional readings on Psalm 27, 28, and 138 Meditation Go to the Bible readings and reflection questions If my life is characterized by one thing, it is waiting. No matter how hard I try to tie up loose ends, it seems like I am always waiting for one last piece to fall into place, waiting on a reply, or for a situation to change, or for an opportunity to arrive. Waiting feels like a roadblock to progress: "Enforced inactivity," as I like to call it, seems like an unproductive use of my time! Which it usually is because, truthfully, I tend to waste time when I'm in a waiting period--doom scrolling is so much easier than being mindful or finding purpose in the waiting. I don't think I'm the only one who strugges. Look around the next time you are waiting in a line--most everyone in line with you will be on their phones, trying to avert boredom. I'd like to find a different solution to the problem of waiting, something that doesn't involve anesthetizing my bored mind with cheap distractions . God, in His far-reaching wisdom, offers a solution in His Word. This week's psalms teach us how to redeem the time we spend waiting and turn it into growth with three simple encouragements: Be strong, take courage, and wait for the Lord. You can find those words in Psalm 27:14 (NASB): Wait for the LORD; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the LORD. Let's start by understanding what these words meant to the original author, King David: Strong: To strengthen and repair; to prevail; to encourage and make bold. Courage: To be bold and alert, determined; to persist and be firm. Wait: To continue on with expectation and hope. Isn't it interesting that all of these words are actions? When David says, "be strong," he's saying that a waiting period is a time to prepare and repair. When he says to "take courage," he's telling us to hold fast to our convictions and say no to compromise even if that makes the waiting time longer. And when he says "wait for the Lord," he's telling us not to hide until the waiting is over. No, friend, we should stay on the lookout so we don't miss seeing what God is doing. If we truly want to live out the principles of “Be strong, take courage, and wait for the Lord,” we need to ask ourselves these three questions whenever we find ourselves in a state of waiting: Be strong: What can I do now to strengthen myself for the future? Don't just think mental strength here--consider how you can strengthen yourself physically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually for what happens next. Our natural tendency is to sit still in the waiting, but what if we made intentional personal progress instead? Don't waste the waiting time. Take courage: Are there any areas where I am compromising my convictions to make the waiting go more quickly or feel less uncomfortable? Sometime we all need a break from stress, and distraction is a great technique. But being courageous means we need to keep an eye on our choice of distractions to make sure they are God-honoring and life-affirming. We also need to guard against compromising our deeply held convictions. Ending the waiting sooner through compromise of Godly principles will not improve the outcome. Wait for the Lord: Where do I see God at work in my life and in the lives of those around me? The stress of waiting weighs us down, but God wants us to lift our heads and look to Him. He is never absent and those who seek Him will find Him! When we wait with expectation and hope, we will see God move in everyday circumstances and our faith will grow stronger in the waiting. My prayer for you this week is that Psalm 27 and the other passages we study will change your perspective on waiting. Let's not wait passively. Let's prepare ourselves for the future, strengthen our convictions and keep watch for the hand of God at work in our lives and the lives of those we love. Readings and Reflection Questions Monday's reading : Psalm 27 This psalm describes a waiting time in David's life. What did David know about God that gave him courage in the waiting? Make a list of the qualities and actions that God had already shown David. Verses 4-6 give a hint about how David kept himself strong spiritually. What do you learn from those verses? What could you do to keep yourself spiritually strong in a waiting time? Tuesday's reading : Psalm 28 How is David feeling in this psalm as he describes another time of waiting? What truths about God's character does David preach to himself in his desparation? How do these truths about God encourage you as you wait for Him? Wednesday's reading: Psalm138 In this psalm, David is thanking God for His intervention in David's life. In verses 7-8, David makes several assertions about how God will take care of him in the future. What are these assertions? How has God proved to be the same for you as for David in the past? Thursday's reading: Philippians 1:12- 2 1 In this passage, Paul shares that he is going through a time of waiting: He is in prison! How has God worked through Paul's imprisonment? Paul talkes about hope and courage in verse 20. What is he waiting for expectantly? What is Paul's conviction in verse 21? What expectation and hope might you have for your time of waiting? Friday's reading: Hebrews 10:32-29 The author in this passage is reminding the readers of God's faithfulness in the past. How has God proven Himself faithful to you in past waiting periods? The word "endurance" in verse 36 has the same idea as "wait" in Psalm 27:14. Why does the author encourage the readers to have endurance? What is your motivation to endure? Weekend reading: II Corinthians 4:16-5:1 Paul encourages us to look to the unseen things when we are experiencing suffering. What unseen things can you focus on in a period of waiting? Even though we should work on our personal strength--physical, spiritual, mental, emotional, and social--eventually our mortal strength will fail. But Paul says there is something eternal which will never fail. What is that eternal thing we are looking forward to?

