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Psalm 26

Being The Same Inside and Out

Filed Under: Devotions by Chuck
September 26, 2026

“I am blameless.” David’s declaration does not mean he is claiming sinless perfection, but that he is sincere and undivided in his desire to follow God’s plan. His heart is set on making God the highest priority. It is as if he is saying, “God, I really want what you want for my life.” There is a refreshing honesty in that prayer. He invites God to look deep within him: “Examine me, God, from head to foot, order your battery of tests. Make sure I am fit inside and out.” That kind of openness is both admirable and slightly intimidating. I am comfortable asking God to check a few things, but a full inspection feels like inviting a mechanic to look under the hood when I already hear a strange noise. Still, David shows that true faith is not about appearing flawless, but about being genuine. It is a longing for purity in purpose, a life aligned with the will of God even while acknowledging personal weakness.

David also distances himself from those who speak of devotion but do not live it out. He avoids “those who say they want what you want, but do not reflect that in their lives.” He calls them “hypocrites and deceivers,” which is strong language, yet it reflects a deep desire for integrity. His faith is not a performance; it is a way of life. That is where the message meets daily experience. It is possible to say the right things and still drift in another direction. I have managed that more than once, sounding committed while quietly following my own plans. David’s example brings a gentle correction. He seeks a life where the private heart matches the public confession. “I continually seek your will for my life,” he says, and that pursuit shapes his choices, his relationships, and even his thoughts. It is not about perfection in action, but sincerity in direction, a steady turning toward God again and again.

That longing for integrity finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The New Testament echoes David’s desire when it says, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8). Through Christ, purity becomes more than a goal; it becomes a gift shaped by grace. “If we walk in the light, as he is in the light… the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin” (First John 1:7). This is why David’s joy in gathering with God’s people overflows into song: “Singing God-songs at the top of my lungs, telling God-stories.” In Christ, that song continues, as lives are changed and testimonies are shared. Integrity, once pursued, is now sustained by the One who sees the heart and patiently shapes it into something true.

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Psalm 25

God’s Plan for Me From A to Z

Filed Under: Devotions by Chuck
September 25, 2026

I have been reflecting on the truth that God has a personal plan and purpose for each of us, and that realization gives the Psalms a deeper tone. Psalm 25, in particular, reads like a carefully arranged song, an acrostic in Hebrew moving from Aleph to Tav, as if God is saying, “I have thought of everything from beginning to end.” That structure alone is comforting to someone like me who occasionally misplaces both keys and direction. The psalmist’s prayer rises with clarity: “Show me the path where I should walk, O Lord; point out the right road for me to follow.” It is not a demand, but a humble request. “Lead me by your truth and teach me…” Those words feel honest and grounded, like a traveler finally admitting he does not know the way but trusts the Guide. There is a quiet confidence here, not in personal ability, but in God’s willingness to lead.

When I bring that prayer into daily life, it becomes both reassuring and slightly exposing. “Forgive the rebellious sins of my youth,” the psalmist says, and I find myself adding a few recent entries to that list. I have tried finding happiness by following my own plans, and while that approach looks promising on paper, it tends to unravel in practice. The world offers pleasure, possessions, and prestige, yet they rarely deliver lasting peace. I have chased a few of those, only to discover they are poor substitutes for purpose. Still, God’s mercy meets me there. He helps me find my footing again. “He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way.” There is something steady about His guidance. It does not rush, and it does not abandon. When I slow down enough to listen, His path begins to look clearer than my shortcuts ever did.

That guiding hand finds its fullest expression in Jesus Christ. The New Testament echoes the psalmist’s longing when Jesus says, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). The path we ask to see in Psalm 25 is revealed in a Person. Through Him, forgiveness becomes real, not just hoped for: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us” (First John 1:9). And the promise of direction continues, for “we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10). From beginning to end, from Aleph to Tav, God’s plan is not only written—it is lived out in Christ, who leads, restores, and quietly shapes a life that once wandered into a story that finally makes sense.

