Daily Digest

1 I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart; before the “gods” I will sing your praise. 2 I will bow down toward your holy temple and will praise your name for your unfailing love and your faithfulness, for you have so exalted your solemn decree that it surpasses your fame. 3 When I called, you answered me; you greatly emboldened me. 4 May all the kings of the earth praise you, Lord, when they hear what you have decreed. 5 May they sing of the ways of the Lord, for the glory of the Lord is great. 6 Though the Lord is exalted, he looks kindly on the lowly; though lofty, he sees them from afar. 7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life. You stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes; with your right hand you save me. 8 The Lord will vindicate me; your love, Lord, endures forever— do not abandon the works of your hands.

I love how in 8 succinct verses, so much can be packed in about the character and nature of God. God who has unfailing love and goodness. God who has all surpassing decrees. God who answers our prayer and so emboldens us. God whose glory is great. God who looks kindly on the lowly. God who keeps the proud far. God who preserves our lives in the midst of trouble. God who stretches his hand out against our foes. God whose right hand saves us. God who vindicates us. God, whose love endures forever.

One thing is clear – the psalmist spends most of his time knowing, remembering and declaring who His God is. Even in writing down a summary of these insights, I feel faith, confidence and strength rise within me.

There is such power in reminding myself of who my God is. It’s so easy to simply remind myself of all my problems, projects and needs. But David (author of the psalm), who surely would have had all of the above in truckloads, spends his time here on who God is. The powerful truth implied here is this – if you know who it is that is with you, you know who you’ve got with you for all the problems, projects and needs of life. And that changes everything. Your perceptions of the problems, the power with you for the projects, and the provision you can access for the needs. The bottom line for me is simply – don’t start with what you need to do or solve, start with who it is who is with you!

Lord, help me live the flip here. From starting my day, the way I pray and the way I think about life in what I need to do or solve…to starting the day with who you are. And then moving into the do and solve with you, strong in me!

Written by Ps. Rob Waugh

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever. 2 Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever. 3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords: His love endures forever. 4 to him who alone does great wonders, His love endures forever. 5 who by his understanding made the heavens, His love endures forever. 6 who spread out the earth upon the waters, His love endures forever. 7 who made the great lights— His love endures forever. 8 the sun to govern the day, His love endures forever. 9 the moon and stars to govern the night; His love endures forever. 10 to him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt His love endures forever. 11 and brought Israel out from among them His love endures forever. 12 with a mighty hand and outstretched arm; His love endures forever. 13 to him who divided the Red Sea[a] asunder His love endures forever. 14 and brought Israel through the midst of it, His love endures forever. 15 but swept Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea; His love endures forever. 16 to him who led his people through the wilderness; His love endures forever. 17 to him who struck down great kings, His love endures forever. 18 and killed mighty kings— His love endures forever. 19 Sihon king of the Amorites His love endures forever. 20 and Og king of Bashan— His love endures forever. 21 and gave their land as an inheritance, His love endures forever. 22 an inheritance to his servant Israel. His love endures forever. 23 He remembered us in our low estate His love endures forever. 24 and freed us from our enemies. His love endures forever. 25 He gives food to every creature. His love endures forever. 26 Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever.

Two choirs sang this psalm.  One choir sang the first line of each verse, and the other choir answered, “For His love endures forever.”  It may seem repetitive, almost boring, but you can never say too much about the love of God!  God reveals His love by giving us a wonderful creation to use and to enjoy (vv. 4–9).  Just think, He had everything ready for our first parents when He made them!  It is too bad that many people are such poor stewards of God’s creation gifts.  We must never take for granted the wonderful world we live in.  He reveals His love in His care for us, helping us fight our battles and defeat our enemies (vv. 10–25).  Israel was not always faithful to God, but that is where His love comes in!  He was faithful to them.  The God of heaven is caring for us on earth!  His love endures forever!

Father – I know your love extends and exists in ever increasing measure.  May I live in this love day after day!

