Beautiful Psalms – Psalm 121

May 19, 2021 by Ali Shaw Leave a Comment

For the remainder of this month, we will be doing a short series on Beautiful Psalms. We’ll share some of our favorites with you and how God has used them to teach or encourage us over the years. In today’s post, we remember that Psalm 121 reminds us of God’s love and watchful care. We pray you’ll be blessed by this series.

Growing up, one of my favorite movies was The Sound of Music. From the time I was a very little girl, I was intrigued by the storyline and loved the fun, lively songs. While the reason for Maria’s dilemma about whether to stay with the Von Trapp family or head back to the abbey where she’d been raised was over my head, I found myself drawn in when she (in desperation) discussed her worries with the calm and wise Mother Abbess.

There was something about the abbess’s quiet and firm personal faith that gave me hope for Maria and hope for a good resolution to the story. I didn’t realize until my early teen years that Mother Abbess was alluding to Psalm 121 when she reminded Maria to lift up her eyes to the hills… to where her help comes from. (And of course, a fitting song followed!)

Something about those words gave me great hope and, as years passed, I grew to love them even more. They give so much encouragement! The word of the Lord is powerful, even when quoted indirectly as a line in a movie.

About 15 years ago, my daughters and I set out to memorize all of Psalm 121. Planting the words firmly in my heart and mind have served me well. When I’ve struggled physically, emotionally, or spiritually, they have soothed me and reminded me that God is my protector and strength.

(A few years ago, right here on DoNotDepart, we had a memory challenge based on this Psalm. Did you memorize Psalm 121 with us?)

Overview of Psalm 121

Psalm 121 is a “Song of Ascents.” Worshipers coming to the Temple would sing this psalm together as they climbed the hills to reach Jerusalem. This psalm’s origination is interesting because, like Lisa stated here, “We don’t know who wrote this Psalm, when, or on what occasion. But we can understand why: To build confidence in the Lord’s care.”

Psalm 121:1-2

1 I lift up my eyes to the hills.

From where does my help come?

2 My help comes from the LORD,

who made heaven and earth. (Psalm 121:1-2)

In these first two verses, the psalmist encourages others to remember that help comes from the Lord. The original reciters of this psalm looked up on their journey, toward the hills of Jerusalem, and remembered God’s presence in the Temple. Similarly, we can look to God’s beautiful creation and remember our Helper is a powerful Creator! Since He created heaven and earth, He can easily take care of me.

Psalm 121:3-4

3 He will not let your foot be moved;

he who keeps you will not slumber.

4 Behold, he who keeps Israel

will neither slumber nor sleep. (Psalm 121:3-4)

Not only does God take care of us, but He is always on duty. I love the reminder that He never “slumbers nor sleeps.” Though I don’t always see Him working, and perhaps I don’t always feel His presence, He is protecting me. (Yes, I have been through both of those situations.) These two verses have given me great comfort in times of grief, worry, and fear.

Instead of relying on feelings or even by my interpretation of my experiences, I can trust in this truth: God will not let me be moved. He keeps me from “slipping and falling” spiritually. (Of course, this doesn’t rule out my need to be obedient. It means that He is ever faithful to watch over me!)

Psalm 121:5-6

5The LORD is your keeper;

the LORD is your shade on your right hand.

6The sun shall not strike you by day,

nor the moon by night. (Psalm 121:5-6)

The original pilgrims heading toward Jerusalem would have encountered the heat and sun of the Middle East, yet God Himself is their shade. As a Central Texas girl, the analogy of dangerous heat and sun is something I can understand. A hot, sunny day can go from beautiful to dangerous in a matter of minutes, in certain situations.

What a beautiful reminder that when our Christian walk gets tough (as inevitably happens) God provides us with rest in His shade. That promise in verse 5 reminds me of the safe, green pastures of Psalm 23:2 and the shadow of the Almighty in Psalm 91:1. God gives us rest and keeps us safe from hurt. Instead of being struck down by the heat of the sun’s powerful rays, we are promised a reprieve. And no matter how scary the night may seem (literally or metaphorically), God will protect us then, too!

Psalm 121:7-8

7The LORD will keep you from all evil;

he will keep your life.

8The LORD will keep

your going out and your coming in

from this time forth and forevermore. (Psalm 121:7-8)

These verses give so much hope! Not only does the Lord watch and protect us now as we travel our pilgrim roads (life), He will keep us safe in the future– for our entire lives.

“When we go out in youth to begin life, and come in at the end to die, we shall experience the same keeping. Our exits and our entrances are under one protection.” (Charles H. Spurgeon)

The original audience likely would have understood the “going out” and “coming in” to refer to their entrance into and exit out of Jerusalem, but they are also symbolic of all the goings on in a person’s whole life, and even of life itself.

Yes, every time we come and go (in other words, every time we do anything) we can be confident that God is with us. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit is a Believer’s seal, reminding us of this truth. Like little children learn in Sunday School, we can know God is always with us because Jesus lives in our hearts!

Look to the Hills, or to the…

Many of us will likely never go to Jerusalem. But we don’t have to be on a pilgrimage, looking to those hilltops in order to praise along with the psalmist.

