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Psalm 65 is a song of praise overflowing with joy in God’s grace, presence, and generosity. It begins by celebrating the God who brings sinners near by atoning for sin. It then lifts our eyes to the One who formed the mountains and calms the seas, reminding us that his presence brings stability in the midst of chaos. Finally, it paints a rich picture of God’s abundant provision, where the earth itself shouts for joy under his blessing. In Christ, this Psalm finds its fulfillment as he is the One who bore judgment so mercy could flow giving abundant life to all who trust in him.

Psalm 63 and 64 show us both the joy of longing for God and the reality of facing enemies and hardship. In the wilderness, David expresses a deep thirst for God’s presence, describing God’s steadfast love as “better than life” and finding satisfaction and joy in him alone. At the same time, David acknowledges the anguish caused by enemies and their schemes, yet takes refuge in God’s justice and protection. Together, these Psalms invite us to make God our deepest desire and greatest delight, to trust his steadfast love in Christ, and to find confidence and refuge in him no matter what troubles surround us.

Psalm 62's central message is to trust in God with all one's soul and to wait silently for him. Throughout this Psalm, God is described as a rock, a fortress and salvation to those who trust in him. David also contrasts God's reliability with the unreliability of people, who may be deceitful and may be overcome by worldly pursuits of riches. The psalm concludes with a reminder that God exhibits an enduring and merciful love, while also offering a hopeful assurance of divine justice.

Psalm 61 provides some strategies for enduring seasons of discouragement and distance from God by showing us how to cry out in prayer and take refuge in him. David reminds us that God is both strong and tender—our rock, tower, dwelling place, and sheltering wings. God is experienced as a refuge through his promises which find their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Christ was the one who experienced the ultimate exile from sin so that we would never have to. In the gospel of Christ we find security, hope, and joy that leads us back to God in worship.

In Psalm 60, David provides a roadmap for dealing with hard things. While it can be difficult to understand, God is ultimately in control of what a person faces in life and often uses times of struggle to reveal sin, build faith, and strengthen our trust in Him. During suffering and setback, God’s people should not lose sight of their purpose in the world – to faithfully proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ until he returns. Recalling God’s sovereignty and past goodness can help us endure suffering while we patiently wait for God’s deliverance. And finally, our ultimate hope in the midst of hard things is God alone, who will someday restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish us (1 Pet 5:10).

When pain and anguish and feelings of betrayal and disillusionment flood our souls what are we to do? Thankfully, God has given us the resource of biblical lament. Lament is not a denial of faith; it’s actually an expression of it. It is what happens when people who believe in God turn to him with their pain—not to hide it, not to fix it quickly, but to bring it honestly before Him. In a world that often rushes past grief or avoids it altogether, lament invites us to slow down, speak the truth, and be held by a God who listens. This sermon offers practical guidance in learning what biblical lament is and how to do it.   

  • Date: June 23, 2024
  • Book: Matthew, Psalms
  • Passage: Matthew 26:57–66, Psalm 2
"Who is Jesus?” In this sermon we continue to answer that question by examining three different titles used of him: (1) Messiah (from the Hebrew, or Christ, from the Greek), (2) Son of God, and (3) King. Read the following passages and note how each title is used:
  • John 20:30-31 — our eternal destiny hinges on two of the titles;
  • Matthew 26:57-66; Luke 22:66-72 — the High Priest Caiaphas as well as the Sanhedrin (the “supreme court” of Judaism), use two titles to condemn Jesus;
  • Luke 23:3 — one of the titles forced Pilate to execute Jesus.
It should come as no surprise that all three titles are presented in the twelve short verses of Psalm 2, a messianic-prophetic psalm. The psalmist concludes by telling us — we serve God by worshipping the Son (Psalm 2:12). The psalm ends with eight of the most important words found in all of the wisdom literature—and perhaps in all of the Old Testament: “Blessed are all who take refuge in him.” This word “refuge” in Hebrew implies trust, confidence, and hope. The way we serve God the Father, is to place our trust in God the Son — the Messiah, Son of God, and eternal King.

The picture of a shepherd with his sheep is a beautiful image of our relationship with God. Thankfully, the metaphor is not a cowboy rounding- up cattle, or a bookish theologian merely providing right answers. We don’t need to be driven like cows and we desperately need more than accurate information. We need the experiential loving care of a good shepherd. In Jesus, we have a good shepherd who cares for his sheep by leading, providing, protecting, and laying his life down as a sacrificial Lamb for sinners (John 10:11-15). “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall never lack what I need.”

In Psalm 86, David cries out to God with a heart distressed by trouble and anguish. Yet, woven through this cry are confessions and celebrations of God's graciousness, goodness, and steadfast love. The attributes of God provide David comfort, joy, and thankfulness even though he faces times of trouble. In this prayer David shows how God wants us to pour out our hearts to him and to rely on his perfect character.