Written by Ps. Richard Botta

1 Praise the Lord, all you servants of the Lord who minister by night in the house of the Lord. 2 Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the Lord. 3 May the Lord bless you from Zion, he who is the Maker of heaven and earth.

This is a psalm to be sung by pilgrims as they approached the temple in Jerusalem.

Pilgrimages used to be a big thing: leaving the place they were comfortable; taking a difficult and costly journey, possibly a dangerous journey to God’s house. Here they are at the end of that journey. Coming up through the city gates, along the winding streets, they would have been able to see the temple up ahead, towering over the city. As their excitement builds, they would have sung this psalm as encouragement to the Levites who served day and night in the temple (perhaps more tired than excited).

Now the world wide church is God’s temple (1 Cor 3:16). He makes is home with us rather than us needing to go on a journey to His house.

But I am on a journey – from where I was separated from God into His presence; from what I was to what I’m becoming: a life long journey. I need to remember not to get too comfortable, but to push on, like Paul in Philippians 3:12-14.

Sometimes I can relate to the Levites. Sometimes living in God’s house (His church) can become routine, even hard work. Like them, I sometimes need encouragement. I need reminding of the excitement of arriving in the place where God is. (New Christians can be such a blessing!)

I need to remember that I am indeed blessed by the Lord who made heaven and earth. I need to lift my hands in praise of Him.

And I need to remember to encourage those wonderful people who serve the church.

A short psalm, but so much in it.

Written By David Cornell

1 Lord, remember David and all his self-denial. 2 He swore an oath to the Lord, he made a vow to the Mighty One of Jacob: 3 “I will not enter my house or go to my bed, 4 I will allow no sleep to my eyes or slumber to my eyelids, 5 till I find a place for the Lord, a dwelling for the Mighty One of Jacob.” 6 We heard it in Ephrathah, we came upon it in the fields of Jaar: 7 “Let us go to his dwelling place, let us worship at his footstool, saying, 8 ‘Arise, Lord, and come to your resting place, you and the ark of your might. 9 May your priests be clothed with your righteousness; may your faithful people sing for joy.’” 10 For the sake of your servant David, do not reject your anointed one. 11 The Lord swore an oath to David, a sure oath he will not revoke: “One of your own descendants I will place on your throne. 12 If your sons keep my covenant and the statutes I teach them, then their sons will sit on your throne for ever and ever.” 13 For the Lord has chosen Zion, he has desired it for his dwelling, saying, 14 “This is my resting place for ever and ever; here I will sit enthroned, for I have desired it. 15 I will bless her with abundant provisions; her poor I will satisfy with food. 16 I will clothe her priests with salvation, and her faithful people will ever sing for joy. 17 “Here I will make a horn grow for David and set up a lamp for my anointed one. 18 I will clothe his enemies with shame, but his head will be adorned with a radiant crown.”

I love the Bible for its ability to relive its stories in the lives of each generation of believers.

Ps132 is about the shepherd king David and his solemn promise to build a place for God to live in, and in verse 11 God responds with a solemn promise to bless David and his ancestors.

We know today that it was always Gods plan for His dwelling place on Earth to be in the hearts and minds of His people. We know the Church is not a building it is people and it takes many people to build a great church.

What amazes me is that we can all enter into the Ps 132 promise to build God a place to live and be worshipped in. If you deliver a preaching message on Sunday that is wonderful but there are many ways to build the church. I know of a simple act of kindness to a bereaved person and the offer to make them a cup of tea after a Sunday service that had so much impact it was still remembered 20 years later.

I also believe the promise to bless those who build God a place to dwell in still stands today.

Read Hebrews 6:10

Lord, I ask you to help us to enter the Ps 132 promise to build your Church.

Written by David Newton

1 Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord; 2 Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy. 3 If you, Lord, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand? 4 But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you. 5 I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope. 6 I wait for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning. 7 Israel, put your hope in the Lord, for with the Lord is unfailing love and with him is full redemption. 8 He himself will redeem Israel from all their sins.

