Daily Morning Watch

May 29, 2023

If you don’t already know this psalm by heart, now is a good time to learn it. If you live where there are sheep, this imagery will be easily understandable to you. If not, learn what you can about sheep care; it is a very good picture of God’s care for us. One pastor puts Psalms 22, 23, and 24 into a picture of Jesus’ last days. Psalm 22 speaks of Jesus’ death; 23 is peaceful and restful, like His brief time in the tomb; and 24—well, you’ll find out tomorrow!

May 28, 2023

Here is one of the greatest of messianic psalms. David wrote it from his own anguish—imagine if he’d known the true Messiah would quote it 1000 years later in His own anguish! But have you ever looked up the psalm Jesus quoted from on the cross? Look at the end—even during His agonizing death, Jesus was telling His enemies that He would prevail at last! You are one of those “generations yet unborn” who have been told His story!

May 27, 2023

In this psalm, David praises God for caring for him through his kingship. Depending on how old he was when he wrote it, it’s also possible that it could refer to his hopes for his son, Solomon, who did, in fact (after David’s death, of course) fulfill all these hopes. It might be tempting to think this psalm doesn’t refer to us—we’re not kings or queens! But look again. What verses mean something to your life?

May 26, 2023

Here is an interesting psalm—it’s not a song of David’s feelings, but of his wishes for whoever sings or hears the song. That includes you and me! As you read through this song, think of specific times God has answered you in trouble, or granted you your heart’s desire. Think of a way you can boast of His name to someone else this week.

May 24, 2023

After all those trials, most of which were caused (at least in his younger years) by Saul, David cried out his joy at deliverance in this long song. First, there is a long list of things God is like. How many can you count? Which do you like best? The middle part sounds like a description of a thunderstorm. And then the praise for deliverance. Do you know the song we have today, based on verse 46?

May 23, 2023

David faced a lot of troubles and dangers in his life. Do you, too? Do your prayers sometimes start in dismay and dread? If so, be sure to always end them in trust, whether you feel it or not—your heart will eventually follow your mind. And like the last verse, however our trials end here on earth, in the final end, we will be satisfied to see Jesus when we wake forever

May 22, 2023

This is another messianic psalm, as you can see in verse 10. God did not leave Jesus in the grave to decay. In another sense, though, like all psalms, it’s for all of us, you included. It speaks of the joy and security now of following God, and also of future security in Him. If we follow God, our bodies may decay after death, but we will still be raised to live forever with Him. Choose your favorite bit of this psalm to write down, illustrate, and put up where you can see it.

May 21, 2023

Here is a psalm that is central to all psalms, or even to the whole Bible. This is a clear list of the attributes a faithful follower of God will have. Make a list of them in your own words, and if you are a girl, be sure to use “she” instead of “he.” Which characteristics come easily to you? Which are difficult?

May 19, 2023

This would be a nice little psalm to set to music. Why don’t you try it? There are three 2-verse stanzas. Notice, again, David’s progression: he honestly expresses his feelings of abandonment and despair, he begs God to help him and lays out his situation, and then he ends with praise and trust. Can you praise and trust God while you are still praying for help?