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Psalm 24

Let Him In

Filed Under: Devotions by Chuck
September 24, 2026

God made us to have a relationship with Him, not one marked by distance or duty, but by closeness and love. When that relationship takes first place, life begins to settle into a kind of steady rhythm, like finally finding the right key for a song that always sounded a little off. “Wake up, you sleepyhead city! Wake up, you sleepyhead people! King-Glory is ready to enter.” That call feels both poetic and personal, as if it is aimed at the whole world and somehow lands right at my doorstep. Those who make room for Him discover that blessings show up in unexpected places, not because life becomes easy, but because it becomes anchored. On the other hand, when other priorities crowd Him out, the heart starts chasing things that never quite satisfy. I have tried a few of those substitutes, and they tend to promise more than they deliver.

There is an invitation that echoes through every soul: “Look at me. I stand at the door. I knock. If you hear me call and open the door, I will come right in and sit down to supper with you.” That picture is simple and surprisingly ordinary. God is not described as breaking down the door, but as knocking, waiting, and calling. It is both gentle and persistent. The idea of Him sitting down to supper speaks of friendship, not formality. Yet it is possible to leave Him standing outside while we rearrange furniture inside, convincing ourselves we are too busy to answer. I have done that more than I care to admit, treating the King of Glory like a visitor who arrived without checking my schedule. The question lingers: “Aren’t you going to let Him in?” It is not a question of ability, but of willingness, and it quietly presses into the middle of everyday life.

That invitation finds its fullest meaning in Jesus Christ, who says, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock” (Revelation 3:20). He is the One who makes the relationship possible. The New Testament reminds us, “God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). The door He knocks on was opened at great cost. His promise is not only presence, but peace: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you” (John 14:27). What begins as a knock becomes a life shared, where fear slowly gives way to trust. The One who enters does not come empty-handed; He brings with Him the very life we were made to know, restoring what was missing and filling what could never be satisfied any other way.

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Psalm 23

God’s Plan For Our Lives

Filed Under: Devotions by Chuck
September 23, 2026

God has a wonderful plan for your life, a plan filled with care, provision, and guidance. It is described beautifully in Psalm 23, where every phrase reveals the heart of God for His children. The translations may differ, but the meaning remains steady. You are led to “green pastures” or “lush meadows,” places of rest and abundance where the soul can breathe again. You are guided beside “still waters” or “peaceful streams,” where the noise settles and the heart finds calm. God promises to “restoreth my soul,” or “lets me catch my breath,” which is a phrase I appreciate more with each passing year. Life has a way of taking the wind out of us, and God has a way of putting it back. He is not only concerned with what happens around us but with what happens within us, renewing strength and giving quiet hope even when we feel a little worn around the edges.

God’s plan also provides direction and protection, though I admit I have tested both more than necessary. “He leads me in paths of righteousness,” or, as another rendering puts it, “He sends me in the right direction.” That sounds simple until I remember how often I have preferred my own shortcuts. Still, even then, “I will fear no evil,” not because I have great courage, but because He is present. “Your rod and your staff, they comfort me,” like a steady hand on the shoulder when I start to drift. And then there is that remarkable line: “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.” It is as if God sets a feast while everything around me insists it is not a good time to eat. I would have postponed the meal, but He seems unbothered. His care turns anxious moments into quiet assurance, reminding me that His presence outweighs the pressure.

This shepherding care finds its fullest expression in Jesus Christ, who said, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (John 10:11). The Psalm becomes personal in Him. “My cup overflows with blessings” echoes the promise that “from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace” (John 1:16). And when the psalm concludes, “I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever,” it resonates with His words, “In my Father’s house are many rooms… I go to prepare a place for you” (John 14:2). Through Christ, the green pastures, the quiet waters, the restored soul, and the overflowing cup all come together in a life that is held, guided, and carried forward. It is a plan not only for this moment, but for every step that follows.