Devotional readings focused on Psalm 21, 33, and 47 Meditation Skip to the Bible readings and journaling idea I am waiting on an answer to prayer, and it’s slow in coming. Complexities increase each day and hope fades. But the Easter Sunday sermon I heard this week reminded me: I’m living through Saturday. It’s not Sunday yet. Resurrection Day is still on its way. And like it was for the disciples as they waited for Sunday to dawn, it’s easy for me to forget that Jesus is going to triumph over sin, death, and hell. . . when Sunday arrives! I understand that “Sunday,” the day when Jesus puts everything to right, may not arrive for a long time, so I need to keep my faith and hope strong in this liminal space. One verse in this week’s readings spoke clearly to me about this: Let Your lovingkindness, O Lord, be upon us, According as we have hoped in You. Psalm 33:22, NASB If my level of hope is the measuring cup of God’s mercy, Lord, help me to strengthen my hope! I must choose praise over worry, prayer over problem solving, and faith over fear. As Christians, we know we are supposed to live lives of hopeful praise, but we often struggle to keep our minds and hearts focused on God's goodness instead of all the chaos and trouble that surrounds us. Our thoughts are easily captured by the difficulties of life, and our awareness of God’s presence is dimmed. I feel that tension in my own soul. I am blessed in so many ways, yet the challenges of life dominate my thoughts more than the triumphs do. Charles Spurgeon, a 19th century Baptist preacher and scholar, described the human propensity to focus on troubles this way: "We are too prone to engrave our trials in marble and write our blessings in sand." Convicting, right? Especially because by midlife we have seen our share of troubles! That’s why the choice to praise is so pivotal in midlife. Middle age is the season where we determine our elderly orientation, because it from this viewpoint that we can best see our own past and future through the experiences of both our children and our parents.  At no other life stage will we have that unique vantage. It is at this point that we decide the trajectory of our old age.  Will we become bitter? Ungrateful and resentful? Full of cynicism? Or will we align our thinking and our practice with what God wants, and live thankfully and hopefully.  This week, I’m providing a download to help us develop that orientation toward worship, hope, and gratitude.  Below the readings you will find a file named “Timeline of Blessings” that you can print or open on your tablet.   Here’s what to do with it: Set aside some time during the week to reflect on God’s lovingkindness.  Start by reading one of the daily passages below, and then ask God to show you where He has been present in your own lived experience. As you review your own personal history, write down unique blessings or circumstances where you see God’s love in specific eras of your life.  Then, note them briefly (one line each) in the appropriate section of the timeline.  As you do this, ask God to engrave these memories on your heart and mind. I started working on my own timeline of blessings a few weeks ago, and I was amazed at how my perspective changed when I focused on God’s lovingkindness .  It doesn’t solve the problems I’m currently dealing with. And it doesn’t speed up God’s answer to my prayer. But it does remind me that God loves me and has been unbelievably generous and faithful through the years. Even in those times where life was grim, I can find examples of God’s continuous care and grace, and those example give me the courage I need to stay hopeful and choose to praise. I think you will find the same as you join me in engraving God’s blessings on our hearts! Readings and Timeline Exercise Monday's reading : Psalm 21 Tuesday's reading : 2 Samuel 7 This passage gives a possible context for Psalm 21: David's consolidation of the Kingdom of Israel and God's special blessing on David's family line. Wednesday's reading: Psalm 33 Thursday's reading:   Acts 16:11-34 This passage shows praise in action and how God works through our worship. Friday's reading: Psalm 46 Weekend reading: Psalm 47