What a beautiful prayer by a person who has confidence and patience to trust the LORD to hear and forgive. The picture I get is of restoration (v4).

Waiting can be hard. Waiting for God to act to bring something to pass or to give us wisdom or an answer to prayer is also sometimes not easy. The image of “the watchmen waiting for morning” helps me understand why I have to wait for Him to speak or reveal his plans. The watchmen wait expectantly, and stay alert, anticipating danger or attack. When the sun begins to break through, dangers or threats are clearly visible. So it is when God responds to my cry for help. His plan for me, which I couldn’t see, becomes clear.

What stops me from waiting on God? This could be fear, impatience, trusting in my own wisdom, stopping praying. But instead confidence in my loving God (v3-4) casts out fear, patience in God’s perfect timing overcomes impatience, and remembering that my hope comes not from my wisdom or experience but from the unshakeable word of God (v5) helps me not to trust in my own solutions.

It comes down to humility, knowing God will respond and at the right time. I have seen this powerfully in my life this year. It sure wasn’t an easy road, but he strengthened me to continue the journey as I waited on Him.

Dear Heavenly Father, I know you are listening because you love me. You have shown me this in Jesus dying in my place. Thank you for growing my faith as I wait on you. Amen.

Written by Claire Moore

1 Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in obedience to him. 2 You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours. 3 Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table. 4 Yes, this will be the blessing for the man who fears the Lord. 5 May the Lord bless you from Zion; may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life. 6 May you live to see your children’s children— peace be on Israel.

The promise here is that those who fear God and walk in obedience to Him will be blessed. God’s part is to bless us, to give us good gifts (whether physical or spiritual) and our part is to deeply respect Him and walk in obedience to Him.

Walking is our everyday default mode of transport, it is a fairly standard movement that we action repeatedly, often without thinking! What is my everyday mode of operation in life? Am I repeatedly and habitually acting in obedience to God’s ways? Am I loving Him and others? Am I forgiving? Am I serving? Am I choosing prayer rather than worry? Am I choosing thankfulness rather than grumbling?

God, please help me to ‘walk’ out my faith, and to obey you in my everyday interactions. May choosing your way of thinking, believing, imagining, being, speaking and acting become my habit. Amen.

Written by Ps. Bethany Waugh

1 When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dreamed. 2 Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” 3 The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. 4 Restore our fortunes,[c] Lord, like streams in the Negev. 5 Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. 6 Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them.

This psalm reflects on how the Israelite’s had come out of exile. They remember how God restored them to their home city – it was amazing, they couldn’t believe it. Their hearts were filled with joy and laughter. As I read this Psalm, I am reminded of how I feel when God acts on my behalf. My heart is filled with gladness and my mouth with joy because He has done amazing things for me too. I have come to know that “You can do anything!”

The psalm continues. The Israelite’s are out of exile but they are facing hardship again. They are asking – praying – for the Lord to restore them again. Some of my prayers are the same: Lord, help. But sometimes these answers are slow in coming – and the waiting can be hard. As I read this psalm, I find that the Israelite’s are not waiting in dismay. They know there are tears now, but they also know they will reap a harvest. It reminds me of Habakkuk 2:3 which says “though it tarry, wait for it”. They don’t focus on the hardship but they actively remind themselves of what God has done previously: “The Lord has done great things for us (past tense), and we are filled with joy (present tense)” (v3 NIV). May I actively remind myself of the same.

Lord, You are Mighty and Sovereign, the maker of heaven and earth, and You are mindful of us. I thank you that You hear our prayers and act on our behalf. You are the stream in the desert, You bring me hope. May Your name be blessed!