No, we can praise God as we lift up our eyes to other hills or to the brilliant stars, mackerel clouds, budding flowers, trilling songbirds, and… you get the picture! His creation reminds us that He is powerful. He will take care of us, protect us, and always be with us!

Has this Psalm ever encouraged you? Or has looking toward God’s creation reminded you about His faithful protection? Please share with us in the comments or in our Facebook community.

Be blessed in all your goings out and your comings in!

We can look to God’s beautiful creation and remember our Helper is a powerful! He is an ever-faithful protector. #BeautifulPsalms #Psalm121

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In Him,

Ali

Our Refuge and Redeemer (Psalm 34:19-22)

November 29, 2018 by Patti Brown Leave a Comment

As we come to the final verses of Psalm 34, our eyes turn toward eternity…

Many are the afflictions of the righteous,

    but the Lord delivers him out of them all.

He keeps all his bones;

    not one of them is broken.

Affliction will slay the wicked,

    and those who hate the righteous will be condemned.

The Lord redeems the life of his servants;

  none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned.

Psalm 34:19-22

Our Refuge and Redeemer: a study on Psalm 34:19-22

God Delivers Us From Affliction

Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
But the Lord delivers him out of them all. (Psalm 34:19)

Friends, if someone tells you that your challenges are a punishment, and that if you were more holy you would not suffer, remember this passage. The righteous do indeed have afflictions. Saying that life’s challenges are a result of not enough prayer or godliness is bad theology.

We can take heart, because verse 19 also reminds us that God delivers the righteous from ALL his afflictions. We know that deliverance from some of our troubles may not be seen this side of heaven, but we can be confident that God will fully deliver us from all suffering in eternity!

God Preserves Us

He keeps all his bones,
Not one of them is broken.
(Psalm 34:20)

Scholars differ on the intent of this verse. Most agree that the literal and literary implications are that in context it refers to all righteous men, not THE righteous man, Jesus Christ. Writing on this verse, Augustine said, “Bones are the firm supports of the faithful. For as in flesh our bones give firmness, so in the heart of a Christian it is faith that gives firmness. The patience then which is in faith, is as the bones of the inner man: this is that which cannot be broken.”

In Christ, no matter how broken we may feel, God preserves us, and makes us whole. Our faith helps us to patiently endure the trials of life.

John, in chapter 19 of his gospel, does detail the fact that Jesus’ bones were not broken after He was crucified. It is noteworthy that the bones of the sacrificial lamb at Passover were commanded to not be broken (Exodus 12:36, Numbers 9:12), a fact that would not have been unnoticed by Jewish Believers.

Unforgiven Sin Exacts the Ultimate Price

Evil shall slay the wicked,
And those who hate the righteous will be condemned.
(Psalm 34:21)

In the end, the wicked will be ruined by the evil they do. Sin exacts an eternal price!

“…and be sure your sin will find you out.” (Numbers 32:23b)

Make no mistake: there is always hope for redemption, even for those who have done great evil. All have the freedom to choose redemption through Jesus Christ! But those who persist for all their earthly days to sin against God and persecute His people will ultimately pay in eternity.

God is Our Refuge and Our Redeemer

The Lord redeems the soul of His servants,
And none of those who take refuge in Him will be condemned.
(Psalm 34:22)

You and I are sinners too, but as willing servants of the most high God, we have been redeemed by Jesus’ blood! Jesus is our refuge – we tuck ourselves into His arms (we abide!) and are safe.

If you were to stand trial today before a heavenly jury for your wrongdoings, you would be convicted: GUILTY! But in a trial, after a verdict is found, a sentence must be handed down by the judge. And dearest child of God, even though you are guilty of sin, you are NOT condemned, because Jesus is your refuge!

Bless the Lord at All Times

Last week, after 101 years of faithfulness, a precious son of God we know slipped away to Jesus for eternity. He experienced many afflictions in his life, and certainly in his later years, as his body deteriorated, many of them were physical. Yet this dear brother has now been completely delivered from every affliction, physical and otherwise. In his earthly life he praised God continually. Now, face to face, he praises Him for eternity.

Friend, trouble is certain in this earthly life, but God protects us, and redeems all our suffering. Indeed we can say, from the moment words first form in our mouths, to the evening of our lives when like the setting sun we fade, “I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.” (Psalm 34:1)

FOR STUDY AND REFLECTION

Make a list of all the things Psalm 34:19-22 says God will do. What do these actions show about His character?
Share with someone about a time God delivered you from an affliction.
What do you think of Augustine’s analogy of faith being like the soul’s bones?
Numbers 32:23b says “…and be sure your sin will find you out.” What do you think this means? Have you observed this?
What does it mean to you to “take refuge” in God”? You may find doing a word study gives you insight.

Trouble is certain in this earthly life, but God is our refuge. #Psalm34TasteAndSee

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Why Decrees Can Be Sweet (Psalm 19:9-11)

July 25, 2015 by Caroline 1 Comment

Earlier this week, Lindsey shared how God’s law refreshes us, gives us wisdom, gives joy, and shines the path.

Whenever I consider the God-creation relationship, I usually think of a parent-child relationship. Though an earthly parent-child relationship obviously cannot fully represent the God-creation one, it’s a close relative I can wrap my brain around to attempt to understand and grow from.

