July 9, 2024

God Is Faithful Throughout the Generations

Psalm 48

Kelley Hickman
Tuesday's Devo

July 9, 2024

Tuesday's Devo

July 9, 2024

Tuesday's Devo

July 9, 2024

Tuesday's Devo

July 9, 2024

Big Book Idea

Thinking and feeling God's way.

Key Verse | Psalm 48:13b-14

. . . you may tell the next generation
that this is God,
our God forever and ever.
He will guide us forever.

Psalm 48

Zion, the City of Our God

A Song. A Psalm of the Sons of Korah.

1  Great is the LORD and greatly to be praised
    in the city of our God!
His holy mountain, 2 beautiful in elevation,
    is the joy of all the earth,
Mount Zion, in the far north,
    the city of the great King.
3  Within her citadels God
    has made himself known as a fortress.

4  For behold, the kings assembled;
    they came on together.
5  As soon as they saw it, they were astounded;
    they were in panic; they took to flight.
6  Trembling took hold of them there,
    anguish as of a woman in labor.
7  By the east wind you shattered
    the ships of Tarshish.
8  As we have heard, so have we seen
    in the city of the LORD of hosts,
in the city of our God,
    which God will establish forever. Selah

9  We have thought on your steadfast love, O God,
    in the midst of your temple.
10  As your name, O God,
    so your praise reaches to the ends of the earth.
Your right hand is filled with righteousness.
11      Let Mount Zion be glad!
Let the daughters of Judah rejoice
    because of your judgments!

12  Walk about Zion, go around her,
    number her towers,
13  consider well her ramparts,
    go through her citadels,
that you may tell the next generation
14      that this is God,
our God forever and ever.
    He will guide us forever. 1 48:14 Septuagint; another reading is (compare Jerome, Syriac) He will guide us beyond death

Footnotes

[1] 48:14 Septuagint; another reading is (compare Jerome, Syriac) He will guide us beyond death
Table of Contents
Introduction to The Psalms

Introduction to The Psalms

Timeline

Author and Date

Individual psalms come from diverse periods of Israel’s history, but at every stage they served as the songbook of God’s people. David wrote about half of the Psalms. His role as king was more than that of a ruler. He was to represent and even embody the people, and their well-being was tied to his faithfulness. David, then, writes as a representative, and the readers must discern whether the emphasis of a psalm is more on his role as ruler or more on his role as ideal Israelite, in which he is an example for all. The historical occasions mentioned in the psalm titles help the reader see how faith applies to real-life situations.

Key Themes

The Psalter is fundamentally the hymnbook of God’s people. It takes the basic themes of OT theology and turns them into song:

  1. Monotheism. The one God, Maker and Ruler of all, will vindicate his goodness and justice in his own time. Everyone must know and love this God, whose purity, power, wisdom, faithfulness, and unceasing love are breathtakingly beautiful.
  2. Creation and fall. Though God made man with dignity and purpose, all people since the fall are beset with sins and weaknesses that only God’s grace can heal.
  3. Election and covenant. The one true God chose a people for himself and bound himself to them by his covenant. This covenant expressed God’s intention to save his people, and through them to bring light to the world.
  4. Covenant membership. In his covenant, God offers grace to his people: forgiveness of their sins, the shaping of their lives to reflect his own glory, and a part to play as light to the Gentiles. Each member of God’s people is responsible to believe God’s promises and to grow in obeying his commands. Those who do this enjoy the full benefits of God’s love and find delight in knowing him. The well-being of God’s people as a whole affects the well-being of each member. Each one shares the joys and sorrows of the others. When believers suffer, they should not seek revenge but should pray. They can be confident that God will make all things right in his own time.
  5. Eschatology. The story of God’s people is headed toward a glorious future, in which all kinds of people will come to know the Lord. The personal faithfulness of God’s people contributes to his ultimate purpose. The Messiah, the ultimate heir of David, will lead his people in the great task of bringing light to the Gentiles.

Types of Psalms

The Psalms can be identified according to some basic categories:

Laments, which lay a troubled situation before the Lord, asking him for help. There are community (Psalm 12) and individual (Psalm 13) laments. This category is the largest by far, including up to a third of all Psalms.

Hymns of praise, which call God’s people to admire his great attributes and deeds. Examples include Psalms 8; 93; and 145.

