My heart is overflowing with a good theme; I recite my composition concerning the King; my tongue is the pen of a ready writer. (Psalm 45:1) According to an ancient adage, the tongue is the pen of the heart which, in my view, is another way of saying, “Out of the...

To the Chief Musician. Set to “The Lilies.” A contemplation of the sons of Korah. A Song of Love. (Psalm 45) It is quite common when reading the psalms to briefly glance at the heading of each without giving it much regard. Occasionally, these introductions contain...

For Your sake we are killed all day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. (Psalm 44:22) Like you, I am grateful for the wonderful benefits that are provided to those who serve the Most High. And like you, I am keenly aware of the responsibility and...

You make us a reproach to our neighbors, a scorn and a derision to those all around us. You make us a byword among the nations, a shaking of the head among the peoples. (Psalm 44:13-14) Some might read this verse and wonder why this particular sentiment should be...

You are my King, O God ... Through You we will push down our enemies; through Your name we will trample those who rise up against us. For I will not trust in my bow, nor shall my sword save me. But You have saved us from our enemies, and have put to shame those who...

They did not gain possession of the land by their own sword, nor did their own arm save them; but it was Your right hand, Your arm, and the light of Your countenance, because You favored them. (Psalm 44:3-4) Previous to this verse is an acknowledgement that the Lord...

We have heard with our ears, O God, our fathers have told us, the deeds You did in their days, in days of old. You drove out the nations with Your hand, but them You planted. (Psalm 44:1-2) There is a very important concept addressed in the opening verses of this...

On the harp I will praise You, O God, my God. Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God. (Psalm 43:4-5) Whether the author is David or the sons of Korah, the...

Oh, send out Your light and Your truth! Let them lead me; let them bring me to Your holy hill and to Your tabernacle. Then I will go to the altar of God, to God my exceeding joy. (Psalm 43:3-4) In the beginning, when darkness was upon the face of the deep, the first...

Vindicate me, O God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation; oh, deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man! (Psalm 43:1) The Hebrew word translated as “vindicate” is שפט shafat, a term typically understood to denote “judgement.“ It doesn't necessarily...

Vindicate me, O God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation; oh, deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man! (Psalm 43:1) It is unfortunate but true -- far too many people work overtime to interrupt and complicate the lives of others. In order to advance their...

Deep calls unto deep at the noise of Your waterfalls; all Your waves and billows have gone over me. The Lord will command His lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night His song shall be with me—a prayer to the God of my life. (Psalm 42:7-8) I've heard many...