Why Decrees Can Be Sweet (Psalm 19:9-11) - DoNotDepart.com — Original Photo Credit

Reverent Following

Why do we give our children rules? To protect. To guide. To scaffold learning. Because we love.

Though we definitely fail and are never perfect examples, typically our rules are not because we want to harm our children or degrade our children. They come from pure hearts, even though broken ones.

But God’s rules? Totally pure. And perfect.

So when Psalm 19:9 says:

“The fear of the Lord is pure,
enduring forever.

The decrees of the Lord are firm,
and all of them are righteous.

We know that God’s heart is pure, His decrees strong and righteous.

And pure “fear” (reverence) of Him? Enduring and life-giving.

We want our own children to obey our rules to stay safe and learn, but also learn to freely choose wisely. God gives us that same choice. He allows us to choose, and reverence of Him helps us choose wisely.

Psalm 19:10 continues to explain the beauty of God’s rules and decrees:

They are more precious than gold,
than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey,
than honey from the honeycomb.

Like parents, God knows His rules are sweet and valuable to a child’s growth and safety.

And like children, we fail to see that sometimes.

But, thankfully, God gives us the availability of a constant reminder through His word, like Psalm 19:11:

By them your servant is warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.”

Looking Back

David wrote Psalm 19 in hindsight. He likely experienced how reverently following God’s decrees brought good and regularly received warnings (reminders) of keeping His decrees.

But, that “sweeter than honey” part? Imagine that.

Harmful, degrading, restricting rules taste bitter.

But God’s life-giving, coming-from-love rules are sweet, sweeter… the sweetest.

As Lindsey also mentioned:

“Rules without love leads to legalism, but rules with love lead to life.”

God is love (1 John 4:16), and He gives reminders of sweet life through His decrees and His word.

How do rules and grace work together in your life? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Bible Study for this Week:

Find three “decrees” in other places of the Bible and write those down.
Reflect on how you can follow these decrees reverently and with love. What could that look like for you and your family today?
How do you avoid legalism in your life? I struggle with this as I personally lean towards legalism at times, particularly against myself, and have to remind myself constantly of grace. (Which is probably why grace is so beautiful and heart-changing to me.) Share your ideas on keeping our minds on grace in the comments.
Write (or sing or dance or draw) out praise to God for His sweeter-than-honey decrees today.

Can rules be grace-filled and placed by love? Psalm 19:9-11 has something to say about that:

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Why Decrees Can Be Sweet #BeautifulWordPerfectWord:

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Mountains of Faith and Love

June 18, 2015 by Caroline 3 Comments

Sometimes, in the busy-ness

of life,

of lists,

of limitations,

I forget to pause and take a deep breath.

So it helps if I step outside,

stop,

breathe.

Particularly if that outside is in the mountains.

Sometimes I’ve tried to figure out why the mountains move me so greatly.

But I don’t think I really need to know.

I think it’s just one way God wired me to see, feel, remember, praise.

When I linger outside in the mountains God created,

I don’t feel like its bigness is intimidating,

the way a man-made skyscraper might be.

Instead, I feel a peace. Perhaps a reminder of presence.

“Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens,
    your faithfulness to the skies.
Your righteousness is like the highest mountains,
    your justice like the great deep.
    You, Lord, preserve both people and animals.
How priceless is your unfailing love, O God!
    People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.” – Psalm 36:5-7 (NIV)

“Lord, you have been our dwelling place
    throughout all generations.
Before the mountains were born
    or you brought forth the whole world,
    from everlasting to everlasting you are God.” – Psalm 90:1-2 (NIV)

When I explore the forested hills, rocky terrain, and wind-swept fields God created,

I see how our God is a creative God,

tempering various kinds of beauty out of one land.

“For the Lord is the great God,
    the great King above all gods.
In his hand are the depths of the earth,
    and the mountain peaks belong to him.
The sea is his, for he made it,
    and his hands formed the dry land.” – Psalm 95:3-5

When I come to a mountain stream God created,

I’m reminded of how perseverance carves the best path,

slowly, surely,

with rocks and bumps along the way,

but also smooth sections and even glorious waterfalls, too.

“And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” – Hebrews 12:1b-2a (NIV)

But, in all this marvelous creation,

all these reminders of presence, creativity, perseverance, faith,

the mountains most remind me of love.

I love them, and the God who created them loves me.

And I can stand by that even when I trip, doubt, fail,

because of faith

and because of grace.

“If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.” – 1 Corinthians 13:2 (NIV)

Want further Bible study and application?

1. Read Psalm 65 for a beautiful look at God’s creation and provision. How can you look at your surroundings today and see evidence of this?

2. Use your surroundings to create something that reminds you of faith, perseverance, and love. Create with whatever medium you choose – paint, words, photographs, crafts, pieces of nature, etc. Create inspired from God’s creation.

3. Praise God for all of this and more with Psalm 98.

What aspect of God’s creation reminds you of faith and love?

Today for our #MarvelousCreator post, we’re looking at how mountains remind us of faith and love:

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Planning a trip to the mountains with your family? Read this post and reflect together:

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On This Day {Psalm 118:22-25}

November 20, 2014 by Caroline Leave a Comment

This month we’ve been learning about gratitude together. Its presence, its power, and its effect.