Written by Gab Martin

1 If the Lord had not been on our side— let Israel say— 2 if the Lord had not been on our side when people attacked us, 3 they would have swallowed us alive when their anger flared against us; 4 the flood would have engulfed us, the torrent would have swept over us, 5 the raging waters would have swept us away. 6 Praise be to the Lord, who has not let us be torn by their teeth. 7 We have escaped like a bird from the fowler’s snare; the snare has been broken, and we have escaped. 8 Our help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

David opens this Psalm, with the question, “WHAT if God had not been on our side”?

That’s not something that we think about. We always encourage each other saying that God is for us not against us. That he is our provider, he is our healer, he is our saviour, he is! It’s always he is this or he is that. He is exactly what and who we need God to be for us, whatever situation we happen to be going through.

So, in faith we hang on.

But think about it, if God was not on our side then our story would be very short. Actually we would have no story to tell. Our first trouble would also be our last. It would be all over.

Why? For God is and always has been our only hope. There is no one else that we can turn to, to move mountains, to change situations, change people.

Only God. And he IS on our side. We are still here, still going all because of God.

We can trust him because he is for us. Our faith in him will not disappoint.

Father, thank you. Thank you for being on my side, and being for me.

Written by Andrew Martin

1 I rejoiced with those who said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord.” 2 Our feet are standing in your gates, Jerusalem. 3 Jerusalem is built like a city that is closely compacted together. 4 That is where the tribes go up— the tribes of the Lord— to praise the name of the Lord according to the statute given to Israel. 5 There stand the thrones for judgment, the thrones of the house of David. 6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May those who love you be secure. 7 May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels.” 8 For the sake of my family and friends, I will say, “Peace be within you.” 9 For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek your prosperity.

I couldn’t go past the first verse of this Psalm –  “I rejoiced with those who said to me, let us go to the house of the Lord”.

I grew up going to church pretty much every Sunday of my life. I can’t say that I always rejoiced at the thought, but for the most part it was a very positive, extremely important part of my childhood experience. I suppose you could say that I took it for granted and didn’t really see how special it was at the time to be a part of a church.

Fast forward to now, and I really do rejoice at the thought of going to church (the house of the Lord).

I love how it’s called God’s house – the place where God dwells. For me, that has a warm and inviting sound to it, and I am so grateful to be a part of a church that allows me to belong and to be surrounded and supported by God’s people, as well as enjoy God’s presence in the gathered worship experience.

May I never take for granted the privilege of going to and belonging to the house of the Lord.  It has made all the difference in my life.

Written by Shelley Witt

1 I call on the Lord in my distress, and he answers me. 2 Save me, Lord, from lying lips and from deceitful tongues. 3 What will he do to you, and what more besides, you deceitful tongue? 4 He will punish you with a warrior’s sharp arrows, with burning coals of the broom bush. 5 Woe to me that I dwell in Meshek, that I live among the tents of Kedar! 6 Too long have I lived among those who hate peace. 7 I am for peace; but when I speak, they are for war.

In this Psalm, David is being surrounded by deceit, lies and a desire for war. This distresses him and so he is crying out to the Lord. The second line in vs1 ” and He answers me” is the point I wish to focus on for today’ s passage.

We have all cried out to God at sometime in our distress, due to a weighing circumstance. But do we always recognise how God answers? Recently, I have experienced a cry to God in deep distress, and could not see His answer, therefore feeling that my cry was bouncing off the ceiling.! But was it? No. God heard all my cries to Him, and answered everyone of them, but I could not, and in some cases, still do not see how He answered them.

Through this I have learnt that great faith is not praying a powerful prayer and seeing the answer, but praying a prayer, not seeing the answer, but still proclaiming God’s goodness as being complete and absolute.

Father, when we cry out to You within the fog of distress, may we have the faith that always proclaims your goodness, regardless of what we see, or do not see. Amen.

