CNC Daily Psalms

We have reached the half way point of our series of reflections on the Psalms. Each day we will upload a new reflection to the website. We hope and pray that you will find them helpful and that they bring hope during this season. Click on these buttons to read the text of the psalm or listen to a recording of it. You can also listen to the reflection using the audio player below.

Read Psalm 76  Listen to Psalm 76

This psalm is one of the Songs of Zion, celebrating God's presence in his chosen city - Jerusalem. Salem (verse 2) was an earlier name for Jerusalem and Mount Zion (verse 2) is one of the hills on which the city was built. Both are used as alternative names for Jerusalem. It was in Jerusalem that King Solomon built the temple (1 Kings 5-8). When the temple was dedicated, and the ark of the covenant brought into the Most Holy Place, God's divine presence, or Shekinah, filled the temple in the form of a cloud.

The psalmist is celebrating that God has made Jerusalem his dwelling place. The people in the Old Testament knew that a building could not contain God (1 Kings 8:27-30; Isaiah 66:1-2), but it was where they had access to his divine presence. The Hebrew words often translated as 'tent' and 'dwelling-place' in verse 2 can also mean 'den' and 'lair.' This imagery, used by the psalmist, suggests God as a lion, renowned in Judah. This isn't the only lion imagery used for God in the Bible; the OT prophets also referred to God in this way. When reading this psalm through the lens of the New Testament, we see Jesus referred to as the Lion of Judah (Revelation 5:5). Jesus also dwelt, or tabernacled, among us (John 1:14).

By the end of the psalm, God's reputation has spread through all the world, so that the nations bring tribute to him (verses 11-12). We do not have a temple today in Jerusalem where we have access to God's presence. Instead, we are ourselves living stones in a new temple, with Jesus as the cornerstone (1 Peter 2:4-6); our bodies filled with the presence of God by the indwelling of his Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16).

Come Holy Spirit, fill us afresh as we carry your divine presence wherever we go today.

We have reached the half way point of our series of reflections on the Psalms. Each day we will upload a new reflection to the website. We hope and pray that you will find them helpful and that they bring hope during this season. Click on these buttons to read the text of the psalm or listen to a recording of it. You can also listen to the reflection using the audio player below.

Read Psalm 75  Listen to Psalm 75

The Psalms, being poetic in nature, often use metaphor to convey truth. There are three striking metaphors in this psalm.

I. Quaking of the earth (verse 3). The world has been shaken by the Covid-19 pandemic. Society is being turned upside down as we have been locked down and we have reevaluated what is important in life. The psalmist says it is God who holds the pillars of the earth firm. He is the one who laid the earth's foundations (see 1 Samuel 2:8; Job 38:4). When all around is being shaken, we look to God who holds firm.

II. Horns (verses 4-5, 10). Horns in the Bible symbolise power, majesty and dignity. The psalmist contrasts the power of the 'wicked,' who defy heaven (verse 5), with that of the 'righteous.' The wicked are those who exalt their own power in arrogance and defiance. Their power will be cut off, whereas the horns of the righteous will be 'lifted up'. Jesus demonstrated his power when he was lifted up at the cross (John 17 - further reading). In his weakness, he claimed victory over sin and death.

III. Cup of God's judgment (verse 8). Cups can be lifted for salvation (Psalm 116:13), consolation (Jeremiah 16:7) or blessing (1 Corinthians 10:16). Here it is a cup of wrath. God has judged the wicked and they are given the cup to drink. However, the story does not end there. On the cross, Jesus bore the cup of God's judgement in his own body (Mark 10:38; Luke 22:42; John 18:11). In so doing, we receive salvation, consolation and blessing.

Father God, thank you that you hold firm even though the earth shakes. Let us hold fast to you.

Lord Jesus, thank you that you took the cup of judgment for us on the cross.

Holy Spirit, fill us afresh with your power.

We are continuing our series of reflections on the Psalms. Each day we will upload a new reflection to the website. We hope and pray that you will find them helpful and that they bring hope during this season. Click on these buttons to read the text of the psalm or listen to a recording of it. You can also listen to the reflection using the audio player below.

