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Psalm 126 | Psalms for Shepherds

August 3, 2024 • Holly Culhane, Psalms for Shepherds, P4S • Psalm 126

This is Holly Culhane with Presence Point and welcome once again to our Psalms for Shepherds podcast. This week we continue our journey in the Psalms of Ascent with Psalm 126. Although perhaps written as a corporate lament, there is much language of hope and joy in these six verses. Nearly every verse contains an expression of joy – laughter, images of restored fortunes, streams in the desert, and abundance of harvest. However, we can also see in the song that the current state of the psalmist is not one of joy, ease, and abundance, yet he writes and sings in hope. Much like the hope we found in Psalm 125! It was the looking back at God’s faithfulness, at what He had done in the past that allowed the psalmist and singers to proclaim in that moment that they were filled with joy. The question we must ask ourselves is this: Do we live like this, dear shepherd? Facing the day as author Pete Santucci says, “like giddy dreamers whose dreams had actually come true”?, remembering God’s grace, His merciful love, the beauty in your life, and your standing in Christ no matter what may come? The psalm is a reminder to remember… to remember the goodness of God. The writers of the She Reads Truth Bible reading plan, The Psalms of Ascent, sum up Psalm 126 this way: “This song uses the memory of hardships [and rejoicing] as encouragement to remember that joy is worth the journey. And with that hope, this song calls the singers to be confident God will continue to use sadness to bring a better joy as they press forward.” Yes, the joy in Jesus is worth the journey through this world. Today, do you need to be reminded of how in the past our Good Shepherd has kept and cared for you, or a loved one, or one or more of sheep in your life? Pour out your prayer to Him, and may this psalm be a template for you. Look back. Choose praise and joy. Lay your requests before Him with the confident expectation that He will certainly be faithful again. After all, He has promised it. My prayer is that your sadness and mine, when it comes, will bring a better joy to us as we press forward, and that you find yourself held, hope-filled, and at peace in the presence of your Shepherd today. Thank you for joining me this week. As you allow Jesus to shepherd you, may you shepherd well those He has entrusted to your care.

Psalm 125 | Psalms for Shepherds

July 27, 2024 • Holly Culhane, Psalms for Shepherds, P4S • Psalm 125

This is Holly Culhane with Presence Point and welcome to our Psalms for Shepherds podcast. This week we are in Psalm 125, yet another Psalm of Ascent. This one wonderfully names the benefits that faith and faithfulness bring to God’s people. This song mentions “those who trust in the Lord”, who are called good and upright. One translation puts it this way: “those whose hearts are in tune with God”. And this song speaks of the wicked and refers to them as “whose scepter will not rest on the land allotted to the righteous”. In the words of Charles Spurgeon, “Two kinds of men are always to be found, the upright and the men of crooked ways... When God is smiting the unfaithful, not a blow shall fall upon the faithful.” It may not always seem like this last sentence of Spurgeon’s is true, but it is! For believers today, this promise will ultimately be fulfilled when God’s people from every nation, tribe, and tongue reign in the new earth. Ultimately, not a blow shall rest on the righteous. It is that confidence that is what keeps followers of the Good, Great, and Chief Shepherd standing in moments where, in our humanness, we want to sink to the floor and crawl into a corner. It is then that we can have the confidence of verse 1 of this psalm: “Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever”. And, from verse 2: “As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people, from this time forth and forevermore.” And that, fellow under-shepherd, is what we must rest in today. No matter what is tempting to shake us, “even as the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds” us. No matter what wickedness is looming before us, it shall “not rest on the land allotted to the righteous”. No matter what’s happening in our family, among our team members, in our organizations, or among the congregation, even as we lead in the most difficult of situations, we can stand firm, we can obey the father, we can continue to talk to and listen to him, and we can have hope in the God of the universe and every one of His promises. Thank you for joining me this week. And thank you for the commitment you have made to shepherd well.