King David wrote Psalm 118, so some of these lines are written with his perspective on events in his life. But, as many theologians have agreed before us, the key reference here is Christ. Lindsey wrote on Tuesday about how Psalm 118:19-21 prophesized about Christ opening the relationship between Savior and believer. Psalm 118:22-25 expands on that thought:

“The stone that the builders rejected
    has become the cornerstone.
This is the Lord’s doing;
    it is marvelous in our eyes.
This is the day that the Lord has made;
    let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Save us, we pray, O Lord!
    O Lord, we pray, give us success!”

– Psalm 118:22-25

That Savior was not just ignored or unwanted – He was rejected. But, now He’s the cornerstone, the aligning, adjoining piece in the foundation of our faith. (Psalm 118:22)

Psalm 118:23 says this is “marvelous in our eyes.” Why is it marvelous? Because He is here for lasting love. And because this is “the Lord’s doing.” God did this. And because God did this, we can rejoice (Psalm 118:24).

In fact, because God made this day (this salvation day, the Sabbath day, and every other day), we can rejoice any day.

Psalm 118:25 takes an interesting turn. Suddenly the psalmist is praying for salvation and guidance.

Realizing that He is our Savior, that this is God’s plan, and that we can rejoice spurs prayer.

This knowledge (with open eyes) leads to gratitude (and open hearts) and prayer (and open to be filled).

Gratitude spurs action, particularly prayer and praise and love. All of those actions affect us and everyone else we encounter.

On this day (and everyday), we can see His work.

On this day (and everyday), we can rejoice.

On this day (and everyday), we can pray.

On this day (and everyday), we can praise.

On this day (and everyday), we can love.

What can you do to share love on this day?

Because God made this day (and every other day), we can rejoice *any* day. #GiveThanks

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Knowledge leads to gratitude. Gratitude spurs action, including prayer and praise. #GiveThanks

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Why are you still here? (Psalm 118:15-18)

November 13, 2014 by Lisa Burgess 33 Comments

I should be at a birthday party today. Happy 21st!

Instead, I’ll be at the cemetery.

If my daughter Kali had lived past her first day, 21 years ago today, and the day after that, and the day after that, I’d have been more eager to live those days, too.

But instead, when she died on Day 1, November 13, after being born several weeks premature and in poor health, a part of me wanted to die as well.

Don’t we all die a thousand little deaths in the course of a lifetime? Don’t we all collect bruises on our soul?

The author of Psalm 118 certainly had his own little deaths. He knew about prisons and enemies and destruction. He (and the Hebrew people collectively) had been pushed hard.

But at this point he had not been handed all the way over to death (Psalm 118:18).

Others had. Why not him? Why not me? Why not you? Why not yet?

It took me awhile to understand why I was still living without my baby to care for. Resurrection is sometimes instantaneous, but sometimes one slow Spirit-breath at a time.

For me, it was one small (but big) thing at a time—a meal brought to our house as I recovered from the C-section, a sympathy card delivered in the mailbox, a flower left on Kali’s grave. And one person at a time—with a gentle hug, a conversation including Kali by name, a knowing look.

Each thing reminded me I had reason to still be here. I had a husband who loved me (and was grieving too), a 4-yr-old daughter who needed her mommy, and a God determined for me to know joy again.

It is for the living we stay. For the loving. For the Lord.

If you are here reading this—as I am still here writing it—the Lord still has purpose for you here, too.

Even if you’ve come to the very rim of death, or are in crisis of a little death even today, know He’s kept you from falling over the edge for now, for a reason.

You still have . . .

living to do
love to give
praise to proclaim

God can empower a thousand little resurrections over your thousand little deaths.

So even though I am sad today (for me) that Kali is not here in the flesh, I can proclaim with confidence along with the psalmist in Psalm 118: “The Lord is powerful!” (Psalm 118:15 CEV) I have lived to tell what the Lord has done. And ultimately it is always good.

You can do the same.

Because the Lord is powerful, you are loved by Him today.
Because the Lord is powerful, you can love someone else today.
Because the Lord is powerful, you can say so!

In honor of Kali’s resurrection on the other side, I’ve memorized Psalm 118:15-18 this week and hope to recite it with triumph over her grave later today.

May you find your own special ways this week to sing songs of triumph about the Lord’s purpose in your life. “The Lord’s right hand has done mighty things!” (Psalm 118:16). That’s your shout. That’s your victory.

15 From the tents of God’s people come shouts of victory: “The LORD is powerful!
16 With his mighty arm the LORD wins victories! The LORD is powerful!”
17 And so my life is safe, and I will live to tell what the LORD has done.
18 He punished me terribly, but he did not let death lay its hands on me.
Psalm 118 (CEV)

Question:
Who could use your love today? How can you applaud God? We’d love to hear in the comments.

“Why are you still here? To be loved, to love, to praise. http://wp.me/p1Su7F-39A #Psalm118 @DoNotDepart”
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“You have lived to tell what the Lord has done. How will you? http://wp.me/p1Su7F-39A #Psalm118 @DoNotDepart”
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Praise and Thanksgiving

November 14, 2013 by Caroline Leave a Comment

“I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving.” – Psalm 69:30 (NIV)

We pray today that all our hearts may be lifted up to Him in song of praise, of thanksgiving, of glory to Him.