Devotional Readings: Exploring Psalm 8 for the Third Week of February Rediscovering Wonder Skip to the readings and reflection questions Remember being a child when almost everything felt awesome ? A rock, a pine cone, or a bit of moss could mesmerize me for hours at just four years old. Every day was an adventure filled with sea anemones, flowers, starry skies, and captivating stories. As we grow into adults, that wonder often fades away. Responsibilities weigh us down, and we become entrenched in daily routines. Yet, children offer a fresh opportunity to rekindle that magic. They remind us to see the world through untainted eyes. It’s a blessing to recover that sense of awe alongside them. But now that my children are grown, I've found myself facing a wonder deficit. My daughter even introduced me to the term: Meh: mediocre; lackluster; uninspiring The older I get, the easier it becomes to slip into thinking that life is just, well, meh. I often forget to enjoy the wonders of God’s creation around me. I plod through my day without pausing to appreciate the beauty that God places in my path. I’m certain that isn’t the way God intended us to live. Psalm 8 emphasizes our relationship with God and how we should perceive the life He has gifted us: "Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!" -Psalm 8:1 (NIV) Embracing the Beauty of Creation Psalm 8 continues to articulate the wonders of creation. It talks about everything from starry skies to ocean depths, with humans being highlighted as God’s greatest creation. Reading this Psalm rekindles my sense of wonder. It leads me to ponder: How can I rebuild my sense of wonder in all that God has made and all that God has done for me? This question resonates with many mid-lifers, including myself. In Wednesday's reading, we will witness how even the wisest man, Solomon, lost his sense of awe and succumbed to cynicism. However, there's hope! We can learn and grow wiser from his experience. As you journey through the scriptures this week, take time to explore the reflection questions. Also, dedicate moments for a treasure hunt of the wonders mentioned in Psalm 8: Soak up some sunshine on your face - verse 1 Engage with little children and see the world through their eyes - verse 2 Look up at the stars during the night - verse 3 Reflect on God's love for you - verse 4 Admire artwork that showcases the creative talents He has gifted to humanity - verse 5 Consider the ways humans care for creation - verse 6 Teach your dog a new trick and enjoy the interaction - verse 7 Observe birds in trees or feed ducks in a pond - verse 8 Acknowledge God's majesty in creation and thank Him for specific things you see - verse 9 As you read this week, actively dive into the inspiring thoughts of Psalm 8. I will be praying for you to restore your sense of wonder. May you feel closer to God and experience joy in His majesty! Readings and Reflection Questions Monday's Reading: Psalm 8 Reflection Questions: What aspects of nature most clearly speak to you about God's glory? How can you connect with nature to inspire awe for God and His creative genius? Tuesday's Reading: Genesis 1 Reflection Questions: How does the creation account relate to Psalm 8? Why is it significant that each creation day ends with God declaring it "good"? What makes God's creation of humans "very good"? Wednesday's Reading: Ecclesiastes 1 Reflection Questions: Ecclesiastes, penned by Solomon, argues the futility of life without a relationship with God. In the first chapter, reflect on how this futility impacts enjoyment. Identify verses that resonate with your current feelings. Pray about how God may want you to address those feelings through action. Write down any insights God provides. Thursday's Reading: Matthew 21:1-17 Reflection Questions: In this passage, Jesus references Psalm 8:2. How does Matthew help clarify Psalm 8:2? In what ways did the children’s songs oppose the enemies of Jesus? What songs could you sing that honor God and uplift your spirit? (Hint: Create a playlist for a walk). Friday's Reading: Revelation 21:1-22:7 Reflection Questions: In the final book of the Bible, God continues to create an ideal environment for His people. How does this new heaven and earth differ from Genesis 1? What aspects of the new heaven and earth inspire awe? Revelation 22:3 mentions there will be no curse—how does this improve the new heaven and earth compared to our current world? Weekend Reading: Psalm 29 and Psalm 148 Reflection Questions: In Psalm 29, what does "the voice of the Lord" signify? How can it be perceived in the various situations described? Let your voice resonate with creation—read Psalm 148 outside, aloud.