Psalm 124 | Psalms for Shepherds

July 20, 2024 • Holly Culhane, Psalms for Shepherds, P4S • Psalm 124

This is Holly Culhane with Presence Point and welcome to our Psalms for Shepherds podcast. We continue this week in the Psalms of Ascent with Psalm 124, a psalm that remarkably describes what it would be like if God had not rescued the Israelites, and, as we apply it today, what it would be like if God did not rescue us over and over and over again. This psalm begins with “What if the LORD had not been on our side?” and then repeats that same question to require the singers to ensure they do not pass over what David is teaching! As the NLT Study Bible states, “The negative rhetorical questions emphasize the positive idea that the LORD was indeed on their side.” And, dear fellow under-shepherd, He is on our side, as well. Personalize and camp on these questions for a moment: What if the Lord had not been on your side? Who or what would have swallowed you alive in their burning anger? What waters would have engulfed you and the torrent overwhelmed you? Whose teeth would have torn you apart? What trap did our Father break to set you free? You probably thought of specific circumstances as I asked those questions, circumstances that, as you look back upon them, cause you to sing your own song of thanksgiving because God did save you and the situation is behind you! Just think of how many times the Good Shepherd has rescued you… and me, and we weren’t even aware of it! Ecclesiastes 11:5 says, “Just as you cannot understand the path of the wind or the mystery of a tiny baby growing in its mother’s womb, so you cannot understand the activity of God, who does all things.” He is infinite. We are finite. He is omniscient – all-knowing. We know only what He has chosen to give us the brain power to learn, remember, and understand, and what He has chosen to reveal to us. Dear fellow under-shepherd, is there an attack, a trap, or something menacing that is exposing itself in your life right now? Or is there a circumstance like that in your future that you fear? Allow me to encourage you to bring that situation before the Good Shepherd, praise His holy name for saving you in the past. Then rely fully on and bask in His PROVISON, His PROTECTION, and His PRESENCE this week. Thank you for joining me.

Psalm 123 | Psalms for Shepherds

July 6, 2024 • Holly Culhane, Psalms for Shepherds, P4S • Psalm 123

This is Holly Culhane with Presence Point and welcome you to our Psalms for Shepherds podcast. We continue this week in the Psalms of Ascent with Psalm 123. Please join me in reading the four verses of this psalm. I lift my eyes to you, O God, enthroned in heaven. We keep looking to the Lord our God for his mercy, just as servants keep their eyes on their master, as a slave girl watches her mistress for the slightest signal. Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy, for we have had our fill of contempt. We have had more than our fill of the scoffing of the proud and the contempt of the arrogant. The psalmist who authored Psalm 123 is a beautiful example to us of a sheep that fully trusts his shepherd. He looks to the Shepherd first, he waits expectantly, knowing the Shepherd has his back, and he trusts the Shepherd fully, communicating his frustrations with him. There are many lessons in the four sentences of Psalm 123. First, whenever we encounter troubles of any kind, look first by faith to the throne of God. Second, look by faith to the hand of God. Third, in the words of Bible commentator Warren Wiersbe, “Look for God’s mercy and grace.” “If you find yourself laughed at and criticized because you belong to Jesus Christ,” Wiersbe wrote, “you are part of a very elite group, and you do not have to be embarrassed or start looking for a place to hide! There is grace available at the throne of grace from the God of all grace, so lift your eyes of faith to Him.” Fellow under-shepherds, take heed to both the psalmist’s example and the commentator’s words: There is grace available at the throne of grace from the God of all grace. Access it!

Psalm 122 | Psalms for Shepherds

June 29, 2024 • Holly Culhane, Psalms for Shepherds, P4S • Psalm 122

This is Holly Culhane with Presence Point with my granddaughter, Isabella, and we welcome you to our Psalms for Shepherds podcast. Today we’ll be looking at Psalm 122, the third of fifteen Psalms of Ascent. The very first verse of this song may have you singing a chorus from your childhood. “I was glad when they said unto me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord!’” I have such a fun memory of that song! One of our dearest friends required his family to sing this song every Sunday morning on the way to church, especially when it had been a tough morning getting out of the house on time for church with little girls, who grew to be bigger girls, who felt they had much to do to get ready in the morning! He knew the intent of Psalm 122 verse 1 was to reflect the joy of seeing God’s chosen city, Jerusalem, and being in the house of God to worship. As the psalm, continues, we see it reflects even more. This psalm, written by David, clearly illustrates a heart for God, a heart for praise, and a heart for prayer. Dear fellow under-shepherd, take a moment and evaluate your own heart. Do you have a heart for worship? Do you have a heart for praise? Do you have a heart for prayer? We pray that you will take time to ponder Psalm 122 this week, that this Psalm of Ascent will become your song of ascent and that you are glad when others say to you, “Let us go to the house of the Lord!” Thank you for joining us this week. May you live deeply into your calling to shepherd well those entrusted to your care.

