Hidden Streams

A Psalm of David, spoken as a prophet, seeing into the future what would happen to the Messiah. It is Jesus Christ who says "the Lord is my portion and my cup". " I am secure, for you will not will let my flesh see corruption". Death loses all power over Christ and because of that, this Psalm is one to reflect on when considering our mortality. Where is our hope found? Jonathan Noel sings "You Will Not Abandon Me".

A Psalm of comfort for all of us. John Andrew Schreiner sings "The Lord is My Light and My Salvation".

In this painful Psalm, we read of distress that is caused by lying lips and deceitful tongues. This Psalm follows the majestic Psalm 119 which meditates on the benefits of God's decrees. Here in Psalm 120 we our alone, estranged from the world and concerned, even for our own predilection to wander. God is with us. Chris Lizotte sings "I'm A Stranger on the Earth".

In this episode, Chad Bird talks about the disconnect we often experience when reading Psalms like this. This tremendous, encouraging Psalm can also be so different from what we experience, and as a result we end up doubting God, ourselves, and the truth of His Word. Chad reminds us that Christ lives in us, and we live in Him. We pray to Him, and through Him, and in Him. This is our confidence, not our strength or understanding, nor vision or emotion. Our hope is in the One who holds us safely in His care. Izzi Ray sings "I Pray To You (Your Will Be Done)".

If you are a follower of Jesus Christ, then you have a duel citizenship; One on Earth, and one in the new in Jerusalem. This is our confession, that this Kingdom has a capitol city, Jerusalem. When we gather, wherever we are, we come to Mount Zion, the city of the living God to worship together. We belong to the communion of saints, lead by our eternal King. Rebekah Caggegi sings "Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken".

God has looked down upon us with peace, righteousness, fidelity, and love. This Psalm is understood as describing our Savior who perfectly manifests all of these with mercy towards us. He gives us these gifts now, so humanity will never again be the same. God became one of us. Esther Mylar sings "Faithfulness and Love".

When we wait on God, sometimes it seems like we are waiting forever, and the things we hold dear seem to be falling apart. Sometimes, it looks like all is lost, and all we can pray is "How long, O Lord?". Sometimes we wonder how long will it be until we see light instead of darkness. Chad explains that "How long?" is actually both a prayer of pain, and also a confession of hope, because we know that God will come to meet us and make things right. There are consolations only God can give, and one consolation is the consoling presence of the Holy Spirit to carry us through today, into tomorrow, and finally our resurrection when we see our Redeemer face to face. Isa Agape sings "How Long?"

When we wait on God, sometimes it seems like we are waiting forever, and the things we hold dear seem to be falling apart. Sometimes, it looks like all is lost, and all we can pray is "How long, O Lord?". Sometimes we wonder how long will it be until we see light instead of darkness. Chad explains that "How long?" is actually both a prayer of pain, and also a confession of hope, because we know that God will come to meet us and make things right. There are consolations only God can give, and one consolation is the consoling presence of the Holy Spirit to carry us through today, into tomorrow, and finally our resurrection when we see our Redeemer face to face. Isa Agape sings "How Long?"

The enemies of God will be put to shame. David understands this as he looks back on his life. He sees God's kindness and seeks to document God's faithfulness to every generation. All done in mercy, grace, and love. All accomplished by the God who never leaves our side. Izzi Ray sings "My Deliverance".

Psalm 70 encapsulates all of our needs in this life. We ask God to hurry up, make haste, and deliver us from all torments, in all situations. Isa Agape sings "Make Haste".

There is a time for everything under heaven. There is a time to cry out to God in anguish, and a time to cry out hallelujah in thanksgiving. We also cry out to God to make things right, to judge according to His righteousness, and put an end to the wicked workers of sin. Then we will say "surely there is a God who judges". If we repent and throw ourselves on the mercy of God, then we can trust in His unfailing love. God is capable of despising evil and forgiving sinners. He calls us to return to Him because He loves us and delights in showering us with grace. Kris Winrich sings "There Is A Time".