Hymns of thanksgiving. As with laments, there are community (Psalm 9) and individual (Psalm 30) thanksgiving psalms.

Hymns celebrating God’s law (Psalm 119).

Wisdom psalms (Psalms 1; 37), which reflect themes from the Wisdom Books (Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon).

Songs of confidence, which enable worshipers to deepen their trust in God amid difficult circumstances (Psalm 23).

Royal psalms, which present the Davidic monarchy as the vehicle of blessing for God’s people. Some of these are prayers (Psalm 20), some are thanksgivings (Psalm 21). All relate to the Messiah, the ultimate heir of David, either by setting a pattern (Psalms 20–21) or by portraying the king’s reign in such a way that only the Messiah can completely fulfill it (Psalms 2; 72), or by focusing on the future (Psalm 110).

Historical psalms, which take lessons from the history of God’s dealings with his people (Psalm 78).

Prophetic hymns, which echo the Prophets, calling people to covenant faithfulness (Psalm 81).

Structure

The standard Hebrew text divides the Psalms into five “books,” perhaps in imitation of the five books of the Pentateuch.

Book 1 Psalms 1–41 Psalms 1–2 provide an introduction to the Psalms as a whole. Except for Psalms 10 and 33, the remaining psalms of Book 1 are psalms of David. Most of them are prayers of distress. Others are statements of confidence in the God who alone can save (e.g., 9; 11; 16; 18), striking the note that concludes the book (40–41). Reflections on ethics and worship are found in Psalms 1; 14–15; 19; 24; and 26.
Book 2 Psalms 42–72 Book 2 introduces the first group of psalms by the “sons of Korah” (42; 44–49; 50). There are also more psalms of David (51–65; 68–69), including most of the “historical” psalms (51–52; 54; 56–57; 59–60; 63). Once again, lament and distress dominate these prayers, which now also include a communal voice (e.g., 44; compare 67; 68). The lone psalm attributed to Solomon concludes Book 2 with a look at God’s ideal for Israel’s kings—ultimately pointing to Christ as the final great King of God’s people.
Book 3 Psalms 73–89 The tone darkens further in Book 3. The opening Psalm 73 starkly questions the justice of God before seeing light in God’s presence. That light has almost escaped the psalmist in Psalm 88, the bleakest of all psalms. Book 2 ended with the high point of royal aspirations; Book 3 concludes in Psalm 89 with these expectations badly threatened. Sharp rays of hope occasionally pierce the darkness (e.g., 75; 85; 87). The brief third book contains most of the psalms of Asaph (73–83), as well as another set of Korah psalms (84–85; 87–88).
Book 4 Psalms 90–106 Psalm 90 opens the fourth book of the psalms. It may be seen as the first response to the problems raised by Book 3. Psalm 90, attributed to Moses, reminds the worshiper that God was active on Israel’s behalf long before David. This theme is taken up in Psalms 103–106, which summarize God’s dealings with his people before any kings reigned. In between there is a group of psalms (93–100) characterized by the refrain “The LORD reigns.” This truth refutes the doubts of Psalm 89.
Book 5 Psalms 107–150 The structure of Book 5 reflects the closing petition of Book 4 in 106:47. It declares that God does answer prayer (107) and concludes with five Hallelujah psalms (146–150). In between there are several psalms affirming the validity of the promises to David (110; 132; 144), two collections of Davidic psalms (108–110; 138–145); the longest psalm, celebrating the value of God’s law (119); and 15 psalms of ascent for use by pilgrims to Jerusalem (120–134).
The Global Message of The Psalms

The Global Message of The Psalms

The Psalms are a resounding call for all God’s people and for all the world to sing! We are called to sing songs of confession and trust in God; to sing songs of thanksgiving and praise. The Psalms summon the global church to take up the cause of calling the world to join in such global and eternal songs of trust in, delight in, and worship of God for his magnificence—especially his magnificence displayed in his saving mercy.

Songs of Honest Lament

There is a surprising degree of honesty found in the prayers and songs of the Psalms. We find honest lament to God, with frequent repetition of questions such as “Why?” and “How long?” The psalmist asks in Psalm 42:9, “Why have you forgotten me?” Another psalm wonders, “Why, O LORD, do you stand far away? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?” (10:1; see also 88:14). “How long, O LORD?” is a frequent cry to God in the Psalms (see 6:3; 13:1; 79:5; 89:46).

