Psalms 35, 36, 38, 40, 41, 53, 55, 58, 61, 64, 69, 70, 71, 86, 102, 109, and 139

All I can say is simply bask in the psalms.  They are poetry laced with wisdom.  They are truth written in verse.  They are human expressions of deep spiritual yearnings, questions and assertions.  They speak to spiritually-minded people who are willing to entertain a message from the Almighty.  Sometimes, we should simply soak them in, rather than try to “study” through them.   Consider Psalm 61.  Eight verses speak what some writers could pen volumes to convey about God and his redeemed.

Hear my cry, O God, listen to my prayer;

We serve and worship a living God who listens when we call out to Him…

from the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I,

As fallen creatures of the Almighty Creator, we find solace in the unfailing love of our God who desires better things for us.  His desire is for us to come to where He is.  In Christ Jesus, the Way to the Higher Place, He heard our cry and came down to receive us and bring us to Himself…

for you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy.

He does not remove us from the struggles, but guides us through them, teaching us wisdom and perseverance along the way.  We are not alone and need not try to fend for ourselves…

Let me dwell in your tent forever! Let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings! Selah.

God’s desire is that we long for Him, search for Him and come into His presence.  So long as we choose Him, our place with Him is secure and everlasting…

For you, O God, have heard my vows; you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name.

  Hearing our plea and answering our need, the God our forgiveness and redemption prepares a place for His children; a heritage in His house…

Prolong the life of the king; may his years endure to all generations! May he be enthroned forever before God; appoint steadfast love and faithfulness to watch over him!

  We are children of the King, royal priests serving Him daily.  New, abundant life is ours and our new plea is for Him to sustain us in the place He has planted us.  By the power of God’s love and His faithfulness we stand…

So will I ever sing praises to your name, as I perform my vows day after day.

  Being granted grace and favor we worship our God and praise His holy name.  Living as sacrifices to His mercies, we serve Him daily by loving and serving others.   Life on this earth can be overwhelming and barren without God.  It is the lowly, shifting sand of sorrow, pain and fruitless toil.  Thanks be to God for salvation … a higher place – a rock – of peace, comfort and abundant life!

Consider His nature.  Consider His ways.  Strive to love Him more!