Devotional Readings Focused on Psalm 6 for the First Week of February: Embracing the Unknown Have you ever found yourself stuck in a holding pattern? Whether it’s waiting for medical test results, navigating a life transition, or simply awaiting a response from a child, living in uncertainty can be stressful. We never quite know how long the wait will be. This week’s Psalm highlights David’s experience of waiting as he asks God, “How long, O Lord?” If this question resonates with you, you’ll find encouragement in this week’s readings. Skip to the meditation Monday's Reading: Reflections on Psalm 6 Psalm 6 Reflection Questions: What circumstances in your life prompt you to cry, “How long, O Lord?” What encouragement do you find in verses 8-10? Tuesday's Reading: Joseph's Journey in Genesis Genesis 39:20-41:41 Reflection Questions: How long did Joseph wait in prison? How did he spend his time there? What actions can you take while you wait that demonstrate your faith in God's timing? Wednesday's Reading: Faith Amid Waiting Hebrews 11:1-13 Reflection Questions: How does the author define faith in verse 1? According to verse 13, did the faithful heroes of this chapter experience everything promised to them before they died? Where did they find full understanding and fulfillment of God’s promises? How might this impact your perspective on waiting for God? Thursday's Reading: The Delayed Visit John 11 Reflection Questions: In this passage, why does Jesus postpone His visit to His friend Lazarus? Was He aware of the outcomes of His decision to delay? What conclusion do Mary and Martha reach regarding Jesus' timing? How might the story have changed if Jesus arrived while Lazarus was still alive? Friday's Reading: God's Timing in 2 Peter 2 Peter 3 Reflection Questions: This passage discusses Christ's promised return when He makes all things new. How long has it been since these words were written? (Hint: check the background of 2 Peter at this link .) What do verses 8-9 reveal about God's timing? What is the purpose of delay? How should we respond to delay according to verses 14 and 15? Weekend Reading: Reflecting on God's Goodness Psalm 13 and Psalm 30 Reflection Questions: In what ways has God shown His goodness even during times of waiting? Make a list. In Psalm 30, David remembers times when God delivered him from trouble. How has God brought you through tough situations in the past? Write a prayer of thanksgiving for God's goodness throughout your life. Meditation The smartphone has transformed how we experience waiting. How did we survive without them in waiting rooms? How did we manage to wait our turn in the Costco checkout line? Everywhere I go, I notice people handling waiting through technology. Even brief waits, like at a red light, lead many to pull out their phones—myself included! We no longer have to endure waiting; we can engage with our handheld gateways to the world. Understanding the Challenge of Waiting I can’t help but think that our limited experience with short waits has left us unprepared for longer periods of waiting in life. We’re not used to sitting in uncertainty. We struggle to sort through our thoughts and manage the anxiety of the unknown. We often rush to cry, “How long, O Lord?” before fully processing what we feel. All we want is for it to be over. Waiting as a Spiritual Discipline The reality is that waiting is a spiritual discipline—a strength God invites His children to develop. David exemplifies this in Psalm 6. He prays and expresses confidence that his prayers are heard. He simply has to trust that God will answer and shame those who claim God has abandoned him (verse 10). Is this our mindset too? The spiritual discipline of waiting is an active application of faith in God’s wisdom. It involves trusting His goodness during life’s uncertainties, leading to peace of mind and heart as we wait for His timing. This week, we'll explore stories of individuals who waited and how God moved powerfully in their lives during those times. As you read, reflect on your own experiences. Recall moments when God asked you to wait for answers. How has He been faithful? How has He worked amid the unknown? My personal experiences in waiting remind me that God operates in ways I do not comprehend and cannot foresee. However, as I surrender my uncertainties to Him, I am entrusting them to the One who holds all the answers and is always faithful to love and care for me.

Devotional Readings Focused on Psalm 19 and 104 for the Fourth Week of March: Finding Joy in God's Revelation Meditation on God's Creation Skip to the Bible readings and reflection questions When I was a child, my grandmother took me into the field next to her house to look for dandelions. She taught me how to distinguish the tender emerging leaves and flower buds from the older, tougher ones. We filled a bowl together. At lunchtime, Grandma mixed cream, sugar, and apple cider vinegar to dress the greens and tiny buds. I still remember that salad even after 50 years! What made that experience so memorable? I believe it was my amazement at being able to eat from the neighbor's pasture. Grandma and I found food given by the hand of God for our delight and nourishment! The Delight of Harvesting Since then, one of my joys has been hand-picking the earth's fruits at various farms or growing them myself. For a few years, when we had a large garden, my morning ritual was to step outside in my pajamas to water the plants with one hand and pick fresh, ripe vegetables with the other. It was another sign of abundance from God's hand. Currently, I may not have a