Such prayers flow from desperately challenging situations, in which life feels overwhelming. Yet they also reflect the confident expectations of our honest cries to our compassionate and faithful God. The Lord invites his people worldwide to be boldly transparent before him—no masks, no pretense—even when the heart is breaking. He promises never to abandon those who belong to him.

Songs of Repentance and Trust

Songs of repentance are scattered throughout the Psalms. In such songs there are confessions of corporate sin—“Both we and our fathers have sinned; we have committed iniquity; we have done wickedness” (Ps. 106:6)—and individual songs of penitence (Psalms 6; 25; 32; 38; 51; 130; 143). These are not hopeless laments, but cries to a God who is a gracious deliverer (6:4), who deals with us according to his great love and mercy (51:1), and whose forgiveness flows from his goodness and not ours (130:3–4).

There is abundant reason to trust such a God for every good thing and in every situation (Psalm 23). To such a God we turn in times of great trouble, when we are at an utter loss in this fallen world. When enemies surround us and there is no one to help, God is our hope for deliverance (Psalm 22). Whether the desperate individual (Psalm 13) or the destitute community (Psalm 12) is in view, God is faithful to his promises. His steadfast love endures. He is worthy of our songs!

Songs of Thanksgiving and Praise

The Psalms are a divinely orchestrated hymnbook of thanksgiving and praise for God’s people. The covenant people of God return thanks to God for his wonderful deeds of deliverance, justice, and defense (Psalm 9), and for his favor and mercies (30:5, 7, 8, 10). All of this moves his people to burst into songs of joy and glad dancing (30:11–12).

In the Psalms, the people of God rejoice in all that God is and all that he has done. These songs of praise exalt God for his unsearchable greatness, his glorious splendor, and his awesome deeds (Ps. 145:3–6). He is worshiped as the King over all creation (93:1),the eternal King (10:16), the King of glory (24:8, 10), the King of all the earth (47:7), and the great King above all gods (95:3).

The Global Message of the Psalms

For all God’s people. The global message of the Psalms is that in light of God’s unfailing love and faithfulness there is a song to be sung by all God’s people everywhere—whatever their circumstances, whatever their emotions, whatever their adversity. The song to be sung will be of varied themes: lament, confession, repentance, thanksgiving, or praise to God. All of these, however, are songs of worship, expressing the universal experiences of God’s people. This is worship of God by the individual and the community, local and global, young and old (Ps. 148:12), now and forever (89:52). For a lost world filled with rebellion and sorrow, there is no greater remedy than a song that brings those who sing it to take refuge in God himself: a song for the oppressed, the hungry, the prisoner, the sojourner, the widow, and the fatherless (146:7–9).

A new song. The message of the Psalms is a call to the whole world to “Sing a new song!” “Oh sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth!” (Ps. 96:1). This is not a song of empty promises, but a song full of hope, a song exulting in the salvation of a covenant keeping and merciful God; not a song that fades, but an enduring, eternal song; a song of a God who lifts us out of mud and mire (69:2, 14).

Celebrating salvation. The book of Psalms opens with a picture of the two ways of life—the blessed and fruitful life of the one who delights in God, and the fleeting life of the wicked who (apart from God) stand condemned (Psalm 1). The world is called to set aside folly and to join in the life and song of the Redeemer, celebrating the salvation that is rooted in the sacrifice of the Savior (Psalm 22). This new song has been sung down through the ages; it continues today throughout the world; and it will one day be sung in the very throne room of God (Rev. 14:3).

Summoning the Nations

To the ends of the earth. The global church has a message for the world: join in this song! It is a celebration that will generate further praise—globally, generationally, and eternally. The church is to “declare his glory among the nations!” (Ps. 96:3). From Israel to the Christian church today to the global kingdom that will one day be known to the very ends of the earth, the redeemed of the Lord will come from every nation, tribe, people, and language, giving God thanks and celebrating his grace (Rev. 7:9).

