Psalms for Shepherds Podcast
Psalm 119 | Part 19 | Psalms for Shepherds
April 6, 2024 • Holly Culhane, Psalms for Shepherds, P4S • Psalm 119:145–152
This is Holly Culhane with Presence Point and welcome to week 19 of 22 in our series on Psalm 119. Today, we’re looking at verses 145 through 152, the stanza of this Psalm that is based on the 19th letter of the Hebrew alphabet, Qoph (pronounced KUPH or KOPH). This passage is a reminder to us as under-shepherds, to go often to the Father on our behalf and on behalf of the sheep n our lives and to do so as an act of love, with our eyes open, to watch and pray as Nehemiah did, and as Jesus, Paul, and Peter commanded us “to watch and pray”, to be alert, ready, and aware of what is happening around us, because as Warren Wiersbe alerts, “We are soldiers in a battle and we dare not go to sleep while on duty.” We are, in fact, on duty, fellow shepherd. We are, in fact, responsible for those we lead, for how we influence those with whom we come in contact, for the behaviors we demonstrate, for watching out for the well-being of those who report to us, of those we report to, and of those we work, stand, and fight with - at home, at church, and in our communities. I pray that we will often reach out to the Father IN LOVE, not with an ask, but in gratitude. And may we, in fact, remember that ARE in a battle, that the sheep of our pasture are counting on us, and that we dare not go to sleep. Thank you for joining me.
Psalm 119 | Part 18 | Psalms for Shepherds
March 30, 2024 • Holly Culhane, Psalms for Shepherds, P4S • Psalm 119:137–144
This is Holly Culhane with Presence Point and welcome to week 18 of our series on Psalm 119. Today, we’re looking at verses 137 through 144, the stanza of this Psalm that is based on the 18th letter of the Hebrew alphabet, Tsadhe (pronounced SAHdi). the Puritans had a deep and meaningful prayer life, as illustrated in the collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions in the book, The Valley of Vision. One of those prayers reminded me of the portion of Psalm 119 we are reviewing today. Please join me in praying this Puritan prayer, in an updated format for the 21st Century. O GOD MOST HIGH, MOST GLORIOUS, The thought of Your infinite serenity cheers me, For I am toiling and moiling, troubled and distressed, but You are forever at perfect peace. Your designs cause You no fear or care of unfulfillment, they stand fast as the eternal hills. Your power knows no bond, Your goodness no stint. You bring order out of confusion, and my defeats are Your victories: The Lord God omnipotent reigns. I come to You as a sinner with cares and sorrows, to leave every concern entirely to You, every sin calling for Christ's precious blood; Revive deep spirituality in my heart; Let me live near to the great Shepherd, hear his voice, know its tones, follow its calls. Keep me from deception by causing me to abide in the truth, from harm by helping me to walk in the power of the Spirit. Give me a more intense faith in the eternal verities, burning into me by experience the things I know; Let me never be ashamed of the truth of the gospel, that I may bear its reproach, vindicate it, see Jesus as its essence, know in it the power of the Spirit. Lord, help me, for I am often lukewarm and chill; unbelief mars my confidence, sin makes me forget You. Let the weeds that grow in my soul be cut at their roots; Grant me to know that I truly live only when I live to You, that all else is trifling. Your presence alone can make me holy, devout, strong, and happy. Abide in me, gracious God. Amen. I pray, dear fellow shepherd leader, that you will camp a bit on the words on Psalm 119, verses 137 to 144, that you will listen to that prayer again, praying it for yourself, and that the Father’s righteousness will, indeed, spur you on to faithful obedience. He deserves it. We should be compelled to it. Our sheep - the sheep of His pasture who have been made in His image - merit it. Thank you for joining me.
