God does not want His children held down or crippled by fear. Instead, what this verse teaches is that followers of Christ are clothed in power and love, and specifically, to have a sound mind means to be disciplined or exercise self-control rather than allowing our fears to control us.

It is significant that this is the first Psalm because it tells of the blessing of a life lived for God and the destruction and uncertainty (worry, fear, doubt, anxiety) that comes with living wickedly and apart from God. Truly, the rest of the psalms make better sense in light of what this psalm teaches. 

It was during my first college-level Bible class when I heard the word Torah. At the time, I was not familiar with what that word actually meant. I was grateful for my professor’s explanation and have come to learn even more about the Torah since then. Perhaps like my experience many years ago, when you hear the word Torah, you are not quite sure what it means, and you might even feel a little confused by it.

In Judaism, the term Torah refers to the the first five books of the Old Testament. In Christianity, the first five books of the Old Testament are called the Pentateuch. Essentially, they mean the same thing. These first five books are attributed to Moses, and therefore, hold significant weight within Judaism. Other Jewish commentaries on Scripture, such as the Talmud, are sometimes considered part of the Torah, as well. Torah could also refer to the entire Hebrew Bible (or Old Testament), but generally the term implies the first five books.

For those who follow God, the Torah is at the center of life, understanding God, and knowing His laws.

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We should come into God’s presence with thanksgiving because we are called to do so, and because God is good; He is our salvation, creator of all things, and God of all gods. There is none like God, and only He is worthy of such praise and adoration. 

When believers honor God with their wealth by giving a percentage of it back to God, there is great reward and blessing that comes as a result of their faithfulness. God blesses His children in many ways relationally, emotionally, and spiritually when we remain obedient and live according to His ways.

More than simply losing weight or decluttering one’s home, believers can use the idea of making resolutions to place needed emphasis on their relationship with Jesus and strengthening their faith in God.

The idea of a healthy church sounds appealing and is what God desires for His Church. One day, Jesus will return for His bride (the Church). We want to be ready and we want to be a body that reflects God’s love and stands on His truth. Jesus established His Church, and it is something He loves greatly.

“Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her” (Ephesians 5:25).

There is no doubt that God loves the church and cares for it deeply. Unfortunately, just as any family or group, churches will have difficult situations arise, make mistakes, and look a little messy at times. Yet churches should always be aiming toward functioning in healthy ways that bring glory to God. They can do that by looking to Scripture for guidance and instruction. Here are three keys to having a healthy church.

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Whether you grew up as a believer, or came to know Jesus later in life, you may have a crisis of faith at some point during your life. This is generally a very painful journey for a believer as they question their faith in Jesus. It is also a very serious process that can either lead to a profoundly deeper faith in God, or to someone losing their faith. There are situations that happen – letdowns, losses, relationship troubles, or disasters – which can cause believers to question their faith.

“In this world you will have troubles” (John 16:33).

Jesus did not shy away from the reality of suffering and the troubles people face in life. Scripture does not guarantee that believers will have easy lives free of problems or interference. This means that even those who are Christians will endure hardships and challenges. Unfortunately, the tough things believers face could lead to a crisis of faith.

Here are five things you can do if you are having a crisis of faith.

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Jesus is the Shepherd, and in this verse, He said that He will separate sheep (believers) from goats (unbelievers) when He returns. The sheep represent those who have accepted salvation and the goats represent those who have rejected salvation.

David began this psalm with the request that God would hear his prayer. He knew that whatever was going on in his life, he could turn to God and cry out for help. David expressed his need for God to hear his prayers.

The letter written by James was penned to Jewish Christians scattered throughout the Roman Empire. It contains many key themes, such as trials, faith and works, wisdom, and riches and poverty. The letter of James reiterates the idea that believers should not just hear the word of God, but be doers of the word. Within this epistle’s first chapter, we find a well-known verse.

“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry” (James 1:19).

This verse not only gives wise instruction, but it points followers of Jesus to spiritual growth and encourages us to live in ways marked by patience and peace. James encouraged his audience to allow God to transform them as He leads them in the way of righteousness. James wrote that Christians should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry because these are wise ways to live and reflect true faith by conducting oneself in obedience to Christ.

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The phrase “attitude of gratitude” has become popular. It trends across social media, workplaces, and various groups and communities. Since the world is ever changing and feels chaotic for many people, this phrase has gained momentum as a reminder that people should foster gratitude in their lives.

For Christians, this concept may sound familiar. We can look to God’s word for a better understanding of His desire for us to have grateful hearts.

“In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

Scripture teaches that followers of Jesus should remember to give thanks in all things because that is what God wants for us. However, unlike the arbitrariness of the phrase “attitude of gratitude” coined by the world, the Bible recognizes both the suffering and joys in life. It is only through Christ’s victory on the cross that giving thanks in all things is possible. We cannot be grateful in everything in our own strength, but through the work of the Spirit in us, we are able to develop a heart that is inclined toward gratitude instead of fear, doubt, and worry.

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When Jesus entered this world, He loved, sacrificed, and taught like no one else ever has. The life of Jesus is inspiring, humbling, and has changed and saved millions upon millions of lives. In Jesus’ day, the Jewish people were anticipating a Messiah, believing that he would bring a revolution. Much to their surprise, Jesus came to die, and He came to serve.

“Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28).

When we encounter the Gospel narratives of Jesus, our hearts and minds are filled with amazing stories of how Jesus cared for people, preached the truth of God, and devoted His life on earth to loving others. Jesus came to serve and to give His life because humanity needed to be redeemed and saved.

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This particular Psalm is one of praise and worship as it reflects on and tells of the goodness of the Lord. In his praise and adoration to God, David wrote that he would not forget the benefits of God.