How can you praise Him today? What’s your favorite song to sing when praising?

Stay tuned next week for more guest posts to finish out the month!

A Recap on Wisdom for Life

September 30, 2013 by Julie Leave a Comment

We’ve been in pursuit of Wisdom for Life here this month. Our prayer is that we’ve given you some Bible study tools to know how to get the wisdom and insight you need for life as a woman, an employee, a mom, a friend, a wife, a sister, a child, a friend, a neighbor.

How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver. (Proverbs 16:16)

A Recap on Wisdom for Life

3 Tips to Understanding Proverbs
Wisdom for today … still calling
What the world needs now … wisdom
Using Inductive Bible Study with Kids
Where you find wisdom
Oh, Job (Learning to abide with God when you don’t understand)
Applying Wisdom with Love (Rather than legalistic law)
Wisdom from Proverbs (free printable)
Ecclesiastes: Wisdom to Understand What Matters Most

Let us know if you were helped this Wisdom for Life month. Share in the comments if this helped you to “wise up.”

Where you find wisdom

September 12, 2013 by Lisa Burgess 9 Comments

And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption.
1 Corinthians 1:30

I’m afraid of being stupid. I realized it a few years ago.

None of us wants to be dumb. We all need wisdom.

To make godly decisions
To raise children who know the Lord
To love others in helpful ways
To glorify God in word and deed

Who’s the wisest man who ever lived? Solomon? He asked God for wisdom when he could have asked for anything (1 Kings 3:9). He subsequently authored much of the wisdom literature in the Bible.

Yet someone wiser than Solomon is here: Jesus (Matthew 12:42). In the Bible we typically seek His wisdom in the gospels where we see Him teaching about wisdom and living wisely (Matthew 13:54).

But Jesus can also be found in the wisdom literature of the Old Testament (2 Timothy 3:15).

THE WISDOM OF HUMILITY (JOB)

When Job suffered greatly as an apparently innocent man, his friends tried to find a reason. He obviously hadn’t been wise about keeping a rule or two; why else would he have lost so much? Eventually Job himself demanded answers from God (Job 3:11 ff).

But here we see foreshadowing of another Man who suffered—despite total innocence. Not only did He not question God about it, He wisely chose to obey at painful costs to Himself.

His wisdom teaches us to let go of demanding the answers. Instead, we’re to throw ourselves on His mercy in humility. Even when we don’t understand. Maybe especially when we don’t understand.

THE WISDOM OF WORSHIP (PSALMS)

The authors of these songs put word to emotions, not only for themselves, but also for us. Jesus Himself often quoted the Psalms (Psalm 31:5, for example).

In these laments, confessions, and praises, we learn to choose the wisdom of worship, verbalizing our adoration of and to Wisdom Himself—the Rock we rest on, the Refuge we hide in, the Shepherd we walk behind.

THE WISDOM OF THE WAY (PROVERBS)

We learn in this series of sayings that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. Solomon urged over and over to choose the way of wisdom over the way of foolishness.

But what we know that he didn’t is that Jesus is the Way, the truth, and the life. He is wisdom personified (Proverbs 8:17), and to be truly wise, we’ll seek Him, empowered by His Spirit in us to choose the right over wrong that Solomon was preaching about.

THE WISDOM OF HOPE (ECCLESIASTES)

This book contains questions that can haunt us still: What is life’s true meaning? What is my purpose? Is all really hopeless?

While the world’s wisdom leaves us empty of lasting answers (Ecclesiastes 1:16-18), eternal wisdom from hoping in Jesus fills us up. In Him we live and love with meaning. Instead of chasing after knowledge, we chase after Him. Only then do we find purpose renewed and hope restored.

THE WISDOM OF CONNECTION (SONG OF SOLOMON)

Whether you see this collection of poems as an analogy or as pure story, this message comes across: the intimacy of love is to be desired (Song of Solomon 1:4).

While the original audience knew about God, they lacked full knowledge about Jesus. But from our vantage point in history, we see God’s wisdom in creating a beloved bride for the perfect Bridegroom. We are wise to recognize and delight in the love of the One who makes us His spotless bride.

Study deeper in these Old Testament books to find more.

And as you do, remember: True wisdom isn’t one more piece of knowledge we learn; it’s a Person we can know.

Jesus is our wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:30), and trusting Him is the wisest thing we can ever do.

Which of the five Wisdom Books is your favorite? Why? Do you see Jesus in it?

Please share your thoughts below.

For more on Jesus in the wisdom literature, see Nancy Guthrie’s [amazon_link id=”1433526328″ target=”_blank” ]The Wisdom of God: Seeing Jesus in the Psalms & Wisdom Books[/amazon_link]

Wisdom for today … still calling

September 5, 2013 by Julie 6 Comments

The Bible isn’t the only book of wisdom. Around the globe, men have reached for other books claiming to be the source of wisdom, also known as “skill in godly living.” When biblical wisdom literature was recorded, scribes of parallel cultures and kingdoms also penned their words and stories. But when we talk about biblical truth, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work,” (2 Timothy 3:16). God’s book self identifies its content as inspired by the one true God, and that makes its wisdom unique and essential.