Psalm 119 | Part 17 | Psalms for Shepherds
March 2, 2024 • Holly Culhane, Psalms for Shepherds, P4S • Psalm 119:129–136
Welcome to week 17 of our series on Psalm 119, and we’re looking at verses 129 through 136. This stanza of the Psalm is based on the 17th letter of the Hebrew alphabet, known as Pe which in Hebrew means mouth. I have not spoken of the meaning of the Hebrew letters during this Psalm 119 series, but I’ve been so drawn to the meaning with this particular letter. The fifth letter of the Hebrew alphabet also means “mouth”, but interestingly it means breathing, breath, Spirit, and revelation. Pe, the letter associated with these 16 verses, however, means “speech, the spoken word, testimony”. There is so much truth in this short passage. God’s testimonies ARE wonderful. His Word DOES give light, as well as understanding. His way toward those who love Him is, in fact, to turn toward us and be gracious to us. He DOES redeem us from our oppression, He surely shines His face upon us, and He does give us a passion for those who do not know and love the Father. To me, it feels like the real power in this passage is the reminder the psalmist gives in verse 133. The ESV reads, “Keep steady my steps according to your promise, and let no iniquity get dominion [or autocratic rule] over me. The New Living Translation of that verse says, “Guide my steps by your word, so I will not be overcome by evil.” The Message translation reads: “Steady my steps with your Word of promise so nothing malign [or nothing harmful, hurtful, or damaging] gets the better of me.” You know, it seems that we often use so many excuses as to why we sin, that we forget so many passages like Peter’s reminder that “We have been given everything we need for life and godliness”. In other words, to live as Christ would have us to live, and Paul’s admonitions to believers to live a godly life. Not letting sin overcome us is not just an aspirational thought or an aspiring goal, but can be our experience as shepherding believers. If we abide in Jesus Christ, then He has the power, through the Holy Spirit, to daily draw us to Himself and to direct our feet, our hands, our hearts, and our minds into the ways of righteousness. “Keep steady my steps according to your promise, and let no iniquity get dominion over me.” (verse 133) Our Good Shepherd will keep that promise, fellow under-shepherd. He will help us keep our steps steady and He will not let sin have dominion over us. And we must do our part, as well by beginning our day by crying out to Him and staying focused on Him throughout the day. In essence, we abide in Him. All day. Every day. Never wavering from keeping our minds fixed on Christ, the author and protector of our faith. Our Good, Great, and Chief Shepherd. Whatever tempts you the most and it does not matter whether it is an addiction or an occasional attraction or enticement you can live in a way that does not let that sin get dominion over you. It is really your choice, fellow under-shepherd. Giving into temptation will always produce a negative situation in your flock, because as Scripture teaches us sin always separates us from God, us from others, and, even, us from ourselves. Shepherd leader, How willing are you to move from separation to community? Even with the flock you shepherd. Be encouraged to spend time contemplating that question, evaluating how you are living, if you are crying out to the Father, longing after His Word, and meditating on Him and His Words day and night the only sure-fire way that you will not be overcome by evil and that nothing harmful, hurtful, or damaging will get the better of you. May you live deeply into your calling to shepherd well all those entrusted to your care.
Psalm 119 | Part 16 | Psalms for Shepherds
February 24, 2024 • Holly Culhane, Psalms for Shepherds, P4S • Psalm 119:113–120
This is week 16 of our series on Psalm 119, and we’re looking at verses 121 through 128. This stanza of the Psalm is based on the 16th letter of the Hebrew alphabet, known as Ayin. In this portion of Psalm 119, the psalmist --- the author --- feels he is at the mercy of his enemies and that he has done what is just and right, and wants assurance that God will rescue him. The psalmist knows and expresses in this psalm that God is the ULTMATE PROTECTOR. He can intervene at any time He chooses, just as He did for the children of Israel. So he is begging God to do so. Sometimes, though, God does not intervene. Our status as children of God, as those who love Him, follow His Word, and serve as His under-shepherds, does not shield us from the arrogant and the evil around us. Sometimes it seems that God is doing nothing. Maybe someone in your congregation, on your work team, in your community, or even in your neighborhood, is making life difficult for you. They may be spreading lies, undermining a task you’re trying to accomplish, or, worse yet, working to tarnish your reputation. Maybe it is evil you are experiencing at school or at work. You have been clear with God, as the psalmist was, that you need to be rescued and delivered from whatever you are facing, but God has not yet acted. He has not stepped in and saved the day! He has not done whatever it is you are hoping He would do. Or does it just seem that way? My dear fellow under-shepherd, God is ALWAYS working. He is ALWAYS hearing our pleas for help, our complaints, our fears, our concerns. We need never question His presence even if we cannot feel it. We need never question His provision even if we cannot see it. We need never question His protection even if we cannot hear His army approaching. As the psalmist ultimately says, we need to trust our Lord. Fully. With His timing. His ways. His truth. Even in the midst of oppression. The bottom line to this passage is that no matter what happens, no matter how long it takes God to save, we, like the psalmist, have blessed assurance that the Lord is our rewarder. He is our surety (because God keeps His promises). He is our Master and the final judge. Shepherd leader, what will you do with the truths in this passage? How will you apply them? May we live deeply into our calling this week.