garden, but I can still feast daily on God's provisions through His Word. The psalms and other readings this week proclaim the beauty and necessity of both God's natural revelation—the created world—and His special revelation, found in the Bible. Both bring us joy and peace while pointing us to the One who longs to be known by us. The Glory of God in Scripture and Nature Psalm 19 highlights the message from both the heavens and the scriptures. David asserts that the heavens speak wordlessly, yet unmistakably, of God's glory: The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. (Psalm 19:1, NIV) This message is so evident that later in Romans 1, Paul states that nature alone is sufficient to hold humans accountable for their relationship with God: . . . since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. (Romans 1:19-20, NIV) God is not cruel or unreasonable. He reveals His glory in nature and gives us His Word to guide us into fellowship with Himself: The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous. (Psalm 19:7-9, NIV) What a significant gift! In this season of my life, I must ask myself: How often do I accept God's revelation of Himself to me? Probably not as regularly as I should. The Importance of Daily Fellowship David encourages us to meet with God regularly. He begins Psalm 19 by describing the sun, the source of light and energy for our world. The sun is a daily gift from God. You can set your clock by it! Every day it faithfully rises and sets, allowing the earth to be fruitful. David's correlation of the sun with scripture in Psalm 19 has clear implications: The Word of God is a provision to enjoy daily. I need to improve my commitment to God's revelation through nature and His Word. During transitional seasons like midlife, we must lean more into who God is revealing Himself to be. This is the only way we gain clarity of purpose, renewed strength, and the peace that God promises for the inevitable challenges of life. And perhaps, our renewed connection to God and His creation may ignite wonder in the heart of a grandchild while we pick wildflowers together in a field. Readings and Reflection Questions Monday's reading: Psalm 19 Reflection Questions: What benefits of reading God's Word does David mention in this Psalm? How does the action of the sun providing light and energy mirror the spiritual action of God's Word? Read verse 14 again: Why do you think David concluded with this prayer? Tuesday's reading: Philippians 2:12-16 Reflection Questions: This passage by Paul uses a nature metaphor. What does Paul say we should emulate? What specific action fosters this quality? According to verse 16, what should we cling to in developing this quality? Wednesday's reading: Isaiah 40:3-14 Reflection Questions: This passage uses metaphors to compare natural and biblical revelation. How do the two relate? Verses 12-14 present five questions to the reader. What point is God making? Thursday's reading: Job 38-39 Reflection Questions: In answering Job's questions about his suffering, God appeared and questioned him. Which scientific subjects did God question Job about in chapter 38? Which twelve animals did God inquire about in chapter 39? Why do you think God chose such detailed descriptions and questions for Job? Friday's reading: Job 40-42:6 Reflection Questions: In chapters 40 and 41, God questions Job about two unconquerable animals: the behemoth and the leviathan. In Job's culture, these two represented chaos and evil. Why do you think God focused on them? What message does God convey about humanity’s power against evil? What is Job's final statement to God in chapter 42? Why is God's use of natural revelation particularly effective in Job 38-41? Weekend reading: Psalm 104 Reflection Questions: In this psalm, David illustrates the harmony of God's creation and how it works together. Take a moment to note or underline the descriptions that resonate with your experiences of nature. Reflect on the wonders of creation, noting David's response to God's creative genius in verses 33-35. Do you see a connection to Psalm 19?

" Devotional Readings Focused on Psalm 24, 101, 145, and 100 – A Call to Faithfulness in Our Generation " Meditation on Legacy Skip to the Bible readings and reflection questions Many of us have family members who stand out for various reasons. Perhaps one of your ancestors played a significant role in history or excelled in their career. Others may be memorable for their unique quirks! However, the true remarkable figures are those patriarchs and matriarchs who leave a profound spiritual legacy for future generations. When I met my husband Jack, I learned about his family’s heritage, and one name consistently emerged—Grandpa Oliver Key. Although no one outside Jack’s family would recognize him, he was neither famous nor wealthy. What he bequeathed was much more valuable: his unwavering faith. The Impact of Faithful Generations Everyone in the family felt comfortable approaching Oliver with their troubles. He always pointed them to Jesus. As a lay pastor, Oliver knew his Bible well. Conversations with him were rich with wisdom drawn from the scriptures he had studied and memorized. His grandchildren cherished their time with him, knowing he would always spare a moment for a long walk or a good chat, often followed by a stop at the ice cream shop for a sweet treat. Oliver provided stability, especially during difficult times. For my mother-in-law, he was a critical support during her parents’ divorce. Grandma and Grandpa Key managed to keep the family united, even though not all their