The Psalms that David wrote express the outpouring of his heart during some of the worst and best times of his life. When he felt abandoned, he wrote Psalm 22:1 My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? We hear Jesus repeat these heartrending words as he hung on the cross bearing the sins of all the world. When the pressures of life were extreme and David was suffering, he wrote Psalm 118 which reflects not only his suffering but also his heartfelt praise. Verse 1 says, Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. When David was convicted of his sin after committing adultery with Bathsheba and arranging her husband’s death, he poured out his guilt before God in Psalm 51:1-2. Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. As an old king, David reflected on God’s faithfulness when he wrote Psalm 37. Verses 23-24: The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fail, for the Lord holds them by the hand. Reflecting and repeating the beats that sync with our hearts bring hope and comfort in times of need.

Scriptures – Mt 27:46; Hb 4:16; 1 Jn 1:7; Ps 22:1, 37:23-24, 51:1-2, 7, 118:1-6, 16-18

Verses
The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand. (Ps 37:23-24) Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. (Ps 51:7) Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. (Ps 118:1)

Thought
Scientists have discovered that music strengthens neural pathways in the brain. This is the area associated with implicit memory, the part that deals with the subconscious and stores memory, emotions, the deepest part of us. That’s why songs have such power. Music is imprinted in our heart and soul. We teach many things to children through songs and rhymes because they are imprinted much easier than with other learning methods. When we hide God’s Word in our hearts through music, we are banking a treasure trove of comfort, hope, peace, assurance and encouragement. Reading God’s Word and listening and singing along with Christian radio gives us an arsenal to draw from when it’s needed. What goes up, must come down. What goes in, will come out. If you are filling your mind and heart with God’s Word, you will find it coming out at just the right time, in just the right situation, and just when you need it most.

Questions
Can you think of a rhyme or song that is used as a teaching method? Are there any rhymes or songs that you use as pneumonic devices? How does music and poetry resonate with your spirit? How has God used music to speak to you? What is your go-to song in times of trial and testing? What is your go-to encouragement song? What is your go-to praise song? What is your favorite song?

Response
Assess your spiritual arsenal of Scripture whether it is through memorization or through songs. Do you have enough to win a battle? What about the war? What do you need to do to build up your arsenal? If you are not taking in Scripture daily in some way, you will be spiritually undernourished, eventually leading to poor spiritual health.

Prayer
Dear Lord, you provide all that we need to live for you, serve you and do your will. Help me to utilize all that you’ve given so that I can stand firm in days that are dark and discouraging. May your praises ever be on my lips. You are God; You are life; I will worship You forever. In Jesus Name I pray, amen.