Written by Steve Fell

145 I call with all my heart; answer me, Lord, and I will obey your decrees. 146 I call out to you; save me and I will keep your statutes. 147 I rise before dawn and cry for help; I have put my hope in your word. 148 My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises. 149 Hear my voice in accordance with your love; preserve my life, Lord, according to your laws. 150 Those who devise wicked schemes are near, but they are far from your law. 151 Yet you are near, Lord, and all your commands are true. 152 Long ago I learned from your statutes that you established them to last forever. 153 Look on my suffering and deliver me, for I have not forgotten your law. 154 Defend my cause and redeem me; preserve my life according to your promise. 155 Salvation is far from the wicked, for they do not seek out your decrees. 156 Your compassion, Lord, is great; preserve my life according to your laws. 157 Many are the foes who persecute me, but I have not turned from your statutes. 158 I look on the faithless with loathing, for they do not obey your word. 159 See how I love your precepts; preserve my life, Lord, in accordance with your love. 160 All your words are true; all your righteous laws are eternal. 161 Rulers persecute me without cause, but my heart trembles at your word. 162 I rejoice in your promise like one who finds great spoil. 163 I hate and detest falsehood but I love your law. 164 Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous laws. 165 Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble. 166 I wait for your salvation, Lord, and I follow your commands. 167 I obey your statutes, for I love them greatly. 168 I obey your precepts and your statutes, for all my ways are known to you.

This is such a beautiful psalm. If you have time now, I encourage you to read it again slowly and out loud.

What stands out to you?

Why?

What is it saying to you, at this time?

When I did this, the last part of this psalm (verses 161-168) really hit me. I was struck by the fact that Gods Word is truly the psalmists foundation. The “Word” here is referred to by a number of names – promise, law, commands, statutes and precepts. He says that the Word makes; his heart tremble, causes him to rejoice, helps him know what is true and false, causes him to praise, brings him peace and salvation. In knowing the Word he (the psalmist) knows God and he loves God. He experiences God in his daily life and is strengthened to carry on no matter what, and his life was full of difficulties and challenges.

This psalm compels me to know God’s word better and truly have it as my foundation. I want to be able to say with the psalmist that I too have great peace because I love his law (Word) and nothing can make me stumble (Psalm 119:165).

Thank you for your word God and for all your promises to us! May we read it and meditate on it daily. Make it alive to us by your Holy Spirit. May we know you better each day and experience you in all things. May your Word be our foundation and may we be able to testify that we have great peace, salvation and joy in you.

Amen

Written by Ps. Zoe Stewart

89 Your word, Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens. 90 Your faithfulness continues through all generations; you established the earth, and it endures. 91 Your laws endure to this day, for all things serve you. 92 If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction. 93 I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have preserved my life. 94 Save me, for I am yours; I have sought out your precepts. 95 The wicked are waiting to destroy me, but I will ponder your statutes. 96 To all perfection I see a limit, but your commands are boundless. 97 Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long. 98 Your commands are always with me and make me wiser than my enemies. 99 I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes. 100 I have more understanding than the elders, for I obey your precepts. 101 I have kept my feet from every evil path so that I might obey your word. 102 I have not departed from your laws, for you yourself have taught me. 103 How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! 104 I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path. 105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. 106 I have taken an oath and confirmed it, that I will follow your righteous laws. 107 I have suffered much; preserve my life, Lord, according to your word. 108 Accept, Lord, the willing praise of my mouth, and teach me your laws. 109 Though I constantly take my life in my hands, I will not forget your law. 110 The wicked have set a snare for me, but I have not strayed from your precepts. 111 Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart. 112 My heart is set on keeping your decrees to the very end. 113 I hate double-minded people, but I love your law. 114 You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word. 115 Away from me, you evildoers, that I may keep the commands of my God! 116 Sustain me, my God, according to your promise, and I will live; do not let my hopes be dashed. 117 Uphold me, and I will be delivered; I will always have regard for your decrees. 118 You reject all who stray from your decrees, for their delusions come to nothing. 119 All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross; therefore I love your statutes. 120 My flesh trembles in fear of you; I stand in awe of your laws.

