Daily Devotionals

Psalm 19:1–14

Ever felt completely removed from God's awareness? It's almost like you're standing at the bottom of a long stairway looking up, isn't it? The light is off, and even though you knock or call out for a response, nothing happens. No answer is heard. Not even a stir.

Psalm 15:1–5

While salvation is entirely a work of God—an unconditional commitment on His part to preserve those He has saved (John 10:28–29; Romans 8:28–39; 2 Timothy 1:12)—He gives us a genuine stake in maintaining the quality of our spiritual lives. Those who lead lives of integrity receive something valuable for their faithfulness.

The Promise

...he who does these things will never be shaken. (Psalm 15:5)

Psalm 15:1–5

David's song explores the characteristics of a person who enjoys fellowship with the Lord in this life with seven facets of integrity. As you consider each one, take note of the Lord's emphasis on relationships.

Who enjoys fellowship with God?

    1. He who does not do evil to his neighbour. The Spirit-filled believer is loyal and consistent—not fickle, not erratic. He does not consciously bring difficulty upon others

Psalm 15:2–5

David's song, Psalm 15, opens with a probing question about our experience of fellowship with God in the temporal realm, our relationship with Him in daily life. He wanted to know what characteristics mark the person who is able to enjoy unencumbered, uninhibited association with the almighty Creator of the universe. Inspired by the Holy Spirit in his writing, David received and then recorded the Lord's reply.

Psalm 15:1

If you read Psalm 15 carefully, you will discover the entire song all hangs upon the first verse. Verse 1 is crucial in that it asks a probing question. That's today's devotional. David's answer forms the rest of the psalm. He then arrives at a wonderful promise. A Simple outline could be:

    I. Question: “Who may abide in Your tent?” (v. 1)
    II. Answer: “He who walks with integrity.” (vv. 2–5)
    III. Promise: “He will never be shaken.” (v. 5)

Psalm 15:1–5

Psalm 13:5–6

As David's song—preserved for us as Psalm 13—reaches its climax, David's posture has changed once again.

David on His Feet

But I have trusted in Your lovingkindness;
My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation.
I will sing to the LORD,
Because He has dealt bountifully with me. (vv. 5–6)

Psalm 13:3–4

As I read Psalm 13 and reflect on the section describing David on his face, overwhelmed with grief and hopelessness, I see two practical areas of application:

    1. It was the length of the test that began to weary David. "How long" occurs four times in two brief verses. Let us remember that God not only designs the depth of our trials but also their length. Sometime soon, read the words of the ancient prophet Habakkuk, chapter 1. He too asked, "How long?"

Psalm 13:1–2

Psalm 13 begins where the despondent person spends most of his or her time: flat on the ground, crushed under the weight of sorrow. In the first section of the song, we see....

David on His Face

How long, O LORD? Will You forget me forever?    
How long will You hide Your face from me?
How long shall I take counsel in my soul,
Having sorrow in my heart all the day?
How long will my enemy be exalted over me? (Psalm 13:1–2)

Psalm 13:1–6