children adhered to their Christian faith. Nonetheless, the entire family remembers Oliver’s faithfulness and unwavering love for God. Just a week before his passing, hospital staff reported that every night, Oliver climbed out of bed to kneel and pray for his children and grandchildren. Inspiration for Future Generations I believe Oliver's prayers reached far beyond his immediate family. My husband is now a military chaplain, inspired by the stories of his great-grandfather. Great Grandpa Oliver’s legacy thrives not through wealth or possessions but through the example he set and the inspiration he provided. As my mother-in-law articulately stated, “He had more to pass on to me than the richest person on earth could have ever done.” That's a legacy worth pursuing. Each of us can attain a similar legacy if we strive to be a generation that seeks God. It's not a prerequisite for those before us to seek God, nor does it ensure that those who follow will. Some of Oliver's children veered from their faith, yet the prayers he offered for his grandchildren continue to bear fruit in successive generations. Faithfulness in Our Generation Grandpa Oliver Key's example teaches us a vital lesson: occasionally, a generation emerges that stands taller and stronger than others. This generation can shift their family’s focus towards God and goodness. Regardless of the choices of those before or after us, we must make the decision to follow the Lord because our choices do matter . And so do yours. That choice confronts us today, much like the decision Joshua put forth to the Israelites near the Jordan River: "But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD." —Joshua 24:15, NIV What will you choose? Will your generation focus solely on material wealth, family vacations, spoiling grandchildren, and long life? There’s nothing wrong with these aspirations, but I believe our objectives should extend beyond that. My husband, Jack, and I aspire to be known as the generation that followed God steadfastly through every season, affirming His faithfulness and love to all generations. Building Faithfulness in Our Lives This week, I encourage you to compile a list of attributes essential to a faithful generation while reflecting on the scripture passages below. This method of close reading allows us to grasp what God conveys about faithfulness through His Word. Moreover, it provides a checklist to evaluate our Christian practices, helping us identify areas that require improvement and those where we excel. If you discover an insightful attribute of a faithful generation, please share it in the comments. I would love to start a conversation about what God is revealing to us! Readings and Reflection Questions Monday's Reading: Psalm 24 Starting in verse three, create a list of characteristics of a woman who seeks God in her generation. Tuesday's Reading: 2 Samuel 6:12-23 This passage recounts the occasion when David wrote Psalm 24 to celebrate. What stood out to you about how David celebrated? How did his wife, Michal, respond to his enthusiasm? What was the outcome of her attitude? Wednesday's Reading: Psalm 101 Continue adding to your list of characteristics of a woman who seeks God, as found in this Psalm. Thursday's Reading: Psalm 145 Keep expanding your list with characteristics of a woman who seeks God from this Psalm. Review your list from Psalms 24, 101, and 145. What practical steps can you take to embody these characteristics within your family? Friday's Reading: Joshua 24:1-31 In this passage, Joshua offers evidence of God's faithfulness before urging the Israelites to remain faithful. What proof can you provide to your family members to affirm that following God is the best choice? Weekend Reading: Psalm 100 Reflecting on God's goodness and faithfulness in your life and family, pray through this psalm as a declaration of praise and a commitment to trust in God’s continued work within your family.

Devotional readings on Psalm 26 about focusing on God's purpose for us. Meditation Skip to the Bible readings and reflection questions Last week I finally got my fingers in the dirt. I only had time to prepare a few pots on my back deck, but now they are ready to receive some new seasonal herbs and bring our little slice of the outdoors back to life again. If you are a plant lover, you understand the attraction of gardening in the spring! You look forward to reviving your flower or vegetable beds, and you can't wait to pick out some new vaieties to try in this year's garden. If you have the space around your home, you probably invest quite a bit of time into making your own yard beautiful. One thing we don't usually do, however, is spend much time working in our neighbor's yard. Hopefully, they are pretty good at keeping their own place looking nice, and even if they aren't, our interference is not likely to win friends or create any lasting change! The same holds true for midlife. We might have some influence over the lives of others in this season of life, but the only planting, cultivating, and weeding we can do is in our own lives. This week's psalm gives us some clear direction about the kind of growth we should start cultivating in our middle-aged souls. The key passage this week is Psalm 26, and while reading it I was struck by David's use of the phrase "my integrity." In the very first verse, David introduced the concept of ownership over his own integrity: Vindicate me, LORD, for I have walked in my integrity , And I have trusted in the LORD without wavering. Psalm 26:1, NASB David also finished this psalm with another declaration about