For all nations. There is a message for the nations: “Praise the LORD, all nations! Extol him, all peoples!” (Ps. 117:1). The Lord humbles the nations (9:5, 19, 20), but he extends to all an offer of mercy and grace. One day, the nations will become Christ’s inheritance (2:8). This song begins with us but it must not end with us. There is a glorious globalization of the worship of God that we are privileged to help advance. In Christ we have found fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore (16:11). In turn we call the nations as well to be glad and sing for joy in him (67:4).

Fulfilled in Jesus. The love and mercy of God that forms the heart of the Psalms explodes onto history with the coming of Christ. It is in and through him that believers worldwide see God’s covenant faithfulness right before their eyes.

Spreading God’s glory. That glorious, global worship of God through Jesus Christ is not yet fully known or complete. Generating it is therefore our glad mission while on this earth. We will not rest till God’s glorious name is blessed forever and the whole earth is filled with his glory (Ps. 72:19).

Psalms Fact #3: How are the Psalms divided?

Fact: How are the Psalms divided?

How are the Psalms divided? The Psalms are divided into five books: 1–41; 42–72; 73–89; 90–106; 107–150. Each book ends with a “doxology,” a hymn of praise to God.

Psalms Fact #4: What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God?

Fact: What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God?

What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God? The Psalms were the songbook of the people of God when they gathered for worship.

Psalms Fact #6: What is a psalm of lament?

Fact: What is a psalm of lament?

What is a psalm of lament? The main purpose of a psalm of lament is to tell the Lord about a difficult situation, to ask him for his help, and to praise him for helping. Some laments are community, congregational psalms. Others are individual, personal laments. One third of all the Psalms are psalms of lament.

Psalms Fact #7: How many of the Psalms were written by David?

Fact: How many of the Psalms were written by David?

How many of the Psalms were written by David? David is the author of about half of the Psalms. Other authors include Asaph, Solomon, Moses, and the sons of Korah.

Psalms Fact #9: What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel?

Fact: What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel?

What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel? The “enemies” mentioned in the Psalms (e.g., 18:17) were people hostile to the faith of God’s people. Sometimes they expressed their hatred by physically attacking the people of Israel, while other times they merely rejoiced when Israel faced misfortunes.

Psalms Fact #10: Are the Psalms poetry?

Fact: Are the Psalms poetry?

Are the Psalms poetry? The Psalms often reflect the feelings or emotions of the person who wrote the psalm. The book of Psalms includes poetry that covers all kinds of emotional feelings and experiences, from anguish and sorrow to great joy and thanksgiving.

Psalms Fact #12: How often does the NT quote from the Psalms?

Fact: How often does the NT quote from the Psalms?

How often does the NT quote from the Psalms? Of all the OT books, the Psalms and Isaiah are by far the two most widely quoted in the NT.

Psalms Fact #13: Selah

Fact: Selah

What does Selah mean? Although the word Selah is found 39 times in the book of Psalms, its exact meaning is uncertain. Most scholars believe it is a musical term or a term to be used by a worship leader, possibly to mark a pause.

Psalms Fact #20: Snares

Fact: Snares

Snares (38:12) were traps used to catch birds and animals. Some snares used ropes or nets that would be triggered as soon as the bait was touched. Pits disguised with sticks and leaves were also used as snares. In the Psalms, snares serve as symbols of danger or death at the hands of the wicked.

Psalms Fact #27: A helpful guide

Fact: A helpful guide

A helpful guide. The writers of the Psalms understood the importance of constant communication with God. They knew that God would hear their prayers, and they trusted him to act on their behalf. Believers today can benefit greatly by patterning their prayers after specific psalms.

Psalms Fact #28: Memorizing the Psalms

Fact: Memorizing the Psalms

Memorizing the Psalms. The poetic style of the Psalms make them easy to memorize. Throughout the centuries, many believers have memorized all 150 Psalms.

Psalms Fact #40: How long?

Fact: How long?

How long? This question (79:5) occurs nearly twenty times in the Psalms, more than any other question. It is almost always associated with a psalm of lament, such as Psalm 79.

Structure of Psalms

Structure of Psalms

The standard Hebrew text divides the Psalms into five “books,” perhaps in imitation of the five books of the Pentateuch.