Psalm 121 | Psalms for Shepherds

June 22, 2024 • Holly Culhane, Psalms for Shepherds, P4S • Psalm 121

This is Holly Culhane with Presence Point and welcome to our Psalms for Shepherds podcast. Today we’ll be looking at Psalm 121, the second of the Psalms - or Songs - of Ascent. Raechel Myers, the founder of She Reads Truth, contemporizes this group of psalms this way: “These songs for the journey are words to set our hearts on as we go. They are written to help us feel what we are meant to feel – the blunt force of tragedy, the wonder of beauty, the longing for rescue, the indignation that opposes injustice and evil. They are a way for us to inscribe the history of our faith on our own memory and feet.” With that in mind, here is Psalm 121: I look up to the mountains - does my help come from there? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth! He will not let you stumble; the one who watches over you will not slumber. Indeed, he who watches over Israel never slumbers or sleeps. The LORD himself watches over you! The LORD stands beside you as your protective shade. The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon at night. The LORD keeps you from all harm and watches over your life. The LORD keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever. This psalm almost begs you to sing it, doesn’t it? And the Provision, Protection, and Presence of our Good Shepherd are so evident! Notice the psalmist’s use of the phrase “watches over”, “keeps”, or “keeps watch”. It is used six times in these eight short verses. The phrase is a translation of the Hebrew word “shamar”, which has a rich meaning and is used frequently in the Old Testament. In 1 Samuel 17:20, the word “shamar” is even used specifically to mean caring for sheep!! You can imagine how much those of us at Presence Point love that! And Who is it that is doing all this shamar’ing on our behalf? It’s Yahweh! Does it not seem that God is whispering – or maybe even shouting – this psalm as an encouragement to His beloved under-shepherds? What a reminder that He is indeed our Good Shepherd! So, as you journey with the sheep God has entrusted to your care, may I suggest you develop a practice, or rhythm, of remembering God’s careful keeping of you, His guarding, His watchfulness...... because you have purpose to Him. Furthermore, dear shepherd, if you need reassurance that you are not alone, if you are longing for protection and rescue, if the road feels steep and treacherous, I implore you then to cling to the beautiful truths of Psalm 121. Thank you so much for joining me this week. I pray you join me next time for more “songs for the journey”, and as you go, may you live deeply into the Lord’s call on your life to shepherd well those entrusted to your care.

Psalm 120 | Psalms for Shepherds

June 15, 2024 • Holly Culhane, Psalms for Shepherds, P4S • Psalm 120

This is Holly Culhane with Presence Point and welcome to the Presence Point Psalms for Shepherds podcast! This week we are leaving the beautiful Psalm 119 acrostic of the Hebrew alphabet, and we are moving into the Psalms of Ascent. We begin our journey with Psalm 120 - A song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem. Does this portion of the psalm ring true for you today? “I am tired of living among people who hate peace! I search for peace, but when I speak of peace, they want war!” Or perhaps this portion? “How I suffer in far-off [you fill in the blank]. It pains me to live in distant [again, you fill in the blank].” The place may be a city or a work environment. It could be the location where you are stationed in the military. It could be anywhere your loved ones are not, or it could be the distance you feel from someone from whom you are estranged. The author found himself in a hostile environment for sure. He cried out for deliverance from the deceitful tongue of his enemies. He longed for peace, for well-being, or wholeness as the word “peace” literally translates, but his enemies wanted war. Maybe you find yourself in that exact spot. You simply want truth and peace, but those around you cannot seem to stop the deceitfulness they utter, the disruption which they cause, or the conflict in which they seem to thrive. The answer? To do exactly as the psalmist has done. Cry out to the Lord. Take your troubles to Him. In His timing, He will answer your prayer. Regarding this psalm, Max Lucado reminds readers in his Encouraging Word Bible that “Although [the psalmist’s] enemies were fierce, his confidence in God’s protection was strong. He found great joy in going to the house of the Lord to worship. We, too,” Lucado adds, “find hope and strength when we lift our eyes to the Lord rather than focusing on our troubles… Gaze upon your Savior and remember that He is strong and capable. Allow Him to infuse you with hope and strength.” And I will add, the hope and strength of a godly shepherd. Thank you for joining me for this week’s Psalms for Shepherds podcast. May you shepherd well all those entrusted to your care.