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Abandonment

Filed Under: Devotions by Chuck
September 22, 2026

Abandonment is a terrible feeling. If you have ever felt deserted, betrayed, or quietly ignored by people you trusted, you already understand the weight of it. It can stir anger, bitterness, and a kind of ache that lingers longer than we would like to admit. Julian Lennon once spoke candidly about his own experience of being left behind by John Lennon: “He was a hypocrite… Dad could talk about peace and love out loud to the world, but he could not show it to the people who supposedly meant the most to him.” That kind of honesty cuts deep because it reflects a common human story. We say the right things, we mean well at times, and yet we fail each other. I have had my share of moments on both sides of that equation—feeling overlooked and, if I am honest, sometimes being the one who did the overlooking.

Psalm 22 opens with words that sound like a cry from that very place: “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” It is not polished language; it is raw and real. Life has a way of bringing us to similar questions, even if we do not always say them out loud. We may sit in a quiet room, replaying conversations, wondering how things unraveled so quickly. It is a strange thing how a full house can still feel empty. In those moments, we can drift toward thinking we are entirely on our own. Yet the story of Scripture does not leave us there. As J. I. Packer wrote, “He never abandons anyone on whom he has set his love.” That truth can feel hard to hold when emotions are loud, but it remains steady even when our thoughts wander in circles. God’s faithfulness does not depend on our ability to track it perfectly.

The cry of Psalm 22 is taken up by Jesus Christ on the cross: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46). In that moment, He entered fully into the experience of abandonment, not for His own failure, but for ours. He bore the weight of our wandering, our neglect, and our broken relationships. Yet His final words reveal trust: “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit” (Luke 23:46), and before that, “It is finished” (John 19:30). The work was complete. The separation was not the end of the story, for “God raised him up” (Acts 2:24). In Christ, abandonment is faced, carried, and overcome. What feels final to us is not final to Him, and the cross stands as a reminder that even in the deepest silence, God’s purpose is still at work, holding together what we feared had been lost.

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Psalm 21

Personalizing The Psalm

Filed Under: Devotions by Chuck
September 21, 2026

I have taken the words of Psalm 21 from The Message and rewritten them to make them personal, putting “me,” “my,” “I,” or even my own name where “him,” “his,” or “he” originally appeared. It is a simple but powerful way to make the message of Scripture resonate in real life. When I do it, the words become more than poetry—they become testimony. “You gave me exactly what I wanted; you did not hold back. You filled my arms with gifts; you gave me a right royal welcome.” That kind of language does not stay on the page very long; it moves into the heart. It reminds me that God’s blessings are not distant or theoretical. They are tangible, personal, and often arrive in ways I would not have scripted. I admit, if I had been writing my own story, I might have edited out a few chapters, but God seems to prefer the full version.

I see this truth in my own life: “I wanted a good life; you gave it to me, and then made it a long life as a bonus.” I am nearing eighty, which still surprises me when I look in the mirror and expect to see a younger man staring back. “You… dressed me in rainbow colors. You pile blessings on me. You make me glad when you smile.” These words capture a joy that comes from walking with God over time. It is not a constant parade of easy days, but it is steady, and it is real. When I pause long enough to notice, I see His hand in more places than I first thought. “Is it any wonder I love God? That I am sticking with the Best?” That line makes me smile, because I know how often I have wandered, only to discover that He never did. The psalm becomes a way of reading my own life through the lens of His generosity.

And this is not a message for me alone—it belongs to all who believe. “All who believe in you can say this. That is why… we are out singing the good news!” That good news finds its center in Jesus Christ, who embodies every promise of God. The New Testament says, “All the promises of God find their Yes in him” (Second Corinthians 1:20). What the psalm celebrates in part, Christ fulfills completely. “Jesus saves, Jesus saves!” is not just a lyric; it is a declaration that “he came that they may have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10). When we make the psalm personal, we begin to see that our lives are woven into His story. The blessings, the length of days, the joy in His presence—all of it points to the One who gives and sustains it, turning ordinary days into a quiet song that continues long after the words are spoken.

