As 2025 draws to a close, many of us carry stories of loss, uncertainty, and weariness. The world has not been as stable as we hoped, and the storms we face are real. Psalm 46 does not deny the trouble—it names it honestly. Yet in the shaking of mountains and the roaring of waters, God offers himself as our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. In God’s presence, we are invited to be still—not because life is calm, but because God is near.
The accounts of the kings of Israel and Judah in 1 and 2 Samuel and 1 and 2 Kings can be frustrating to read: It’s a years-long tug of war between good and evil. Most of the kings of the two nations were bad, but there are a few sprinkled throughout whom the writers call good. In opposition to their culture, and even contrary to the way they were raised, these good kings followed the Lord, or at least tried. And that’s what God always wants - a heart that is turned to Him. This Sunday, we will take a look at the last four major kings of Judah: Hezekiah, Mannaseh, Amon, and Josiah. We will tie into the Psalms for the signs of a heart devoted to God. Despite everything that’s going on around us that would get us off track, let us be those who say, “As for me…”
Most of the psalms are prayers – people talking to God. Psalm 50 is God talking to his people. The scene is much like a cosmic courtroom where God is judge, lawyer and jury all in one. Even though the psalm is worded as an accusation, it is full of grace. God reminds us in no uncertain terms that he is the Sovereign Savior who delivers us and that obedience is our best act of gratitude for all he has done. Psalm 50 calls us to renew our commitment to gratefully follow God in all things.
The Psalms have been the prayer book of believers for 3000 years, covering the full range of human emotions and responses to God. As we enter into this new year not knowing what the future holds, let's begin firmly rooted in what we do know: our world belongs to God, and he will not let go of us.
“Let everything that has breath praise the LORD.
Praise the LORD.” –Psalm 150:6
The elections this week (and all that led to them) revealed our hopes and anxieties in new ways. It does not take an election, however, to reveal our hearts. Illness, finances, relationships and so much more can lay our hearts bare. Psalm 33 speaks into every part of our lives, calling us to unleash our praise to the God who is upright, faithful, righteous, just and loving. God actively governs creation, social and political structures, our lives and our salvation. May we rejoice and put our hope in God, and may God surround us with his unfailing love.