Psalm 119 | Part 22 | Psalms for Shepherds

May 25, 2024 • Holly Culhane, Psalms for Shepherds, P4S • Psalm 119:169–176

This is Holly Culhane with Presence Point and welcome to our last week in the remarkable 119th chapter of the book of Psalms. We’re looking at the concluding passage of this acrostic based on the Hebrew alphabet – verses 169 through 176 – entitled Tav. This psalm is composed of one prayer request: “O Lord, listen to my cry…” then a sweet confession: “I have wandered away like a lost sheep…” followed by a second request: “Come and find me, for I have not forgotten your commands.” Timothy and Julie Tennent, authors of a Meditative Journey Through the Psalms, write this about the final portion of this acrostic psalm: “Psalm 119 brings us to a stunning close, one that is crucial for understanding the larger message of the psalm as a whole.” As Christians, we learn to look back from the perspective of the New Testament as we read the Old Testament. In the same way, it is important to read Psalm 119 by looking back at it from the perspective of the final verse of the psalm, which stands as a kind of final testimony, closing statement, or interpretive witness for all that has preceded it. As the Tennant’s point out, “This psalm is filled with dozens of strong affirmations concerning the faithful determinations of the psalmist to follow God and his way of righteousness without wavering.... Suddenly, and perhaps unexpectedly, the psalm ends with the striking admission: ‘I have wandered away – or strayed – like a lost sheep.’...” “It is the final word of grace,” the Tennant’s write, “like that powerful moment in Isaiah when, after a series of exalted, unparalleled revelations, Isaiah says, ‘We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way, and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.’” The Tennant’s remind us that, “As it turns out, the final word is the reminder that obedience, single-mindedness, and determined love of God’s commandments are all made possible THROUGH HIS GRACE, without which we are those who have ‘strayed like lost sheep’.” Indeed, we are all sheep who have strayed. And indeed we have been found, by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you for joining me. May you live deeply into your calling this week to influence well in your sphere of influence.

Psalm 119 | Part 21 | Psalms for Shepherds

May 11, 2024 • Holly Culhane, Psalms for Shepherds, P4S • Psalm 119:161–168

This is Holly Culhane with Presence Point and welcome to week 21 in our series on Psalm 119. Today, we’re looking at verses 161 through 168, the stanza of this psalm that is based on the letter Shin in the Hebrew alphabet. David is continuing his plea to God to save him, but in this stanza, he has a peace, a shalom, that emanates from his reverence and belief in God’s Word. Just as it should for us during times of difficulty. I know that communicating with the Father, praising him, beseeching Him for myself and on behalf of others, and sitting silently before Him listening expectantly for His response brings shalom to me. Doing so several times a day would, most certainly keep us in the same mental and spiritual space that David was in, resting in total and complete confidence in the Father and His Word, hating lies, seeking truth, loving what the Father reveals, telling God that we will do whatever He tells us, keeping God’s instructions, following His directions, and abiding in His counsel. The question is: Do we do that? Do we make decisions that will result in the true shalom He offers, or do we skirt around His Word choosing what we will believe and what we will follow based on what seems easy, or right, or comfortable to us? Do we as the Father’s under-shepherds seek truth, love His Word, do what it instructs, follow His direction, and abide in His counsel? Whether we embrace the Father and all for which He stands will affect how we shepherd those He entrusts to our care, so today I’m suggesting that you pause for at least ten minutes and ask yourself those questions. Listen for the Holy Spirit’s answers rather than your own, and journal what you hear. Thank you for joining me. I pray you’ll live deeply into your calling this week and shepherd well all of those the Father has entrusted to your care.

Psalm 119 | Part 20 | Psalms for Shepherds

May 4, 2024 • Holly Culhane, Psalms for Shepherds, P4S • Psalm 119:153–160

Today, we’re looking at verses 153 through 160, the stanza of this Psalm that is based on the 20th letter of the Hebrew alphabet, Resh. As I read this psalm, I thought how much the psalmist sounds like us when we come before our Lord in desperation. We often ask for him to save us from whatever we’re facing. And, while making the request to Him, we often remind Him of His mercies, how we are promised from His Word – which we believe is true and faithful – that those mercies are new every morning, and we beg Him to shower them down upon us in this day and at this time. We want God to see our needs, just as the psalmist wanted the Almighty to see his needs. In fact, the psalmist used the same word here that Abraham used when he assured Isaac that God would “see to it” or, in other words, provide the sacrifice necessary for the altar Abraham had built. Abraham knew that God would provide a way to rescue Isaac. And the psalmist knew our Lord would rescue him. Fellow under-shepherd, please be as assured as Abraham was with Isaac that He will provide what you need during this time. Please be assured that He is full of mercy, and that His Word is truth. He will and is shepherding you perfectly during this time. My prayer is that you will hear His voice, that you will respond with obedience, and that your faith will be bolstered while you experience His mercy and follow His truths. Thank you for joining me.

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.