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Psalm 20

Through The Storms

Filed Under: Devotions by Chuck
September 20, 2026

Many people trust in their own strength to carry them through life’s storms. They rely on their abilities, their plans, and their devices, thinking they can weather any trial. Sometimes this works for a while, like using a small umbrella in a light drizzle and calling it victory. But eventually the sky opens up, and human effort begins to look very small. When storms crash in, many cry out to God in desperation, seeking refuge and guidance. Yet, as the psalmist suggests, “God will not recognize their voice! He has not heard it before.” Their pleas feel foreign because no relationship has been built. It is a sobering thought. I admit, there are moments when I treat prayer like an emergency hotline rather than a daily conversation. Self-reliance can appear strong, but it is a thin shield when the winds begin to howl.

But for those who truly believe and trust in Him, the story is different. God hears the prayers of those who have walked with Him, even when their words come out a bit tangled. “God answer you on the day you crash… put you out of harm’s reach.” Because you believe in God, He will “give you what your heart desires” and “accomplish your plans.” Faith transforms prayer from a last resort into a steady lifeline. It becomes less like dialing in a panic and more like staying on the line all day. For those who love Him, He makes “all your wishes come true,” though not always in the way we first imagined. That is where I have learned, sometimes slowly, that His plans tend to be wiser than mine. I would have taken shortcuts; He builds something lasting. Trust in God brings protection, direction, and a quiet confidence that does not depend on perfect circumstances.

Meanwhile, there are always those who cling to their own devices, polishing their chariots and grooming their horses, confident in human strength. “The chariots will rust, those horses pull up lame—and we will be on our feet, standing tall.” That contrast finds its clearest meaning in Jesus Christ. The New Testament reminds us, “Some trust in chariots… but we trust in the name of the Lord,” a truth echoed when Paul writes, “When I am weak, then I am strong” (Second Corinthians 12:10). Through Christ, strength is redefined. He says, “Apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5), yet also promises, “I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20). Trusting Him does not remove every storm, but it anchors us through them. In Him, we find that standing tall has little to do with our footing and everything to do with the One who holds us steady.

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Psalm 19

God’s Glory on Tour

Filed Under: Devotions by Chuck
September 19, 2026

The psalmist tells us that everywhere you look in this world, “God’s glory is on tour…” That phrase captures the sweeping message of Psalm 19 as rendered by Eugene Peterson. Creation itself becomes a classroom: “Madame Day holds classes every morning, Professor Night lectures each evening.” Their words are not spoken aloud, yet their message fills the earth. “Their silence fills the earth: unspoken truth is spoken everywhere.” From the vast heavens to the smallest detail of a flower’s design, all creation declares His handiwork. “God’s Word, proclaiming his Glory… vaults across the skies from sunrise to sunset… warming hearts to faith.” There is a quiet persistence to it all, like sunlight slipping through the blinds whether we are ready for it or not. The evidence of His existence is not hidden; it is simply overlooked, often by people like me who can miss a sunrise while searching for misplaced keys.

In daily life, that constant display of glory meets us in ordinary moments. Everything God says to us in His Word comes “with a lifetime guarantee.” His promises do not expire, even if our attention span does. “God’s Word is better than a diamond… better than strawberries in spring.” That sounds poetic until I remember how easily I trade something lasting for something immediate, like checking my phone before my feet hit the floor. The psalmist reminds us that Scripture “pulls our lives together… showing the way to joy.” It warns, “Otherwise, how will we find our way? Or know when we play the fool?” That line lands gently but firmly. Left to myself, I can wander off course with confidence and call it progress. Yet God’s Word serves as a compass in the fog and a map through the wilderness, steady even when I am not. It does not shout over the noise; it simply keeps speaking truth, waiting for a listening ear.

That steady voice finds its clearest expression in Jesus Christ. The New Testament declares, “In the beginning was the Word… and the Word was God” (John 1:1), and then, “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14). The glory that is “on tour” in creation is revealed fully in Christ. He embodies the life-giving truth the psalm celebrates. “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable” (Second Timothy 3:16), and through Jesus that Word becomes personal, living, and active. When the psalmist speaks of God’s directions being “plain and easy on the eyes,” it echoes Christ’s invitation, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness” (John 8:12). Through Him, the silent sermon of creation and the written Word of Scripture come together, illuminating a path where even distracted travelers can find their way and glimpse the glory that has been there all along.

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