Book 1 Psalms 1–41 Psalms 1–2 provide an introduction to the Psalms as a whole. Except for Psalms 10 and 33, the remaining psalms of Book 1 are psalms of David. Most of them are prayers of distress. Others are statements of confidence in the God who alone can save (e.g., 9; 11; 16; 18), striking the note that concludes the book (40–41). Reflections on ethics and worship are found in Psalms 1; 14–15; 19; 24; and 26.
Book 2 Psalms 42–72 Book 2 introduces the first group of psalms by the “sons of Korah” (42; 44–49; 50). There are also more psalms of David (51–65; 68–69), including most of the “historical” psalms (51–52; 54; 56–57; 59–60; 63). Once again, lament and distress dominate these prayers, which now also include a communal voice (e.g., 44; compare 67; 68). The lone psalm attributed to Solomon concludes Book 2 with a look at God’s ideal for Israel’s kings—ultimately pointing to Christ as the final great King of God’s people.
Book 3 Psalms 73–89 The tone darkens further in Book 3. The opening Psalm 73 starkly questions the justice of God before seeing light in God’s presence. That light has almost escaped the psalmist in Psalm 88, the bleakest of all psalms. Book 2 ended with the high point of royal aspirations; Book 3 concludes in Psalm 89 with these expectations badly threatened. Sharp rays of hope occasionally pierce the darkness (e.g., 75; 85; 87). The brief third book contains most of the psalms of Asaph (73–83), as well as another set of Korah psalms (84–85; 87–88).
Book 4 Psalms 90–106 Psalm 90 opens the fourth book of the psalms. It may be seen as the first response to the problems raised by Book 3. Psalm 90, attributed to Moses, reminds the worshiper that God was active on Israel’s behalf long before David. This theme is taken up in Psalms 103–106, which summarize God’s dealings with his people before any kings reigned. In between there is a group of psalms (93–100) characterized by the refrain “The LORD reigns.” This truth refutes the doubts of Psalm 89.
Book 5 Psalms 107–150 The structure of Book 5 reflects the closing petition of Book 4 in 106:47. It declares that God does answer prayer (107) and concludes with five Hallelujah psalms (146–150). In between there are several psalms affirming the validity of the promises to David (110; 132; 144), two collections of Davidic psalms (108–110; 138–145); the longest psalm, celebrating the value of God’s law (119); and 15 psalms of ascent for use by pilgrims to Jerusalem (120–134).
OT Testimony that All Are under Sin (3:9)

OT Testimony that All Are under Sin (3:9)

Romans 3 OT Reference
Sinful Condition
v. 10, none is righteous Ps. 14:3/53:3; Eccles. 7:20
v. 11a, no one understands Ps. 14:2/53:2
v. 11b, no one seeks for God Ps. 14:2/53:2
v. 12, all have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one Ps. 14:3/53:3
Sinful Speech (note progression from throat to tongue to lips)
v. 13a, b, their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive Ps. 5:10, Septuagint (English, 5:9)
v. 13c, the venom of asps is under their lips Ps. 140:3
v. 14, their mouth is full of curses and bitterness Ps. 10:7
Sinful Action
v. 15, their feet are swift to shed blood Prov. 1:16/Isa. 59:7
v. 16, in their paths are ruin and misery Isa. 59:7
v. 17, and the way of peace they have not known Isa. 59:8
Summary Statement
v. 18, there is no fear of God before their eyes Ps. 36:1
Study Notes

Ps. 48:1–3 The mention of his holy mountain and the temple (v. 9) shows that God resides in his sacred city through his presence in the sanctuary. It is the joy of all the earth, that is, of all persons everywhere who value the reality of God’s presence.

Study Notes

Ps. 48:7 Ships of Tarshish were capable of long voyages in the Mediterranean. Tarshish is probably at the western end of the sea, in modern Spain.

Study Notes

Ps. 48:9–11 The people assembled for worship reflect on how God has displayed his steadfast love in delivering and preserving them as his people. He called them so that his praise might reach to the ends of the earth, that is, so that the Gentiles would come to know him. Daughters of Judah refers to Israel’s towns and villages.

Study Notes

Psalm Ps. 48. Like Psalm 46, Psalm 48 is a hymn celebrating Zion as God’s special city, which he defends for the sake of the world. It remembers some great event, in which Gentile powers had attacked Jerusalem but did not conquer it. Though material fortresses may have their place, it is crucial that God himself be the defense of his people.