Our enemies have weapons that can intimidate us and we can easily imagine being destroyed by them. The Psalms speak of how the weapons of the wicked are often used by God to destroy the enemy by their own hand. The wicked thought they destroyed Christ on the cross, but instead it was Christ that destroyed death, by dying for us and rising from the dead so that we could follow Him into an eternity of joy and peace. Cathy Schreiner sings "You Put Death to Death"

It is helpful to realize that we all face different types of threats. We should take no good thing for granted, but instead receive each day as a gift from the God of mercy. David was surrounded by enemies that seemed like wild beasts, seeking to devour him. He looked to God for mercy and so should we. God is our Rescuer, who brings His faithfulness to us. So even if we are hidden in a cave, hunkered down and surrounded, we can proclaim God's greatness and rest in His strength as He defends His children. We will seek refuge and find it in Him. Chris Lizotte sings " I Will Awaken The Dawn".

David was betrayed when he was hiding from King Saul, but he trusted in the name of God, and so can we. No matter how confused and bewildered we have become, God hears us when we call on His name. We call Him into our twisted and damaged lives to show mercy, and to pick us up and carry us into the light once more. With such a faithful God, we can truly say "all shall be well" because we trust in God and call upon His name. Jonathan Noel sings "All Shall Be Well".

In Psalm 41, when we come to faith in Christ, our Savior's life becomes ours. His death is our death, His resurrection, our resurrection. Jesus is surrounded by hateful enemies who desire His death. We remember that Christ lovingly considered us when He suffered the awful betrayal and humiliation. But how ow can Christ say He has sinned? He willingly became a curse for us, so that in Him we might be blessed. Izzi Ray sings "Everlasting"

Psalm 35 This Psalm is a prayer from Jesus Christ who comes down to make war on our behalf. Christ calls out to His Father, and the fight is fierce and long. He comes in mercy but is opposed by the ones He loves, and hated without cause. Jonathan Noel sings "Without Cause".

Psalm 36 The children of mankind take shelter in the shadow of Your wings. Evildoers lie fallen, but those that repent find eternal hope in Christ. Both Jews and Greeks are under sin, but Christ restores us to life. The lovingkindness of God extends to the heavens and His majestic love saves us from ourselves. We drink living water from the river of God's delights. Kirsten Ford sings "By the Waters of Eden".

Psalm 26 begins with a plea that God will vindicate me because of my integrity. Our broken reality shows that this doesn't seem true when it is only our voice making statements like this. We never pray alone. We pray in and through Jesus Christ and we trust in His righteousness of His life and His integrity. We are united with Christ. We read much about standing and walking in this Psalm. In His truth and faithfulness we stand and give thanks. Chris Lizotte sings "On Level Ground".

Psalm 25, an acrostic Psalm, begins with "to You I lift up my soul". This prayer covers everything we need from God, from A to Z. Blake Flately sings "A to Z".

Psalm 17 Life in this world is a life of conflict. Our battles are not against flesh and blood, and the devil looks to devour us. We look to the infinite mercy of God. We trust in His heart of mercy. Christ is the Savior of those who seek shelter in Him. We pray that God will guard us from every evil that threatens us as the apple of His eye. Izzi Ray sings "Apple of Your Eye"

This episode reflects on a time in Israel's past where they are met by the goodness of God who has turned their misfortune into freedom and joy. Their mouths were filled with laughter, whereas before they were filled with groaning and cries of despair. Just as God has worked redemption in the past, God will not diminish and is worthy of our trust in the present and future, because God is the same, yesterday, today and forever. God provides streams in the desert. Izzi Ray sings "You Turned Tears In Joy." Support the Show

This prayer expresses the feeling of separation and the resulting distress from feeling like we are abandoned. We cannot find an anchor within us, so we cry out to God to bring us close to Himself and cover and protect us. Chad explains the imagery of the Mercy Seat from the temple. Izzi Ray sings "Under the Cover of Your Wings." Support the Show

This is a prayer which orients us in the morning to offer our lives to God with trust and thanksgiving. We align ourselves towards the One who made us and loves us. Rebekah Caggegi sings "In The Morning." Support the Show

Psalm 4 reminds us that our daily lives are lived in a battlefield. And just as the world hated Christ, so it will hate those who follow Him. David asks God to hear him when he calls, because God is the God of his righteousness. David shows us how he is pressed in and trapped and asks God to widen this place and set him free. Blake Flatley sings "Temporary World". Support the Show

Moses highlights how ultimately short life is in the light of eternity. Chad speaks of the anger of God and and how he the passionate exclusionary relational God seeks to bring us back to Himself. Jeff Macare sings the hymn "O God Our Help In Ages Past." Support the Show

