“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” —1 Thessalonians 5:18

“Say among the nations, ‘The LORD reigns.’” —Psalm 96:10

Our culture has a hard time accepting that God brings justice as well as grace and mercy. This psalm calls down judgment on evildoers. But God is both just and merciful.

“You are the salt of the earth…You are the light of the world…” —Matthew 5:13-16

“Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.” —Psalm 103

Guilt: what do you do with it? Ignore it? Turn it on others? King David encourages us to admit our guilt and give it to God.

“…Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God…” —Psalm 42

“…his delight is in the law of the LORD…” —Psalm 1

“Among the gods there is none like you, O Lord…” —Psalm 86:8a

“The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, ‘Samuel! Samuel!’ Then Samuel said, ‘Speak, for your servant is listening.’” —1 Samuel 3:10