Ps. 48:12–14 The worshipers know that God’s people are secure. They are commissioned to tell the next generation of their security and their mission.

S3:133 Psalm 48

Listen Now

Dive Deeper | Psalm 48

As a lifelong musician, I've always been drawn to and deeply moved by worship music. A collection of poems and songs, the book of Psalms has been one of my favorites since I began reading Scripture. Every chapter points us to God and reflects the beauty, glory, and steadfast love of our King. Psalm 48 is no exception!

This is a psalm of joyful worship—a song that celebrates the greatness and faithfulness of God. At first glance, it may seem as if the author is praising a city, proclaiming Mount Zion as "the joy of all the earth" (Psalm 48:2). Rather, this is a celebration of what lies WITHIN Mount Zion—the temple of the Lord, the very presence of God. 

Verses 3-8 detail the way God shatters the ships of Tarshish with the wind and makes enemy kings tremble and flee. If we don't know the heart of God, it could be easy to fear Him in a way that leads to anxiety rather than praise. But take heart—our powerful God, who defeated 135,000 Midianites with Gideon's army of 300 (Judges 7) is the same God who is merciful, gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in love for His children (Psalm 103:8). After the author finishes praising God for destroying their enemies, he then tells of the way they have meditated on God's steadfast love (Psalm 48:9). What a beautiful picture—sitting in God's presence and meditating on His faithfulness.

I often marvel at the many characteristics of our God. He is both the Almighty King and our gentle Shepherd. He is the righteous judge but also our kind, loving Father. He fights our battles, and He also draws His children near and invites us to know Him intimately.

THIS is our God! He loves us. He fights for us. And He will be our guide forever and ever!

This month's memory verse

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

– Romans 15:13

Discussion Questions

1. How does this passage encourage you to worship God? In what ways can you increase your reverence and praise for our King?

2. Do you tend to focus on one attribute of God versus another? If so, which one?

3. What does it look like for you to meditate on God's love and abide in His presence?

4. At Watermark Health, we read Join The Journey together every morning, and we always end with the question, "How can we encourage our patients with what we read today?" With that in mind, how can you encourage the people around you today based on today's passage?

As we gear up to release even more features for Join The Journey in 2025, our staff team, unfortunately, no longer has the margin to continue to support the comment functionality. We have big things in store for Join The Journey 2025. Stay tuned!

MS

Michael Scaman

That TARDIS never gets old with the “ it’s bigger on the inside”. There is a TARDIS. moment in Psalm 48:3. ”Within her citadels God has made himself known as a fortress“. The bigger inside the smaller. Zion is tied to God’s glory. Forever used 3 times. This is called “the city of God. From Israel to the world. Zion a special place in His plans as does David’s dynasty. “ There are some theological elephants in this TARDIS. Elephant 1 - book 2 is seen as songs of the northern kingdom without access to the temple but lots of songs about Zion Jerusalem. The temple they are estranged from. It must be a happy sad thing to sing about that. A glad song but sad longings in the background. Eliphant 2 - you might get a feeling that sometimes the Sons of Korah are playing with our geographical sensibilities. Maybe. Maybe not. At least not always. They did say there was a river in Jerusalem in psalm 46 when there was no literal river. Some translations say. Zion is in the far north? It’s not in northern Israel. Some translations say it’s on the side of the north. Is north symbolic or literal? Either way, Zion is tied to God’s glory. . Some characteristics of God described: God’s wind reaches the ends of the earth as does his praise. Zion very much inland far from water. Israel never had much of a navy but “he shatters the ships of Tarshish” from the ends of the known earth. God’s glory includes both power and love, a combination not usually seen in other gods. It includes doing the right thing. His right hand is full of righteousness. In a psalm about Zion strange it says God crushes the ships if Tarshish . Jonah must have missed this verse when he booked passage on a ship to Tarshish. Once on a IBM business trip to Israel I walked around the outside of the old city walls of Jerusalem. The ending of Psalm 48 says walk around Jerusalem count the gates and look at the citadels. Citadels spoken of at the start and end of the psalm. If I ever walk it again I will think of what’s left of the citadels like the citadel of David as TARDIS.
GJ