Psalm 119 | Part 15 | Psalms for Shepherds
February 22, 2024 • Holly Culhane, Psalms for Shepherds, P4S • Psalm 119:113–120
This is week 15 of our series on Psalm 119, and we’re looking at verses 113 through 120. This stanza of the Psalm is based on the 15th letter of the Hebrew alphabet, known as Samekh, and reminds us that God protects His people, God upholds the obedient, God rejects the wicked, and that God alone should be feared. This passage is a perfect reminder that respecting God’s judgments begins with respecting His Word, and that respect begins with a wholehearted commitment to Scripture. A commitment that we, as God’s under-shepherds, should demonstrate. Beyond that whole-hearted commitment to Scripture, the psalmist speaks of the importance of patiently relying on God’s Word for the ultimate victory. We must rest on God’s protection, making Him our hiding place....our refuge and shelter from the attacks of the enemy, whether they are by Satan and his forces or by those with whom we work or serve. God is our shield, our defense to fend off the attacks that do come our way.....and we must be leaders who protect the flock in our care, NEVER losing confidence in the ultimate triumph we have through God’s Word. As the psalmist wrote, “I WAIT for the Lord... and, He is counting on God’s Word to never let him down because of his deep trust He has in the Father. Fellow shepherd leader, if you do not ABSOLUTELY know that you can trust the Father and that He is faithful, then a follow-up exercise to this podcast would be to take a moment and make a list of every single time you have experienced God’s faithfulness in your life. We need to remember that as we shepherd, as the enemy plants seeds of doubts in our minds, when things get harder than expected ---- or harder than we would like ---- We. Can. Trust. Our God! Thank you for joining me this week. I pray that you will take time to make your “How God has proven Himself faithful to me” list and search your soul for how you regard His Word, His statutes, and His precepts.
Psalm 119 | Part 14 | Psalms for Shepherds
January 27, 2024 • Holly Culhane, Psalms for Shepherds, P4S • Psalm 119:105–112
This is week 14 of our series on Psalm 119, and we’re looking at verses 105 through 1124. This portion of this acrostic Psalm based on the Hebrew alphabet, represents the 14th letter, known as Noon. It has often been said that “the greatest ability is dependability”. And we know this applies to our Savior, as He is fully faithful to us. Of course, then, is it not unreasonable for our Savior to expect us to be faithful to Him. This portion of Psalm 119 demonstrates exactly that: the faithfulness of the psalmist to His God and the example we are to follow as faith-filled, fully dependable followers of Jesus. Fellow shepherd leader, may this be our refrain “I inherited your book on living; it’s mine forever. What a gift! And how happy it makes me! I concentrate on doing exactly what you say! I always have and always will!” For this is the only way we will properly influence the sheep God has entrusted to our care with His provision, His protection, and His presence, as He demonstrates, teaches, and outlines in the Word He has given us to guide our feet and light our path. Thank you for joining me.
