Hidden Streams

A Psalm of David, spoken as a prophet, seeing into the future what would happen to the Messiah. It is Jesus Christ who says "the Lord is my portion and my cup". " I am secure, for you will not will let my flesh see corruption". Death loses all power over Christ and because of that, this Psalm is one to reflect on when considering our mortality. Where is our hope found? Jonathan Noel sings "You Will Not Abandon Me".

A Psalm of comfort for all of us. John Andrew Schreiner sings "The Lord is My Light and My Salvation".

In this painful Psalm, we read of distress that is caused by lying lips and deceitful tongues. This Psalm follows the majestic Psalm 119 which meditates on the benefits of God's decrees. Here in Psalm 120 we our alone, estranged from the world and concerned, even for our own predilection to wander. God is with us. Chris Lizotte sings "I'm A Stranger on the Earth".

In this episode, Chad Bird talks about the disconnect we often experience when reading Psalms like this. This tremendous, encouraging Psalm can also be so different from what we experience, and as a result we end up doubting God, ourselves, and the truth of His Word. Chad reminds us that Christ lives in us, and we live in Him. We pray to Him, and through Him, and in Him. This is our confidence, not our strength or understanding, nor vision or emotion. Our hope is in the One who holds us safely in His care. Izzi Ray sings "I Pray To You (Your Will Be Done)".

If you are a follower of Jesus Christ, then you have a duel citizenship; One on Earth, and one in the new in Jerusalem. This is our confession, that this Kingdom has a capitol city, Jerusalem. When we gather, wherever we are, we come to Mount Zion, the city of the living God to worship together. We belong to the communion of saints, lead by our eternal King. Rebekah Caggegi sings "Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken".

God has looked down upon us with peace, righteousness, fidelity, and love. This Psalm is understood as describing our Savior who perfectly manifests all of these with mercy towards us. He gives us these gifts now, so humanity will never again be the same. God became one of us. Esther Mylar sings "Faithfulness and Love".

When we wait on God, sometimes it seems like we are waiting forever, and the things we hold dear seem to be falling apart. Sometimes, it looks like all is lost, and all we can pray is "How long, O Lord?". Sometimes we wonder how long will it be until we see light instead of darkness. Chad explains that "How long?" is actually both a prayer of pain, and also a confession of hope, because we know that God will come to meet us and make things right. There are consolations only God can give, and one consolation is the consoling presence of the Holy Spirit to carry us through today, into tomorrow, and finally our resurrection when we see our Redeemer face to face. Isa Agape sings "How Long?"

When we wait on God, sometimes it seems like we are waiting forever, and the things we hold dear seem to be falling apart. Sometimes, it looks like all is lost, and all we can pray is "How long, O Lord?". Sometimes we wonder how long will it be until we see light instead of darkness. Chad explains that "How long?" is actually both a prayer of pain, and also a confession of hope, because we know that God will come to meet us and make things right. There are consolations only God can give, and one consolation is the consoling presence of the Holy Spirit to carry us through today, into tomorrow, and finally our resurrection when we see our Redeemer face to face. Isa Agape sings "How Long?"

The enemies of God will be put to shame. David understands this as he looks back on his life. He sees God's kindness and seeks to document God's faithfulness to every generation. All done in mercy, grace, and love. All accomplished by the God who never leaves our side. Izzi Ray sings "My Deliverance".

Psalm 70 encapsulates all of our needs in this life. We ask God to hurry up, make haste, and deliver us from all torments, in all situations. Isa Agape sings "Make Haste".