Read Psalm 74:12-23  Listen to Psalm 74:12-23

Asaph acknowledges God as King and Saviour of the earth. He has revealed his power over the Egyptians and the sea. He recalls God's provision for the people of Israel during the exodus journey. Then he reminds us that God set the whole of creation in place and established day and night. Now in verses 18 and following the psalmist reminds God that “ foolish people" (i.e. His enemies) have criticised God and condemned him.

He asks God to look after the lives of his doves – interpreted as being God's people, Israel. He requests God's protection for his people and for him to continue to fulfil his covenant. This was his promise to be Israel's God always. Their God who will always make sure they have his blessing and are safe and secure. He asks for God to look after those who are marginalised and ill-treated so that they too will come to praise God. It seems the psalmist is encouraging God himself to defend his cause rather than turning a blind eye to the noise and damage his enemies are making. We are reminded that God is at the helm and has promised to be his people's God always. There is a security about this in spite of surrounding threats.

Let us remember that his promise to his people is now also for those who “have decided to follow Jesus". He will never leave us nor forsake us.

Loving Father, thank you for your forbearance with your people in the past and for your unending love for us now.

We are continuing our series of reflections on the Psalms. Each day we will upload a new reflection to the website. We hope and pray that you will find them helpful and that they bring hope during this season. Click on these buttons to read the text of the psalm or listen to a recording of it. You can also listen to the reflection using the audio player below.

Read Psalm 74:1-11  Listen to Psalm 74:1-11

Asaph begins the first and last verses of this section with the question “why?" In really difficult times it's almost a natural question to ask. Perhaps some of us have been asking that question over these last weeks.

Asaph looks at the destruction their enemies have done: the beautiful carvings destroyed indeed the whole sanctuary ruined. As in some countries today places where God's people worship are destroyed by those who want to destroy evidence of faith in Jesus Christ. Asaph can see no proof of God's presence and has not heard any prophets speaking God's word. He wonders why God doesn't stop their enemies mocking Jehovah. How long will it be before God raises his hand and destroys his and Israel's enemies.

At times in life we wonder why God doesn't intervene in individual or community situations when they are going remarkably wrong. The psalmist seems to know their troubles will one day come to an end. He would like to know when. So asks (verse 10) how long will it be before God steps in – will He allow His Name to be brought into disrepute for ever? “Please Lord", he says move and destroy those who want to bring more conflict and trouble and hurt us. He obviously has not lost faith in God's ability to move to rescue His people so continues to call on God. Asaph isn't going to give up.

Father God, why?

We are continuing our series of reflections on the Psalms. Each day we will upload a new reflection to the website. We hope and pray that you will find them helpful and that they bring hope during this season. Click on these buttons to read the text of the psalm or listen to a recording of it. You can also listen to the reflection using the audio player below.

Read Psalm 73:15-28  Listen to Psalm 73:15-28

Earlier in the psalm we saw that the ungodly seem to have a great, easy life. The psalmist so nearly stumbled and fell (verse 2). He made mistakes – he envied the wicked (verse 3), he became bitter against God (verses 21, 22) and he was tempted to give up (verse 16). He was puzzled by all he saw and found life unfair. He reaches a big turning point in verse 17 when he enters the sanctuary of God and then he gains understanding of God’s plans and gets a right perspective – an eternal viewpoint.

When we are puzzled we need to come to God, listen to him and trust that in the end, wrongs will be righted and good vindicated.

Evildoers are on ‘slippery ground’ and will be ruined or could fall at any time. Or as Jesus said, they are ‘on the broad road that leads to destruction’ (Matthew 7:13). They will be ruined, destroyed and swept away with terrors. Asaph is now convinced of the contrasting final destinies of the godly and ungodly.

The psalmist is sure of God’s constant presence with him, holding his hand and guiding him and declares that God is everything to him. He is convinced that one day he will be with God in glory. Death will not disturb or destroy his communion with God, who is his portion for ever. He will tell of all God’s deeds. Let us also be prepared to tell others of the good things God has done for us.