When we refer to biblical Wisdom Literature we include five books: Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon. The righteous, the wicked, and the true God play the main parts in these books, revealing the limits of mankind’s wisdom and the necessity of fearing of God to prosper and find peace. In the times their words were written, voices opposing God’s ways called out from ancient streets peppered with a plethora of gods, but today voices call out from media screens, digital highways, steel framed cities and hand held gadgets. The tug of war for how we live hasn’t changed, but in many ways, the appearance of “righteous” and “wicked” has. Some may assume, then, the Bible doesn’t speak to life today, but Wisdom Literature’s concrete teaching matters as much now as when Job scraped his oozing sores.

Keys to unlock the 5 Wisdom books:

Job – This book addresses the same questions asked today: Can we trust God? Is He good? Where do we find real comfort? The relatable character’s story takes place outside of Israel. Ultimately, we can put our faith in the sovereign God.
Psalms – Not all of these songs written for public worship fit in the “wisdom” category. Divided into 5 books, the Book of Psalms likely began as personal expressions of emotion, adapted for congregations. This book gives shape to our intense feelings about life in pursuit of God. Basic Old Testament themes like the fall of man, the One God, and the covenant relationship come to life here.
Proverbs – This collection of wisdom makes it clear that to be skillful in godly living, we must fear God and walk His way in everyday life. Practical truths show what a restored life with God looks like in our behavior, producing a joyful, useful life. Wisdom is available to all, and we discover it by comparing the wise man, the foolish man, and the simple man.
Ecclesiastes – This is a book for our day; Ecclesiastes explores trusting in God while living in a messed up world. Poetic devices help organize these proverbs into clusters with a plot line about the unfolding of a quest for a good and satisfying life. This could be written in our day.
Song of Solomon – Intimacy stirs up emotion, and this book of love poetry is no exception. With a variety of opinions on its interpretation, some treat it as an allegory of God’s love for Israel and others as a picture of Christ’s love for the church. Authorship is not certain, but we agree that it’s a love story. There’s no doubt this poetic book demonstrates how God’s ways are the pathway to delight.

In the New Testament the Book of James and some of Jesus’ own teaching also qualify as “Biblical Wisdom Literature,” but these five Old Testament books form the collection commonly known as Wisdom Literature.

Today, as in days of old, “fools despise wisdom and instruction” (Prov. 1:7) but wisdom cries aloud in the street, in the market she raises her voice,” (Prov. 1:20). Wisdom asks, “How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple? How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing and fools hate knowledge?” (Prov. 1:22). It’s hard to hear the call of wisdom in today’s world, but our children, families, and world are desperate to understand and apply skill in godly living that leads to a relationship with God and His peace.

“Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance,to understand a proverb and a saying, the words of the wise and their riddles. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.” (Prov. 1:22)

What evidence do you see that people desperately need biblical wisdom?

Click here for the printable Wisdom Bookmark to accompany our study of Wisdom Literature.

What the world needs now: WISDOM

September 3, 2013 by Julie 3 Comments

I dropped off my teenager and went to look for a parking spot. The place was packed. A man sat with his bottle and bag of books on the curb, staring at the pages as if they were empty. I wormed my way inside the store and past a long line of customers who looked like they’d been out all night. A swarm of humanity pushed each other aside to rifle through video games, movies, and gadgetry as if the store would close any minute … but it was mid-afternoon. From the upper level, a child screamed and ran away from an adult yelling obscene words to recapture him, and a man walked past me displaying an equally obscene t-shirt like a billboard on a highway. A couple sat on an old couch, groping one another as they watched the parade of people, but their gender was a mystery to me. Jesus once saw a throng such as that and “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” (Matt. 9:36)

I ducked into the first aisle to search for my son, only to find myself in “Erotic Fantasy,” just on the other side of “Children’s Fiction.” With bookshelves towering over my head across the length of the warehouse, I thought, there must surely be a book containing answers for wise living that the crowds with me so desperately need.

Today’s world thirsts for wisdom that comes from God alone.
Today’s church is malnutritioned when it comes to vital wisdom for living out our faith in an obscene world.

After navigating my way through the world, the Bibles were in the back corner of the store. God’s book of truth holds the key to wisdom we so desperately need, and it was there all the time, waiting to be opened and read and obeyed. We only need to see what’s trending, check the Facebook feed, turn on the news, or open our front door to see our world buckling under the weight of sin and begging for the underpinnings of wisdom to give us strength and structure.

This month at Do Not Depart we’re taking a look at Wisdom Literature. We’ll give you Bible study tools to understand the rich resource of wisdom God has given us. Wisdom is calling out to us, and God’s blessings await those who listen. Come with us as we explore tools for unlocking Wisdom Literature.

Are you feeling the need for wisdom in your life?

I Praise Because He is Worthy (Run to Him – Psalm 148)

April 14, 2012 by Katie Orr 2 Comments

We’ve been in Psalm 148 this week. Everytime I read it, I get this Seeds Family Worship song stuck in my head. (Click here if you can’t see the video.) It’s my daughter’s favorite Seed’s song, and she asks for it almost every time we get in the car. So I’ve listened to it…a lot.

Praise the Lord!

There is no mistaking the main command in Psalm 148! We are to praise the Lord.