his integrity: But as for me, I will walk in my integrity ; Redeem me, and be gracious to me. Psalm 26:11, NASB In the middle of Psalm 26, David gave a list of the life principles he was committed to following: He declares that he has believed and lived out God's truth, he doesn't hang out with liars or evil people, and he has carefully maintained his innocence. I find two things very interesting about David's use of "my integrity" as well as his list of life principles. First, we know that David didn't always live up to God's standards, so he must have been intentional about confessing his sin to God and making things right with the people he wronged. That's a great example for us! Secondly, I find it interesting that he didn't include anyone else in his declarations of integrity. For David, integrity meant his own standing before God, a standing that wasn't affected by what the people around him did or didn't do. He acknowledged that other people didn't live up to God's standards, but David's focus was simply on his own relationship with God. He knew where he stood with God and declared, My foot stands on a level place; In the congregations I shall bless the Lord. Psalm 26:12, NASB Reading this with the eyes of a midlife mom, I initially felt put off by David's recitation of his own principles for living. Here's what got to me: For years I have been responsible for teaching my kids to be kind and considerate to others, to make good choices, and to follow God. I found it hard to drop that mindset when reading this psalm. I couldn't help but think that David should have used "we" instead of "I" to signify that his family was following God! But then I wondered, what if, in God's eyes, I am no longer responsible for their decisions and only responsible for myself? That's a profound mindshift for a midlife mom, and it has been a sticky transition point for me. As midlife moms, we can spend an awful lot of time engrossed in our adult kids' decision-making processes, and we can spend even more time trying to mitigate the bad decisions they make. But regardless of how well our adult children are doing in life, I am learning that over-focusing on grown kids can distract me from what my focus should be at this point in life: my own integrity. The word integrity in Psalm 26 doesn't mean my own level of honesty or truthfulness. It means completeness, fullness, innocence, and simplicity of character. In other words, my integrity is based on whether I am cultivating God's purpose for my life and my own virtues, on whether I am weeding out the parts of me that don't align with God's character while planting and fertilizing the qualities that He wants me to have. If I am sidetracked by my kids, my friends, or my circumstances from what God intends for me in this midlife journey, then I am not walking in my own integrity. Instead, I am allowing weeds to spring up in my own garden while focusing on the weeds in someone else's yard! I know that the decisions our adult children make in life can give us both reason to celebrate and to mourn. Keeping myself focused on my own spiritual growth doesn't mean that I don't care, that I don't love, or that I don't pray. But it does mean that my priority is God's calling and purpose for me in this season, and there is freedom in knowing that. This week we are going to explore what it means to work on our own integrity as midlife women. Below, you will find six Bible passages to explore and some reflection questions to guide your study as you think about what God's purpose for you in midlife might be and how you can start to grow into it. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below! Readings and Reflection Questions Monday's reading : Psalm 26 Make a list of the declarations that David makes about himself. Then, make a list of the requests David has for God. How do those lists reflect your midlife experience? Reread Psalm 26:12 and pray for God to put you on a level, stable place in your life. Tuesday's reading : I Kings 9:1-9 In this passage, God describes David's integrity to his son, Solomon. What promise did God make to Solomon if he followed in his father's footsteps? What would happen if Solomon failed? What does this tell us about the importance of taking responsibility for ourselves and our walk with God? Wednesday's reading: Psalm 119 Read Psalm 119:1-8. What actions does the psalmist encourage us to take in developing our walk of faith with God? What are the results of pursuing a life of integrity according to God's Word? Thursday's reading: Psalm 119 Psalm 119:9-16. Like David in Psalm 26, in this passage the psalmist makes declarations about his faithfulness to God. What declarations does he make? What declarations can you make about your own life and walk of faith? What practices might you add based on your reading this week? Friday's reading: Galatians 6:1-10 This passage describes the delicate balance between taking responsibility for our relationship with God and using our influence to encourage fellow belivers in their walk. As you read, list out what we should do to help others and what we are responsible for in our own lives. Put these lists in columns so you can compare them. What conclusions do you draw from comparing these two lists? Weekend reading: Jude 1:20-25 This passage also describes our responsiblity for ourselves and our duties to others. What are our responsibilities to ourselves as described in this passage? What promise does God make about Jesus' power in our lives in verse 24? How does this passage give you hope for the future even if you fail sometimes?