Lord, when we are puzzled with life, help us to find a special place where we can listen to you, start to see things from your perspective and feel you holding our hand.

We are continuing our series of reflections on the Psalms. Each day we will upload a new reflection to the website. We hope and pray that you will find them helpful and that they bring hope during this season. Click on these buttons to read the text of the psalm or listen to a recording of it. You can also listen to the reflection using the audio player below.

Read Psalm 73:1-14  Listen to Psalm 73:1-14

‘Surely God is good… to those who are pure in heart’ the psalmist begins. We think this psalm is written by Asaph who was a singer and musician at the same time as David. He soon admits though, that he nearly doubted his declaration of God’s goodness and goes on to describe what wonderful lives the wicked seem to have. They prosper without struggles and burdens and their lives are ‘always carefree’ and ‘they increase in wealth’. He questions why he has always tried to do the right thing only to find that as a result he has suffered every day.

Life is not fair. Asaph felt his life was much more difficult than the life of the ungodly. Do we feel like this sometimes? It is hard not to, but there is always something to thank God for and see his hand in our lives. Even in difficult times we have to trust God is on our side and will work things out for our good in the end (Romans 8:28).

Elsewhere in scripture it says ‘God causes the sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous’ (Matthew 5:45). I think we would all admit that we experience good and bad things as we go through life.

Will the wicked always get away with it and prosper? It appears so a lot of the time, though deep down we feel wickedness should be punished. The disciples felt this too (see John 9:1-2). What does God think? What is the point of being good and doing the right thing? Let’s hope we find out tomorrow later in the psalm!

Lord, help us not to envy those who have so much more than us or seem to have easier lives than us. We declare that you are our ‘all sufficient’ one and you will supply all our needs.

We are continuing our series of reflections on the Psalms. Each day we will upload a new reflection to the website. We hope and pray that you will find them helpful and that they bring hope during this season. Click on these buttons to read the text of the psalm or listen to a recording of it. You can also listen to the reflection using the audio player below.

Read Psalm 72  Listen to Psalm 72

This is a prayer by David for his son Solomon who will inherit the throne of his father. It is also a prophecy. It speaks of Jesus Christ who fulfilled these verses as He establishes the Kingdom of God on earth now and when he returns fully at his Second Coming. The psalm shows how your prayers now can make a difference to our nation’s history and its providence (protection) by God. David says here “This king will endure and be feared for ever” (verses 5, 17).

What are the values of this kingdom for which David prays? It starts with justice and righteousness, judgement, and right living. These are unshakeable foundations as the mountains. His emphasis is for the meek and lowly, the poor and needy, the down and out and the destitute and marginalised. The king opens a place in his heart for them, and sets them free. They will be rescued from tyranny and torture, and cruel tyrants will be put down (MSG).

The outcome for this nation is prosperity and natural exuberance. His kingdom will rule from shore to shore. He will attract the rulers of the nations who will bow down to him and all nations will be blessed through him (verses 8-17). Praise to the King, whose glory shines for ever, and unceasing prayer are the hallmarks of this community.

What can we conclude? History tells us that Solomon did expand Israel’s borders. The rulers of these nations (including the Queen of Sheba) did bring tribute and gifts to him. But his rule was later marred by idolatry and split by conflict into two. So, in verses 18-20 we see a king greater than David - Jesus who comes to Israel. A wonder working king whose glorious name of Saviour and King initiated his kingdom which will have no end. We are commanded to praise him and pray and work now that his kingdom and its values will come. "Yes, Yes, Yes!" (verse 19).

Lord, change our nation to be like yours and use me.

We are continuing our series of reflections on the Psalms. Each day we will upload a new reflection to the website. We hope and pray that you will find them helpful and that they bring hope during this season. Click on these buttons to read the text of the psalm or listen to a recording of it. You can also listen to the reflection using the audio player below.

