Weekly Devotional 29th of August, 2025
by Bruce Billington
Weekly Devotional 29th of August, 2025
Concluding Comments on Hearing God Through the Psalms
In closing this devotional series, I want to mention that I chose not to note the many references I “borrowed” from commentaries, classics, inspirational writings, and other authors’ notes I found while writing this. However, my use of them was significant, so I do want to acknowledge this and express my gratitude for the resources available to us all today.
I cannot describe what a joy it has been to embark on this journey with you over the past few years, as I sought to focus on hearing from God by noting each time God speaks and what He says. The Psalms constantly remind us to remember the God who is the beginning and end of all things, to rest in His sovereignty, and to find joy in every circumstance.
They also express worship. Throughout its many pages, the various writers encourage us to praise God for who He is and what He has done. We read about His greatness and affirm His faithfulness to us in all of life’s events, as He reminds us of the absolute centrality of His Word.
The Psalms are a collection of poems and songs meant for lifelong, thoughtful reflection. They encourage us to explore the importance of prayer, the power of praise, and the fulfilment of prophecy. We also discover many profound truths about God’s nature and character, as well as how these are reflected in various life circumstances and situations.
Since this divine insight of Him is granted to us, we can only come to love and respect Him in a way that is unique and different from how we love and respect anyone else. His love, His power, His holiness, and His endless compassion should inspire both deep respect and utmost reverence for Him. The word, mostly translated as fear (Hebrew ry’ah), in the Psalms is used many times. But it is not just about being frightened of God. It also carries a sense of hope, especially when His incredible power is directed towards us. It calls us to see Him as awe-inspiring. It is unfortunate that the word “awesome” is now used so casually in society today, to the point where it has diminished in its true impact – it was once a powerful word to describe God’s majesty.
Pondering on all he discovered and wrote about God, David says in Psalm 34,
Psalm 34:4-8 – “I sought the LORD, and He answered me, and delivered me from all my fears. 5 They looked to Him and were radiant, and their faces will never be ashamed. 6 This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him and saved him out of all his troubles. 7 The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him and rescues them. 8 O taste and see that the LORD is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!”
As we study the Psalms, we will notice that the word “selah” (סֶלָה) often appears. While its exact meaning is debated, most interpretations suggest that it is a deliberate pause in the text, encouraging the reader to reflect on the previous words and perhaps engage in praise or contemplation. I always see it as meaning “stop, have a think about this. What could or should it mean to me at present?” It may also be a time to reflect on how we could best encourage others with it.
We should never let too many days go past without diving into the Psalms and embracing the amazing jewels they provide for us in any/every circumstance of life. Don’t let this treasure bypass you as you go about your own life.
May God bless you as you do this.