Some say that David may have been just a young man in his twenties when he penned Psalm 27. He was on the run and at times was hunted by 3000 soldiers who wanted him dead. The temptation to fall into debilitating fear was very real continually for David. This psalm is an inside glimpse of how David kept his heart from fear and how he encouraged himself in the Lord. He set his gaze upon the beauty of the Lord. He gave himself to “one thing”—the pursuit of God. He spent himself in the relentless practice of communion with the Lord. And out of his times of gazing on God’s beauty and contemplation of God’s majesty, David was able to stand firm despite his adversaries breathing out violence. He knew that he dwelt in the “tent of God” and no man, no beast, no devil, could touch him. He was in the sovereign care of His Father. This message is a strong encouragement to those struggling with fear and is also a fierce admonition to seek the Lord in prayer.
Psalm 133
This is a sweet message on the importance of God’s people dwelling together in unity. Deep spiritual unity is good and pleasant. It is like a fragrance that draws people into it. It creates an atmosphere that is conducive for growing beautiful things. It is designed in such a way that it will always manifest divine life. Scott gives lots of examples and illustrations to help paint a clear picture of what unity looks like in the church. Toward the end there are some plain thoughts given on the work that is required in order to enjoy the unity God intends.
Psalm 15
In this short Psalm the question is asked in so many words, “How can we experience depth of intimacy with God?” In one sense, no one is worthy or holy enough to come close to God, but through Christ we can! Once we are adopted into the family of God the way we live will determine our relationship with God. If we cultivate bad character our prayers will be hindered. If, however, we practice virtues like humility and meekness, honesty and mercy, we will find ourselves enjoying close fellowship with God. The end of this message contains a strong warning to Christians who disregard the clear commands of God.
Psalm 84
There are many places around the world that we might describe as lovely but there is none more lovely than the dwelling place of God. The psalmist tells of the glory of the presence of God. It’s so incomparable that he says he’d rather spend one single day in the house of God than one thousand days elsewhere! This message is a reminder of the great worth of being near to God and all that flows out of it. Scott also discusses the common experience of feeling distant from God in the valley and yearning for the embrace and whisper of God that brings inner strength and joy. This message is especially relevant to those who find themselves in a dry and weary place. God will bring forth springs of living water in our desert in due season!
Psalm 139
It seems to be the human condition to struggle with anxiety, fear, panic and worry. These things rob us of the joy and peace the soul craves. Psalm 139 contains truth that can serve as a wonderful remedy for excessive anxiety. David, who wrote the Psalm, tells of God’s intimate knowledge of us, God’s presence with us at all times and God’s care. The reason God puts so much attention on us is because we are designed and crafted by God Himself. We are His living, breathing, animated works of art, His treasured possession. When we begin to understand these great truths, we find rest. Why worry when we are in the everlasting arms of God?
Psalm 118
This Palm Sunday message sets the table for Good Friday and Easter Sunday. In this message, from Matthew 21 and Psalm 118, we explore how Christ's triumphal entry into Jerusalem leads up to our future triumphal entry into the New Jerusalem. We look at how Jesus overcame sin and death, and now by His Spirit enables us to see how God works all things, especially hard things, for our good as Jesus prepares us for that Day of our glorious entrance. Jesus conquered sin and death for the whole world, and now we follow Him in this world as overcomers to the glory of God.
Psalm 1
Guest preacher Nick Fatato teaches on Psalm 1. This psalm includes a warning against aligning our lives with destructive tendencies and an encouragement to intentionally root our lives in the Word and the power of God. We can choose to live by default or by design.
Psalm 145
This psalm is typical in that it expresses praise for the goodness of God and calls us to speak out the excellencies of the Lord. The psalm is unique among psalms in that it tells us about God’s love and care for every person in the world. Despite God’s love for all, not all are saved. Only those who call out to God in truth, fear God and love God will be brought near, heard and preserved. And those who reject God will be destroyed in the end. Scott gives a strong encouragement from the last verse to pray for and reach people who are spiritually lost around us.
Psalm 107
Once we become followers of Christ the propensity to go astray is real. We choose daily whether we will abide in Christ or follow the impulses of our sinful nature. Psalm 107 describes four different groups of people who each went astray for different reasons. Thankfully, God doesn’t just let us run away. His steadfast love for His people cannot be quenched. He will never leave us or abandon us, even in our worst seasons. He tenderly invites us back, and if we will not listen, He orchestrates circumstances—even severe afflictions—to bring us to a place of humility and crying out to Him. God then answers our cry and rescues us. The psalm describes a cycle of straying/affliction/desperate prayer/rescue. This type of cycle is miserable and Scott gives some strong encouragements at the end about how to not live a “roller coaster Christian life”. The secret is the fear of the Lord.
Psalm 42
Sorrow is an unavoidable part of the human experience and, as followers of Christ, we are not exempt. Jesus Himself was called a “man of sorrows” (Isaiah 53) and Paul said he was “sorrowful yet rejoicing” (2 Corinth 6:10). In this world we will experience sorrow. The experience of sorrow can be dangerous if we let it draw us away from God and into sin. But sorrow can actually be a thing that drives us into the depths of God and it can shape our lives in significant ways. God gives us Psalm 42 as a gift to show us the way to pray through even our worst seasons of prolonged sorrow. This message goes out especially to all those who have been dwelling in the valley of discouragement.