Psalm 119 | Part 13 | Psalms for Shepherds
January 13, 2024 • Holly Culhane, Psalms for Shepherds, P4S • Psalm 119:97–104
This is week 13 of our series on Psalm 119, and we’re looking at verses 97 through 104. This portion of this acrostic Psalm based on the Hebrew alphabet, represents the 12th letter, known as Mem. In this passage, the psalmist again speaks of His love for God’s word, His desire to meditate seriously on it, and the wisdom and understanding it gives him, and he shares how his desire to keep God’s Word keeps him from evil, stepping outside of the instructions God provides, and from every false way. According to this portion of Psalm 119, the more we’re in God’s Word, meditating, learning, memorizing, studying, contemplating, and considering what God has said to us as the sheep of His pasture, the more wisdom and understanding we will be graced with and the more we will both desire to stay away from evil, and in fact hate every false way and steer clear from it. Bible Commentator Warren Wiersbe entitles this passage, “Beyond Bible Study”. He talks of the love we must have of God’s Word and how we must meditate on it, how a true student of God’s Word has an obedient heart, and knowing that honey would be the sweetest thing the psalmist could taste, talks of how we must enjoy God’s Word. We would do well to take Wiersbe’s thoughts to heart. They are absolutely important for us to remember, to implement, to live as God’s under-shepherds. I invite you to join me in choosing one word or phrase from that prayer to pray every day for the next week, diving into God’s Word more frequently, more fully, more robustly than ever before and let’s see what our Good, Great and Chief Shepherd does in our lives and the lives of those for which you care. Thank you for joining me. I pray we both will live deeply into our calling this week.
Psalm 119 | Part 12 | Psalms for Shepherds
January 6, 2024 • Holly Culhane, Psalms for Shepherds, P4S • Psalm 119:89–96
This is week 12 of our series on Psalm 119, and we’re looking at verses 89 through 96. This portion of the longest Psalm, also an acrostic based on the Hebrew alphabet, represents the 11th letter, known as Lemedh. It’s clear in this passage that God’s Word is settled, that He is faithful, that His creation is established, and that peace is available for those who choose to believe His Word and follow His way and His Truths. It seems that Psalm 119, so far, has proven, as Thomas Manton, an English Puritan Clergyman from the mid-17th Century, once said, “Let us complain not of God, but to God. Complaints of God give a vent to murmuring; but complaints to God, to faith, hope, and patience.” The answers we need as leaders are there. The support we need as guides and mentors is there. The wisdom we need as advisors is there. The influence we need as principals and pastors and C-suite executives is there. But we must be in God’s Word to know it. If we do not seek it and consider it, we cannot remember and delight in it. I pray this Lemedh portion of the Psalm 119 Hebrew alphabet acrostic becomes more to you than part of a poem, more than a song, but that it is the edification you need to take time to dig deeper into the words of our God, and the teachings of our Good, Great, and Chief Shepherd, and becomes the firm foundation upon which you shepherd the sheep entrusted to your care. May you live deeply into your calling this week. Thank you for joining me.
Psalm 119 | Part 11 | Psalms for Shepherds
December 30, 2023 • Holly Culhane, Psalms for Shepherds, P4S • Psalm 119:81–88
This is week 11 of our series on Psalm 119, and we’re looking at verses 81 through 88. This portion of the longest Psalm, also an acrostic based on the Hebrew alphabet, represents the 11th letter, known as Kaph. This is where it seems the psalmist is worn out from waiting for the Lord, but still has hope in God’s future rescue, he still expects God to step into his situation. How many of us can relate to this passage? We long to be saved from the situation we face. In fact, we ache for the Father to intervene. We pray. We wait. We cry. We pray more. And like this psalmist, our eyes grow heavy looking, watching -- straining to see some sort of sign that God is there, that He’s working, that He has a plan and will step in soon! Fellow shepherd leader, fellow influencer in the church, in your family, in your workplace, and in your community, others are looking to you to see how you react in difficult times, in both the large and the small afflictions of life. Therefore, you must, we must, exhibit hope, faith, confidence in the Father, a willingness to wait for the perfect timing of the Perfect One, and an expectation of refreshment, of revitalization, and of recovery. Where do you need to fine tune in this area so that you will shepherd well this week? Thank you for joining me.
Psalm 119 | Part 10 | Psalms for Shepherds
December 23, 2023 • Holly Culhane, Psalms for Shepherds, P4S • Psalm 119:73–80
This is week 10 of our series on Psalm 119, and we’re looking at verses 73 through 80. This portion of this acrostic Psalm represents the tenth letter in the Hebrew alphabet, known as Yodh, and it reminds us of our Creator, our need for understanding, His righteousness, His faithfulness, and His mercy, even, or especially, in affliction. I recently read a devotional from http://disciplersonline.org that reminded me how we often turn to God and trust Him in what we often consider the “BIG AFFLICTIONS” of life. It seems that in the small afflictions we try to carry the burden ourselves. We forget to humble ourselves before our Lord and give all of our cares to Him – no matter how big or small we think they are. We forget that He is faithful in every affliction, He loves us lavishly with an unwavering love all of the time, and He longs to shower His mercy upon us no matter what goes wrong in our day or in our lives. I wonder if in those moments He sees us and graciously, gently speaks a word through the Holy Spirit that He prays we will hear, will quiet our spirits, and draw us to Him. He wants to be the God of the small afflictions, too, and the psalmist knew that. That’s why he begins the Yod portion of Psalm 119 with the reminder that our God created us, He personally formed us with His hands, so He cares greatly about everything in our lives. Thank you for joining me. I pray this passage has challenged you as it has challenged me and that you will shepherd well this week those who have been entrusted to your care.