Devotional readings focused on Psalm 25, 31, and 34. Meditation Skip to the Bible readings and reflection questions Midlife sometimes feels like a journey through indignities. While growing older is better than the alternative, it's not always comfortable. Whether it's because of wrinkles, menopause weight gain, or just the feeling that one is invisible to the rest of society at this age, everyday life can take on a vague shadow of embarrassment for reasons not entirely in our control. But what if the feeling goes beyond petty concerns over our appearance, and what if a sense of real shame takes hold? What if life doesn't turn out as we expect? Or we fail to accomplish our dreams? And what if--even more difficult--a family member is struggling or has made destructive decisions? It is almost impossible for us as moms or daughters, nieces, aunts, or cousins not to blame ourselves for all that has gone wrong, even for things over which we have had no control. One of the frequent results of significant disappointment is a heavy burden of grief, self doubt and shame. We are not alone. King David feared the shame that accompanied failure and searing disappointment, especially when he thought his situation might be the subject of public discussion. In fact, Psalm 25 directly adresses his struggle in dealing with shame. The first verses set the theme: To You, O LORD, I lift up my soul. O my God, in You I trust, Do not let me be ashamed; Do not let my enemies exult over me. Psalm 25:1-2 (NAS) The antidote to shame David was no stranger to public shame. He brought it on himself over his affair with Bathsheba. But he also experienced the stress of shame at the hands of others. His own son Absolom publicly usurped his throne, causing David to flee his own palace for the wilderness. Yet God was not ashamed to call David a man after His own heart. How gracious of God to remember David for his faithfulness and not his failures and losses! God wants to do the same for us. Like David, we do not have to live our midlife years with a legacy of undeserved shame. In fact, God wants to be our shelter and our confidence no matter our circumstances. The first five verses of Psalm 25 encourage us to address the shame we sometimes feel in four ways: Be honest with God. Consider David's opening words: "To You, O Lord, I lift up my soul" (Psalm 25:1, NASB). Is there anything more honest than holding up our hurt and humiliated souls to the Lord for his examination and healing touch? Honesty with God (and ourselves) about what we are experiencing is the starting point for recovery. Reaffirm your trust in God. Verse two contains David's declaration of trust in God's power to address the shame he feels. These are not just words of hopefulness. David is stating positively that his total confidence is in God and nothing else. How often we say we trust, but we still attempt to solve the problem ourselves! The kind of trust David is declaring is the kind that gives the problem to God and leaves it there. Wait for God to act.   Verse three promises that no one who waits for God will be dishonored. The idea of the word translated "wait" is a sense of abiding in relationship while remaining faithful in hope. For me, this waiting requires daily, sometimes hourly, prayer where I release my shame to God and transfer it to His capable hands. Remain teachable. Sometimes it's hard to want to keep studying the Bible when we are living through a challenging time, but David reminds us in verses four and five that we need to keep learning. Sometimes the challenging times lead to exponential growth if we keep pursuing a deeper knowledge of God. Whether through personal study or with friends in a group Bible study, as we stay in the Word we will stay encouraged. That's just a quick tour through the first five verses of Psalm 25. The rest of the psalm and the other two psalms in this week's readings offer even more encouragement to us. If you are wrestling with shame in your midlife journey, or if you are just struggling spiritually right now, I encourage you to dive into the readings and reflection questions this week as we seek to trust God for His protection and encouragement. Readings and Reflection Questions Monday's reading : Psalm 25 Read Psalm 25: 1-7 and 11. What requests does David make of God in verses 6, 7, and 11? What bearing might these requests have on David's struggle with shame? How do you think God wants you to deal with any guilt in the past? Tuesday's reading : Psalm 25 Read Psalm 25:8-22. What do you learn about God in verses 8-10? What do you learn about the righteous person in verses 12-14? What does David request from God in verses 16-22? How do those requests align with your heart's desires? Wednesday's reading: Psalm 31 Read Psalm 31:1-8. David declares that God is his refuge. What specific things does David declare God has done for him or is to him? Make a list. How might these acts of God encourage you in your own life? Thursday's reading:   Psalm 31 Psalm 31:9-14. In these verses David pours out His grief to God. Read it thoughtfully and compare David's thoughts to your own. What laments do you have about your own lived experiences? Consider verse 14. How does David's declaration of trust in God answer his own verses of lament? Friday's reading: Psalm 31 Read Psalm 31:15-18. What is David requesting God to do about his situation? Construct a prayer asking God to work in your own life. Finish reading Psalm 31. David finishes this psalm with praise. Spend a few minutes praying these verses to God and praising Him for his goodness and faithfulness. Weekend reading: Psalm 34 Instead of giving in to shame, David boasts in the Lord in this psalm. Read the psalm and put together a list of things that God has done or has promised that you can boast about when shame or doubt threaten to discourage you.