greg jones

From Shoal to the temple-The sons of Korah We have thought on your steadfast love, O God, in the midst of your temple. Psalm 48:9 From the belly of Shoal-Jonah (Jonah 2:2) Then I said, ‘I am driven away from your sight; how shall I look again upon your holy temple?’ Jonah 2:4 As my life was ebbing away, I remembered the Lord, and my prayer came to you, into your holy temple. Jonah 2:7 For the sons of Korah Walk about Zion, go around her, number her towers, consider well her ramparts, go through her citadels, that you may tell the next generation that this is God, our God forever and ever. He will guide us forever. Psalm 48:12-14 For Jonah The word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time, saying, “Get up, go to Nineveh, that great city, and proclaim to it the message that I tell you.” Jonah 3:1-2 The fingerprints psalms are all over the book of Jonah. By examining Israel’s story(ies) through the psalms you/I see a wisdom that is a product self awareness that comes out that is pretty amazing. Both cities eventually fall. The Northern exiled Israelites will eventually become neighbors with later exiled Assyrians as Judah is exiled into Babylon. Looking over the city of Nineveh Jonah can’t see the later day when Israelites and Assyrians will live side by side in peace with each other under the rule of someone else. And Jonah is angry. The sons of Korah are singing praises but do not see a later day when their citadel lies in ruin and they are carried away to Babylon. In each case there is a larger story in play. Q4 As I thought about this passage and before I read the questions someone was on my mind and interrupting my thoughts at times. So with that in mind… When we can’t see the larger story…the days when we just have to trust in the bigger story…they suck. God why did you…? God why didn’t you…? That place, the place you ask those questions in…that place sucks. I hate that place. Outside of that place…some good things are unknowable. But I still hate that place. Let someone else besides me go through this place is a real feeling in that place. I hate that place…I don’t hope that place on anyone. A real hope in that place, just on the other side of there…aren’t necessarily our answers…just on the other side of that place,,,is a greater trust in Who we’re questioning. That place…that place of greater trust…it’s a place of greater presence…it’s been my experience. But in the meantime you’re in that place that sucks. Because brilliance and love is such a joy to raise…such a joy to be around it hurts to let go of. Know, today, that I truly, truly, grieve for you. And that my hope and prayer for you is God’s greater on your life in the days to come…on the other side.
JC

Jason Cromwell

I focus on the different attributes of God depending on what Season I'm currently walking through. When I'm sick, He's my healer. When I worry, He's my peace. Too many people still have the idea that God, like the gods of ancient Greece and Rome, are ready to throw lightning bolts at them instead of Loving them when they fail. That's where we come in to show that Love to the world around us. I really do like to spend time alone every day and just sit and read the Word and listen to music and just make room to listen to the Spirit to speak
SB

Sue Bohlin

Great devo, Kelley, and I LOVE knowing y'all read JTJ every morning at WM Health! What a blessing!!! Also love your question about focusing on one attribute of God more than others. Right now I am taking HUGE comfort in His sovereignty as we process the loss of our son. I can rest in His sovereignty over the day of his homegoing, because "all the days ordained for [him] were written in His book before one of them came to be." (Psalm 139:16) In Psalm 48, that sovereignty takes the form of representing God as a fortress, which is a place for taking refuge and feeling safe and protected. That's what I'm feeling, in spades, and so much of that is because of the faithful prayers of so many. Thank you, JTJ fam, for lifting us up in the HARD. And thank you to Niki, Michael and Greg for your comforting comments yesterday. Michael, I am so sorry that you have walked this same path with your brother. I do understand about the pain lasting a long time. This is the second time we have buried a child. Thank you for offering the resources--so thoughtful of you.
MS

Michael Scaman

My wife also has asked about you Sue. We feel terrible this happened to your family.
AL

Amy Lowther

1. It encourages positive worship of God because He is good. My reverence for the King will increase as I continue to read in the Bible, listen to sermons, and apply what I learn from them in daily life. 2. No because God has several attributes that are worth learning. 3. It helps me be calm and peaceful. 4. People should believe in themselves and know God will support them in everything they do, everywhere they go. Kelley - Thank you for sharing your ideas. You make a good point in saying, “ He is both the Almighty King and our gentle Shepherd. He is the righteous judge but also our kind, loving Father. He fights our battles, and He also draws His children near and invites us to know Him intimately”. Amen.