Psalm 119 | Part 9 | Psalms for Shepherds
December 16, 2023 • Holly Culhane, Psalms for Shepherds, P4S • Psalm 119:65–72
This is week 9 of our Psalm 119 series, we’re looking at verses 65 through 72. Since this psalm is an acrostic from the Hebrew alphabet, this portion of the Psalm represents the ninth letter in the Hebrew alphabet, known as Teth. In Psalm 119:65-72, the psalmist describes himself as a penitent sinner who gratefully accepts the Lord’s discipline and a passage that affirms the goodness of God, the graciousness of his dealings, and the preciousness of his Word. It’s interesting to note that in each group of verses in Psalm 119, the psalmist typically uses different words that start with the Hebrew letter for that section. Remember, this psalm is an acrostic. But this passage is different, each verse that starts with the Hebrew letter, Teth begins with the same word – the word “GOOD” (or “tov”, in Hebrew). As John Piper points out in his article, How God Teaches the Deep Things of His Word, “This makes us sit up and take notice. Something really good is being emphasized. What is the good he wants us to see?” Piper has made it clear: “If God and his word are your highest values, your greatest desires, then whatever helps you know them and experience them deeply will be good — not easy, and maybe not even morally right (like slander from your adversaries), but good in the sense that God ordains it to give you what is absolutely best — the illumining effect of God’s infinitely valuable word.” Oh, how true that is my friend! In my Bible next to verse 71, the verse that says “It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes.”, I have written, “IT WAS!” with an explanation point! I have personally lived this passage of Psalms, dear fellow under-shepherd. And, unfortunately, it was the immoral insolent slander from my adversaries that began a five-year journey in my own life of learning just how close one can become with the Father in such an inequitable circumstance. It was difficult to keep God’s commandments during that time and I’m sure I did not do it perfectly. In fact, I’m sure there were days when I did more not keeping His commandments than keeping them. I leave you this week, with this: “Tov” in this portion of Psalm 119: 65-72, has been translated good, pleasant, beneficial, precious, delightful, and right. It is imperative that as the Father’s under-shepherds, we live with this in mind: As Wiersbe tells us, “God does what is good because God IS good and because what He does is ‘according to His Word’, and His Word is good. Neither His character nor His Word will ever change, so God is good all the time!” Fellow under-shepherd, let’s live like we know this truth! Let’s shepherd those entrusted to our care with the PROVISION, PROTECTION, AND PRESENCE that demonstrates we serve a God who is good and who is good all the time! Thank you for joining me this week. May you live deeply into your calling as shepherd in the lives of the sheep you influence.
Psalm 119 | Part 8 | Psalms for Shepherds
December 9, 2023 • Holly Culhane, Psalms for Shepherds, P4S • Psalm 119:57–64
This is week 8 of our time in Psalm 119, we’re looking at verses 57 through 64 covering the eighth letter in this Hebrew acrostic, known as Heth. It seems the psalmist is pretty straightforward in this psalm --- the Lord is his portion, his Master, and his greatest joy! And He should be the same for us! In that regard, the under-shepherds of the 21st Century are no different than the under-shepherds of 1000 BC! With that in mind and because the authors of Endless Grace do such a beautiful job with prayers inspired by the psalms, here is the prayer they wrote inspired by this portion of Psalm 119. They’ve entitled it PROMISE. Where else would I go, Lord, when You have the words of life? There is no other shelter, no other haven. I will walk in Your Will, Your Wisdom, Your Peace, Your Promise, all the days of my life. Your favor is the reward of my faithfulness. As dusk falls, I take account of the day – my thoughts, actions, intentions, temptations, hesitations. May I be quick to follow You, Lord, quick to repent, quick to obey. When all hell chases me, when darkness stalks me, give me the strength to remember who I am, who You are, who I am in You. As night grows heavy about me, I am drawn to worship, Your Spirit moving over my restless thoughts, waking dreams. Surround me with the fellowship of the saints; all who love You fear You, follow You – whose words can be trusted, whose counsel leads to victory. As the earth is filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, may I be filled to overflowing. Amen and Amen! Dear shepherd leader, let’s be inspired to do and be the same. It's our responsibility, it's our calling. Thank you for joining me this week.