I looked at the Hebrew word for praise this week; it is halal. I love the insight looking at the original language gives:

…to shine…to make a show, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave…celebrate, commend…glory, give (light)…(sing, be worthy of) praise…renowned, shine. (Strong’s Concordance via eBible)

How to Praise the Lord

One fun Bible study tool is to insert these synonyms into the verses, to get a fuller meaning of the text. Let’s try it together!

Shine the Lord!
Make a show about the Lord!
Boast about the Lord!
Be clamorously foolish about the Lord!
Rave about the Lord!
Celebrate the Lord!
Commend the Lord!
Give glory to the Lord!

Doesn’t this give a better idea of what it means to praise the Lord?

Let them praise the name of the Lord!

What can you praise God for today? Share it in the comments below!

Oh sing to the Lord a new song;
sing to the Lord, all the earth!
Sing to the Lord, bless his name;
tell of his salvation from day to day.
Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous works among all the peoples!
For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised!
(Psalm 96:1-4 ESV)

(And by the way, the picture above is the perfect dimensions for a free Facebook cover. To download it for free, just right click the picture to download!)

I Obey Because He Instructs Righteousness (Run to Him – Psalm 119)

March 31, 2012 by Katie Orr 2 Comments

Obedience.

It’s hard for my four year old. (It’s also hard for that four-year-old’s momma.)

Though I long to live a life of obedience to His commands, I struggle daily to keep my feet on the narrow path.

Obedience is not simply a choice of the will, as our efforts will only bring us so far. Our beliefs come in to play as well.

When I disobey I am ultimately saying that I know better—just like my four year old. Now, I might never say so with my mouth—that I know better than God—but I say it daily when I choose my own way.

You do too.

Disobedience, even in the smallest of choices, is at its core rebellion against the God of those commands.

When I choose selfishness instead of sacrifice, I sin. When I “vent” my frustrations about a difficult person instead of holding my tongue, I disobey. When my thoughts drift to discontentment and dwell in an attitude of ungratefulness, I rebel.

In each of these situations, I say “Katie knows best.”

Obedience is saying “God knows best.”

Holiness is not a series of do’s and don’ts, but conformity to the character of God and obedience to the will of God. – Jerry Bridges, The Pursuit of Holiness

The Beliefs of the Psalmist

Your testimonies are wonderful; therefore my soul keeps them. (Psalm 119:129)

The psalmist was not some super-Christian, who had more ability to obey than you or me. We have all been given everything we need for godliness (2 Peter 1). We just need to figure out what hinders us. Oftentimes it is because we don’t believe that God and His commands are good. The psalmist saw God’s commands as wonderful, and I fully believe that had all to do with his commitment to obedience.

Here is more of what the psalmist believed:

God’s words gives light and understanding. (Psalm 119:130)
His rules are forever right and faithful. (Psalm 119:138, 144)
God righteousness is everlasting. (Psalm 119:137,142)
His Word is very pure. (Psalm 119:140)
His law is truth and well tried. (Psalm 119:142)

Because of these beliefs, the writer of this Psalm had a resolved commitment to the Word of God, and the God of those words. This commitment flows naturally into obedience.

The Actions of the Psalmist

Here are just a few actions I saw of the psalmist:

He longed for God’s commandments. (Psalm 119:131)
He prayed for God to teach him His statues, and direct his steps by the Word (Psalm 119:133, 135)
He loved the Word. (Psalm 119:140)
He delighted in God’s commands. DELIGHTED. (Psalm 119:35, 143)
He was determined to walk in obedience to God’s Word. (Psalm 119:33,34,57)

The psalmist understood the relationship between God and His commandments. They could not be separated. If He wanted to be near to God, He must walk in His commands. He saw God and His commandments as good, right, and trustworthy. That made all the difference in his obedience.

When we walk with the Lord

in the light of his word,

what a glory he sheds on our way!

While we do his good will,

he abides with us still,

and with all who will trust and obey.

Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at his feet,

or we’ll walk by his side in the way;

what he says we will do,

where he sends we will go;

never fear, only trust and obey.

Trust and obey, for there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

–John H. Sammis

What did you see in the verses you studied this week? Come and share with us what you learned!

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I Bless Him Because He Lavishes Love (Run to Him-Psalm 103)

March 23, 2012 by Julie 3 Comments

A Story of Blessing

The texted words on my phone burst out in blessing: “God is so awesome! Words can’t express the thankfulness I have. I pray that God blessed you as much as you’ve blessed me and my girls!”

I had just left a small one bedroom apartment after dropping off a brand new set of pots and pans, bags of food, a mixer and can opener, new sets of towels, and much, much more. They weren’t from me, but I delivered them from the open hands and hearts of the team of ladies who serve with me at the women’s shelter. One of “our girls” was moving out on her own, preparing for permanent reunion and restoration with her daughters. God allowed us to join Him in the work of piecing a life back together, and the heart of our loved one was full of blessing for the love her Heavenly Father showed her.

A Psalm of Blessing

Psalm 103 begins with the call for each soul in the community of the beloved to remember the benefits of God’s love and to cry out in praise. The audience included those who knew well the journey of the broken, how it feels to rise out of exile and survive at the mercy of a generous, divine hand. A list of the benefits (vv. 3-19) fed the amazement of those whose lives were pieced together with provision from the true God. He forgives, heals, redeems, crowns, satisfies, and cares for oppressed; He who knows and loves the helpless is slow to anger, full of grace and mercy. He lavishes love on those who have nothing to offer Him but praise.

