Psalm(s)

 Strong's Concordance identifies the word "Psalm" as "properly instrumental music, a poem set to notes."

Websters 1828 dictionary defines "Psalm" as  "a sacred song or hymn; a song composed on a divine subject and in praise of God.

Currently, this blogger is in chapter 30 of the book of Psalms and morning devotions. This would be the third or fourth read thru the scriptures and it always amazes me at the new things seen each time.  Presently, questions arise after many of the declarations of the Psalmist.

• 
  (19.7) The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul... - Is His law perfect to you?
• (19.10) The heavens declare the glory of God... - Do you?
• (20.5) We will rejoice in the Thy salvation and in the name of our God...  - Do you?
• (20.7) Some (trust) in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God. - Who/What do you trust?
• (24.1) The earth (is) the Lord's... - What do you claim that belongs to the Lord?
• (25.21) Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; - What/Who "preserves" you?
• (27.6) ...therefore will I offer...sacrifices of joy...I will sing praises unto the Lord - What will you offer Him? Why is "joy" a "sacrifice?"
• (28.7) ...with my song will I praise Him. - How do you praise Him?
• (29.2) Give unto the Lord the glory due unto His Name; worship the Lord in the beauty of HIS holiness. - What do you give Him?
• (30.4) ...give thanks at the remembrance of HIS holiness. - What do you thank Him for?

The apostle Paul also gives insight to the mind of the Lord with questions and lists. (Gal 5.19-21, Rom 1.29-31, Gal 3.2, Rom 8.35)

Maybe you have another way to study scripture.  Personally, this blogger finds defining words from the Hebrew, Greek and Webster's 1828 dictionary profitable for the soul.

Clearly, the Psalmist spent much time meditating on the Lord and all known and discerned about Him, spiritually, physically and emotionally.  The Lord is all that and so much more. When you study the Word correctly it will indeed be like "a song or hymn" to your heart.  Songs or hymns can aid in your darkest moments.

However, dear reader, you choose or have studied scripture until now, DON'T QUIT!  It is the only way to stand against the wickedness of this world and the wicked one's attacks.  ALWAYS rebuke the wicked one when he causes you to question God and the truth of His Word. 

2 Tim 2.15 encourages every believer "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."

The Psalmist said...

 Although, the authoress of this blog is already into personal devotion in the Psalms, we will continue with chapter 25.21.

"Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on Thee."

According to Webster's 1828 Dictionary,

• integrity means entire, unimpaired state of anything, particularly of the mind
• uprightness is honesty, conformity to rectitude (rightness of principle or practice) and justice in social dealings

We all understand right from wrong, although we may not practice the right thing always.  However, the Hebrew translation for "integrity" means completeness.  In my mind this indicates a peace in one's soul to feel "complete" when doing what is true and right in a given circumstance or to another.

"Uprightness" according to the Hebrew translation means just that, 'right.' "Equity" is also used in describing "uprightness."  In other words, one never places oneself above another when "doing the right thing."  It almost seems to declare a humility in the "preservation" of peace in the soul.

Case in point:  In a recent church service an individual was given time and opportunity to present a "children's work" by means of a "dummy" from which ventriloquism was used. One may read the following link to understand how the writer of this blog feels on this. This blogger did not have liberty to get up and walk away, so what does one do?

According to the Psalmist one is to "wait on Thee."  In Matthew 5.25, we are to "agree with (our) adversary quickly..." The individual who "performed" the skit is not my adversary, the church leader would be because it was allowed.  You may think "why is this a big deal, it was for the children." However, another saint who felt the same way wept while the "skit" was being played out.  

When the Holy Ghost is grieved, it touches the heart of a saint.  The solution to "Let integrity and uprightness preserve thee...?" Patience.  Does it need to be addressed?  I believe the church leader should know it upset one of the flock. Yet, patience, to deal with the situation must be exercised to avoid conflict that could disrupt the entire flock, if possible.  So, "quickly" dealing with the situation may still require a bit of patience.  The time must be right for "integrity and uprightness" to prevail.

When you are faced with such a challenge, remember the Psalmist learned as he got older that patience was needed to maintain "integrity and uprightness."  If a situation requires swift action, do it!  If you are allowed a bit of time while the Lord works on the heart on both sides, then wait before acting.

God bless and keep you is our prayer.

First Sunday 2026

 

Spurgeon 

 "Prince of Preachers"

The best of Charles Spurgeon's insight and wise counsel on themes that are as relevant to our day as they were in his day.

 January 4th, 2026

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.”— 2 Peter 3:18

“Grow in grace”—not in one grace only, but in all grace. Grow in that root-grace, faith. Believe the promises more firmly than you have done. Let faith increase in fulness, constancy, simplicity.

Grow also in love. Ask that your love may become extended, more intense, more practical, influencing every thought, word, and deed.

Grow likewise in humility. Seek to lie very low, and know more of your own nothingness. As you grow downward in humility, seek also to grow upward—having nearer approaches to God in prayer and more intimate fellowship with Jesus.

May God the Holy Spirit enable you to “grow in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour.” He who grows not in the knowledge of Jesus, refuses to be blessed. To know him is “life eternal,” and to advance in the knowledge of him is to increase in happiness.

He who does not long to know more of Christ, knows nothing of him yet. Whoever hath sipped this wine will thirst for more, for although Christ doth satisfy, yet it is such a satisfaction, that the appetite is not cloyed, but whetted.

If you know the love of Jesus—as the hart panteth for the water-brooks, so will you pant after deeper draughts of his love. If you do not desire to know him better, then you love him not, for love always cries, “Nearer, nearer.”

Absence from Christ is hell; but the presence of Jesus is heaven. Rest not then content without an increasing acquaintance with Jesus. Seek to know more of him in his divine nature, in his human relationship, in his finished work, in his death, in his resurrection, in his present glorious intercession, and in his future royal advent.

Abide hard by the Cross, and search the mystery of his wounds. An increase of love to Jesus, and a more perfect apprehension of his love to us is one of the best tests of growth in grace.

My prayer is that you and I will indeed,  "grow in grace..."

Happy New Year!