Read Psalm 71:12-24  Listen to Psalm 71:12-24

Following on from yesterday, this psalm has been referred to as the ‘Old man’s prayer’. It talks about the journey of faith; from birth, youth to old age. The psalmist is still turning to God for help as well as looking back with thanksgiving for God’s salvation and righteousness.

In today’s culture, youth is revered and the old passed over, but this is not God’s culture. Abraham left his father’s house when he was 75, and was given a new name and calling at 99! Moses was 80 plus when he went back to free the lsraelites. Anna the prophetess was 84 when she saw baby Jesus and then went on to tell others!

Many movements of God have come about as men and women of older years have prayed in faith for God’s intervention. Whether we are growing our hair, have grey hair, or no hair, this does not change our status as son and daughters in the Kingdom of God.

The psalmist wants the “old and grey” to teach the next generation, sharing years of experience and a history of walking with God.  If that is you, who can you be an example to? If you are young, who can you learn from?

Father, thank you we are loved and valued all through our lives, help us to learn from each other, in Jesus’ name.

We are continuing our series of reflections on the Psalms. Each day we will upload a new reflection to the website. We hope and pray that you will find them helpful and that they bring hope during this season. Click on these buttons to read the text of the psalm or listen to a recording of it. You can also listen to the reflection using the audio player below.

Read Psalm 71:1-11  Listen to Psalm 71:1-11

Refuge isn’t a word we use much today - we most probably talk about safety or finding comfort somewhere. The word comes from an old French word meaning to flee from, to find shelter, protection, a hiding place. When we are stressed or anxious, under pressure, facing difficulties or hard situations, where or what do we “flee” to, in order to find safety and comfort?

It can be a good place or people, friends or family, an actual building, or place of belonging. It might be we run to the ice cream compartment or the wine bottle, or less helpfully other substances that can harm, or maybe we become ostrich-like and pretend that nothing is wrong, get very busy with work, spend all our time at the gym, or be less busy and watch endless box sets. Sometimes some of these things can be what is needed, but where do we go first?

The psalmist clearly had plenty of major stresses in his life, but knew that the only really secure place to run to was to God. Even from birth onwards, whatever age, young or old, they learnt that God was their refuge who wants us to flee to him, where he hears our cries. The psalmist learnt this as he grew up and could look back and know from past experiences that God was his place of refuge. This resulted in exclamations of praise and worship. The children of Israel knew that it was good to remember all that God had done for them, by their many feasts and celebrations.

Let’s look back and be thankful when God has been our place of refuge, or answered our prayers and use our testimony to encourage others and ourselves as we grow in faith and share God’s unfailing love.

Father, thank you I can run to you any time of the day or night, you are my place of safety and deliverance, help me to demonstrate and tell this to your world, in Jesus’ name.

We are continuing our series of reflections on the Psalms. Each day we will upload a new reflection to the website. We hope and pray that you will find them helpful and that they bring hope during this season. Click on these buttons to read the text of the psalm or listen to a recording of it. You can also listen to the reflection using the audio player below.

Read Psalm 70  Listen to Psalm 70

Have you ever been in a threatening situation and sent up a lightning prayer to God to get you out of it? David knew those that planned his downfall were on their way to get him. So, he cries “God! Please hurry to my rescue! God, come quickly to my side!" (MSG 70:1-3). He makes some suggestions how God could save him, but in the end all he can say is “But I’ve lost it. I’m wasted... Quick to my side, quick to my rescue!" (MSG 70:5).

Then the desperation and anxiety start to fade (verse 4). It turns into an awareness that God is kind and on his case! He remembers the times when he previously sought the Lord’s saving ways; things changed, fear became rejoicing and he celebrated the mightiness of the living God.

It is sometimes helpful to record these events in a journal and the way Jesus changed the outcome and you. These are faith building steps to help us become more mature followers of Christ. Remember: He is always “on your case.” His kindness and gentleness know no limits.

Lord, thank you so much for the experience of your kindness and love in the past. Thank you that you are never distant. When I cry, you hear. Today I cry for…