Psalm 119 | Part 7 | Psalms for Shepherds
December 2, 2023 • Holly Culhane, Psalms for Shepherds, P4S • Psalm 119:49–56
This is week 7 of our extended time in Psalm 119 of this lengthy psalm, verse 49 through 56, covering the seventh letter in this Hebrew acrostic, known as Zayin. I know that if we look at this passage in most of our Bibles, we’ll see that Hebrew letter over it as a header, but as I read these eight verses, I want to write the word “HOPE” – in all capital letters, like a neon flashing sign – above this portion of Psalm 119. It’s steeped in HOPE. HOPE in God’s promises. HOPE in God’s precepts, statutes, and teaching. HOPE in His comfort. HOPE in His protection. HOPE in His provision. HOPE in His presence. HOPE in the time He has me as a foreigner in this world. And HOPE in the blessing of His salvation. How many of us as the Father’s under-shepherds claim the hope that is in Jesus, yet do not make obeying, guarding, watching, protecting, keeping, and preserving His precepts our practice, a true habit, a priority??? When it’s the darkest, when there are, in fact, illicit, illegal, and immoral activities happening in our world, do we “remember” or “consider” His name, so that we consider His regulations, His Word? As an under-shepherd, do we stand up for right? Do we remember Truth and speak out on behalf of the Father’s statues in a healthy, godly manner? Our Good, Great, and Chief Shepherd never forgets us. We are always on His mind. He always considers us! He knows the number of hairs on our heads, the number of tears that we’ve cried, and the exact number of days, hours, minutes, and seconds we will have on this earth until He comes again or until He takes us home. Very few of us, I would guess, truly have a God-honoring kind of raging, feverish, scorching indignation grasping us because of the evil ones who have deserted or rejected the teaching of the Good Shepherd. Too few of us really are His godly under-shepherds even when it gets hard, or when times are turbulent, or even when we’re the only one left – as far as we know – on our work team or in our school, or sometimes, even in our church, who stands for the Father and His law. But this psalmist was that kind of under-shepherd. He “remembered” God’s Word, commemorating it, and considering every part of it, standing up for it. That is devotion, my friend. And that is how we are to view God’s Word and His law today For the psalmist, that constructive action was writing songs that speak truth and are still edifying and encouraging us to walk in the light of God’s Word three thousand years later. What is the constructive action the Father has been prompting you to take? Is there something the Father has asked you to provide for the flock under your care, but you’re resisting? Is there a portion of His precepts, His teaching that He has called you to protect, but you have yet to act? Has the Holy Spirit prompted you to demonstrate presence in a way that stretches you, maybe even makes you uncomfortable and you are hesitating? Consider the sacrifice the Good Shepherd made for you, out of obedience to His Father. May we all be challenged today to move beyond service to those around us, to submission to the Father, that is often demonstrated through sacrifice, giving up what we desire or prefer for the good of another, for what the Father is asking us to do. Thank you for joining me. May you shepherd well this week!