A wonderful part of this awesome Psalm, God wants us to grow in wisdom. He wants us to pay attention to His words – daily. His words are trustworthy and truth. They are bigger than the world can contain. If we pay attention to His words, then it can lead us in the way we should go. Do we have the appropriate picture of God? “Speechless with reverence” is how The Message version ends verse 120. It is a brilliant description.

So often I find going back to God’s word can help when things look confusing or dark – it reminds me of all He has promised to me and to all of us. This passage reminds me that I need to do that more often. The world takes on a different hue when we see it through God’s words.

Dear Lord Thank You for Your word. Thank You for Your wisdom, Your love, Your guidance expressed through Your word. Help us to remember to let You speak to us and help us to listen. Lord please lead us each day so that we grow in Your wisdom. Amen

Written by Therese Manning

1 Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord. 2 Blessed are those who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart— 3 they do no wrong but follow his ways. 4 You have laid down precepts that are to be fully obeyed. 5 Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees! 6 Then I would not be put to shame when I consider all your commands. 7 I will praise you with an upright heart as I learn your righteous laws. 8 I will obey your decrees; do not utterly forsake me. 9 How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word. 10 I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. 11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. 12 Praise be to you, Lord; teach me your decrees. 13 With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth. 14 I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches. 15 I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. 16 I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word. 17 Be good to your servant while I live, that I may obey your word. 18 Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law. 19 I am a stranger on earth; do not hide your commands from me. 20 My soul is consumed with longing for your laws at all times. 21 You rebuke the arrogant, who are accursed, those who stray from your commands. 22 Remove from me their scorn and contempt, for I keep your statutes. 23 Though rulers sit together and slander me, your servant will meditate on your decrees. 24 Your statutes are my delight; they are my counselors. 25 I am laid low in the dust; preserve my life according to your word. 26 I gave an account of my ways and you answered me; teach me your decrees. 27 Cause me to understand the way of your precepts, that I may meditate on your wonderful deeds. 28 My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word. 29 Keep me from deceitful ways; be gracious to me and teach me your law. 30 I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I have set my heart on your laws. 31 I hold fast to your statutes, Lord; do not let me be put to shame. 32 I run in the path of your commands, for you have broadened my understanding. 33 Teach me, Lord, the way of your decrees, that I may follow it to the end. 34 Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law and obey it with all my heart. 35 Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight. 36 Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain. 37 Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.[c] 38 Fulfill your promise to your servant, so that you may be feared. 39 Take away the disgrace I dread, for your laws are good. 40 How I long for your precepts! In your righteousness preserve my life. 41 May your unfailing love come to me, Lord, your salvation, according to your promise; 42 then I can answer anyone who taunts me, for I trust in your word. 43 Never take your word of truth from my mouth, for I have put my hope in your laws. 44 I will always obey your law, for ever and ever. 45 I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts. 46 I will speak of your statutes before kings and will not be put to shame, 47 for I delight in your commands because I love them. 48 I reach out for your commands, which I love, that I may meditate on your decrees.

What an inspiring Psalm! Learn, love, and live the word of God with every fibre of your being is what this Psalm calls me to. There is so much to these 48 verses, but the first 8 are what struck me quite clearly. In a world sometimes obsessed with pursuing happiness, we will find it as we walk in God’s word – being blessed by God, is there a great reason for joy and happiness?

But I need to be diligent in coming to and keeping God’s word. In a world busy to the point of much distraction, I am called by this Psalm to diligent and steadfast focus on God’s word – my eyes “fixed” on His commands. I consider the concept of my eyes fixed on something, and I think of being captivated by a movie or exhilarating performance, deeply intrigued by a work of art, or stilled by a time of deep connection with someone I love and cherish. In each of these experiences, I am “fixed.”

How much do I give myself time to become fixed on God’s word? Captivated by God’s work and mission amongst humanity? Intrigued by His wisdom and teaching? Stilled by the power of His Holy Spirit moving me through the text.

Oh, Lord, may I come to your word different than I have before, and discover your captivating splendour throughout it!

Written by Ps. Rob Waugh