A Love for the Broken

While we are weak and frail like the grass or flower (vv. 14-16), so undependable that we are compared to dust. But the Lord loves with steadfast love that remains committed and true (vv. 17-18). To the once exiled and presently broken, He extends love everlasting, calling us to keep his covenant and remember His ways. When we feel alone, His love can only be compared to the distance of the east to the west, the distance from earth to heaven, and the scope of a father’s love for his childrevv. 11-14). He doesn’t only love us; He lavishes us with awesome love with full awareness of who we are. Yes, God is so awesome!

Every journey includes failures and fresh starts, and we all survive at the mercy of a generous, divine hand. You may not need a toaster or a can opener or gently used coffee table. But how have YOU experienced the benefits of the east to west, earth to heaven, fatherly love of God?

When standing amidst the broken pieces, fear Him, remember His promises, keep His commands, and enjoy His steadfast love. The God who knows and loves us in our weakness must be blessed!

I Dwell, He Strengthens (Run to Him – Psalm 84)

March 16, 2012 by Kathy Howard 12 Comments

Do you ever have a deep, intense craving? I often find myself drooling over the cartons of Blue Bell Ice Cream at my local grocery store. (If you aren’t familiar with Blue Bell, it may be because this creamy, decadent indulgence is only available in 20 states. But it’s worth moving to Texas for!)

No other kind of frozen treat will do. No other brand of ice cream will suffice. It must be Blue Bell and it must be a lot of Blue Bell.

In Psalm 84, the psalmist expresses a yearning that can only be satisfied by the presence of God. Nothing and no one else will satiate the deep longing of his soul. He is so desperate to be with God, he would trade 1,000 days of being anywhere else for just one day of being with the LORD.

In his book “Reflections on the Psalms,” C.S. Lewis calls this an “appetite for God.” Do we have an appetite for God that can only be satisfied in His presence?

According to biblical scholars, this psalm may have been sung by pilgrims on their way to the temple. Any Jews that lived outside Jerusalem made pilgrimages to the temple three times a year – for Passover, Feast of Tabernacles, and Pentecost. The temple symbolized God’s presence. These pilgrimages into the presence of God were considered rare and special. During the journey they anticipated the blessing and joy of once again being close to Yahweh.

You and I don’t have to travel long distances or wait for months to enter His presence. As believers we can enjoy constant communion with our holy God. His presence is a place of safety and security. Like the sparrow who built a nest near the altar, the LORD Almighty welcomes and protects the lowly and weak.

As I studied this psalm, I was impacted by the transforming power of God’s presence. Just this one chapter alone shows us at least three ways His nearness satisfies our longings.

When we are vulnerable, He makes us safe and secure.
When we are weak, He fills us with His strength.
When we have need, He provides in abundance.

I particularly love verse 7:

They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion.

Our lives are a pilgrimage to heaven where we will finally see our Savior face-to-face. Meanwhile, He brings us “from strength to strength,” giving us what we need to take that next step of obedience, whetting our appetites for the full and glorious revelation of His presence.

What does your soul yearn for? Have you tasted the sweet presence of God? Do you long for more?

The Most Powerful List You Can Make :: Run to Him :: Psalm 77

March 9, 2012 by Do Not Depart 8 Comments

We make lists. To do lists. To read lists. To buy lists.

We live in a fast paced society that is all about getting things done. Go. Go. Go. Our culture sees the power in movement. But in all that getting ahead, we miss the power of remembering.

Sometimes? At the end of a day, I make a list of the things I accomplished simply so I can check them off. Yes, I’m one of those people. But there is a certain power and momentum in remembering what we’ve done.

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Apparently, the Psalmist was a list maker too. But he didn’t make a list of all the things he has or hasn’t done. Instead, he made a list of all the things God has done. And wow what a difference it made!

In Psalm 77, the writer was having a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day.

…I would not be comforted… (v. 2)

I was too troubled to speak. (v. 4)

Ever had one of those days? Ever wonder how to change the course of one of those days? Here’s how he did it:

Starting in verse 13, he began to simply list the wonders God has done.

Your ways, God, are holy. What god is as great as our God? You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples. (v. 13)

The change in tone, attitude and hopefulness of the passage is simply remarkable from verse 13 onward.

With your mighty arm you redeemed your people, the descendants of Jacob and Joseph…You led your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron. (vv. 15, 20)

He may not have immediately felt different, but he immediately spoke different and that changed everything.

He took his eyes off of himself and what he could or couldn’t do. Instead put his eyes on God and what He has already done and will do again.

You see, God doesn’t change. He has been faithful to do wonders and He will be faithful to do wonders. Our greatest times of struggle are simply when we forget to remember.

Make a list

Keep a journal of the things God has done in your life. When troubles come your way, fight them with remembrance of the wonders He’s done.

What is one thing He’s done that you can remember today?

What did you learn from your study of the Psalms this week?

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Kat blogs at Inspired To Action, a site dedicated to helping moms develop the habits and skills they need to effectively manage their homes and raise children who are prepared to change the world. Kat and her husband live in the great state of Texas and have 3 children ages 7, 5 and 2.