Psalm 119 | Part 6 | Psalms for Shepherds
November 25, 2023 • Holly Culhane, Psalms for Shepherds • Psalm 119:41–48
This is week 6 of our time in Psalm 119 and we are covering the sixth letter in this Hebrew acrostic, known as Waw (Vaav). When I read Psalm 119: 41-48 in preparation for today’s podcast, the song writer’s desire was to honor the Father in how he responded to others in every situation. It was so clear when he was mocked, in public and in private, with those with much influence and with those of little influence. In every situation, his desire was to give godly answers, without embarrassment or shame. The psalmist apparently had been lied about, slandered, and his life threatened and, still, his request was that he respond in the manner that honored the Father because he loved Him and trusted in God’s Word. We know that in those moments, we must be prepared for battle with the enemy. We must be suited up with God’s armor, a part of which is the belt of truth, so we know the truth and can speak truth in every situation. That was the psalmist’s desire and it must be our desire as well. We also know there are those moments when we send what some call “telegraph prayers” to the Father, seeking His immediate help and assistance. They’re almost like an SOS message or 9-1-1 call. They’re swift, and they’re urgent! In the midst of challenging situations, when confronted with speech that leaves us at a loss for words or when faced with mental turmoil that tempts us to respond in a manner inconsistent with representing our Good Shepherd, or when confronted with slander, lies, or inquiries about our faith that trigger fear and uncertainty in articulating a response—these are the moments when we must engage in a specific kind of prayer, akin to a "telegraph prayer." In this prayer, we earnestly seek immediate insight and wisdom from the Father. We ask for a quick recall of His teachings and meditations, so that, grounded in the Scriptures, we can articulate His words in His way. This intentional form of prayer serves as a lifeline, guiding us through challenging moments with grace and clarity. I can think of moments when, in milli-seconds, I sent a request to the Father to hear my prayer, provide His wisdom, and fill my mouth with His words to literally let the Holy Spirit speak through me. You have probably done the same thing. So, as we look at this passage, these seven verses, we are reminded that both God speaks to us and, often, at the same time, the enemy is speaking, which is why we must know the truth we hear that God’s people speak to the Father, as demonstrated as the telegraph prayers mentioned earlier, we are reminded how we live matters and it speaks for the Lord – almost on behalf of Him as we are surrounded by the sheep of His pasture, and that we speak to others. My dear under-shepherd, we need God’s Word in our lives, His precepts, so that we might study them, meditate on them, know them, and live them. How we must stay so closely connected to the Father that we can and do, in fact, call upon Him in the SOS and 9-1-1 moments of our lives, as well as when we begin a day, when we end our day, and when we take pauses throughout our day. We must be in constant communication with Him so that we can fall more and more in love with Him, More and more in love with His commandments, His way, and His will, relishing every fragment of His counsel. It is only then that as the sheep of His pasture, we can truly shepherd well the sheep entrusted to our care. Thank you for joining me. I pray you will in fact live deeply into your calling this week.
Psalm 119 | Part 5 | Psalms for Shepherds
November 18, 2023 • Holly Culhane, Psalms for Shepherds • Psalm 119:33–40
Today we continue our deep-dive into Psalm 119 where we are on the fifth letter of the Hebrew alphabet, He (Hay). When I read verses 33-40 of the longest psalms, it seemed the song writer was seeking divine understanding and a deeper desire for obedience. As I researched the passage, my suspicion was affirmed, because in Hebrew, the English word for “understanding” is expanded beyond our general context – which is to “perceive an intended meaning of something, to include, to discern, to realize, to be prudent even to care for, to have skill, insight, and to instruct”. What a wonderful prayer that is for us as shepherd leaders, that we would understand and discern the Father’s Word and His Will for us! That we would care for what He says so deeply that we would have the skill, insight, prudence to obey Him, as well as know His Word so deeply that we have the ability to instruct others in it! Is there any portion of that passage that you need to pray more deeply over so that you can read it or pray it and mean it? Now is the time to do just that, fellow under-shepherd! The psalmist speaks of learning, of obeying, of delighting, of fearing, and of longing. Does that describe you as an under-shepherd of the Good, Great, and Chief Shepherd? Does that describe you as a shepherd mom, shepherd dad, shepherd pastor, shepherd business operator? Do you long for God’s Word, His will, and His ways? Do you want to learn more of God’s word and understand what it means for you? Do you truly desire to obey Him? Do you delight in what He says?? Are you in awe of our God? Do you long for Him??? Our God does see us clearly. And if you’ve listened deeply to this psalm, you may feel like I feel and need to admit there’s room to grow in your learning, your obedience, your delight, your fear, and your longing toward God. May the “He” (Hay) portion of the Hebrew acrostic known as Psalm 119 touch you and change you deeply today! Thank you for joining me this week....