Uniquely attributed to Moses, this Psalm offers a grand recalling of the creation account and God's covenant faithfulness though the generations. Last described is the frailty of our humanity and sinful lives that bring suffering and death. Rebekah Caggegi sings "Generation to Generation." Support The Show

Chad talks about the practice of prayer and the offering of incense. The tradition of meditating on the psalms helps explain and the symbolism involved in these practices. Izzi Ray sings the hymn "Sweet Hour of Prayer." Support the Show

Chad explains the context and background of Psalm 52 and explores the destructive power of the tongue. The Psalm demonstrates why you cannot trust in your own ability and must rely on God for righteousness and salvation. Alissa Gifford sings "In the Eyes of The Lord." Support the Show

Verse 12 begins with a description of God's blessings to the faithful. Here we are reminded that this life is a struggle and fight, and that our only hope for victory is in Christ. Chris Lizotte sings "Saving Me From Myself." Support the Show

Calling on the God's vengeance, this militant prayer is aimed against the enemies of God and his people. Here we are reminded that the God of Israel is not a dead idol but active and powerful. Izzi Ray sings "Rise Up." Support Hidden Streams

Using agricultural images, the Psalmist speaks of suffering and the persecutions that Israel endures. These words were sung alongside the declarations that "yet they have not prevailed against me." This Psalm contains images of a future when there will be a righteous reversal of all that is wrong in our world. Leon McCrary sings "They have not prevailed." Support the Show

Israel cries out to God, to remember his promises. Chad meditates on how to speak honestly to God. Chad also explains covenantal language, and how we are in a relationship that we are committed to, even when things seem to go poorly. We ask God not to forget us. Kris Winrich sings "Don't Forget Me." Support the Show

The first section of Psalm 44 teaches about the life of the redeemed. Chad highlights the nature and simplicity of christian life. These first verses demonstrate that the promised land is not a reward for good living but a pure an act of God's grace and favor. Izzi Ray sings "Grace and Favor." Support Hidden Streams

Chad meditates on what it means to look to God and how He looks at us. The Scripture leads us away from ourselves so that we look to and trust in God alone for our salvation. Izzi Ray sings "Until You Show Your Mercy" Show Notes: Support Hidden Streams

Words have great power to destroy. Chad meditates on the power of words in scripture and the contrast being the pure words of the Lord and the speech that tears down and brings shame and fear. This prayer cries out to God for the saving Word, the Word made flesh and for God to speak into us His living word and the gift of bringing those healing words to those around us. Morea Arthur sings "Speak Your Healing Words."

When we are suffering persecutions, falsely accused and battling our own emotions, the truth of His grace is greater than anything that can attack us, including ourown thoughts. Christ prays this Psalm, and it gives us words to pray when we are persecuted for the sake of righteousness and drawn into the deep waters. Christ abides with us. Jeff Macare sings "Give me Your hand." Support the Show

Asking God to be gracious to me, because my enemies are trampling on me. My enemies attack me with such pride, and spend time and energy devising ways to destroy me.But I trust in God and am unafraid. Chad meditates on God being for us, not against us. Chad shows us how to structure a prayer when we are fighting battles and facing uncertainty. We cry out to Him for mercy and protection until we emerge on the other side. Chris Lizotte sings "This I Know." Support the Show

The Psalm is written in the cave, referring to the time David was hiding from Saul and his soldiers. Chad meditates on the meaning of caves in the Old Testament. Sometimes God ministers to us in times of aloneness. David pours his complaint to the Lord. David cries out with his voice. The voice is significant. We will emerge from this time of loneliness, clinging to our Savior and our common Father, the bestower of allgrace and good gifts. Rebekah Caggegi sings the hymn "Abide With me." Support the Show

David states a very bold accusation that God has rejected and abandoned him. The land is quaking, shaking and full of tragedy. Sometimes our experience leads us to the conclusion that God has abandoned us as well. The Psalms give us language to express this rejection that we feel. Once again we see Christ hanging on the cross. God is on our side, joining our sins to Himself on the cross, and we are with Him and secure in Him. Ryan Delmore sings "God Has Forsaken Me." Support the Show

This Psalm describes the wicked and the arrogant thoughts and scenes of wicked preying upon the poor. David prays that God will not forget the poor. Calls for eternal justice. Chad meditates on the lament that God has hidden Himself and allowed such evil to prosper. Our minds want to first figure out the "why's of our pain, while God calls us to look at the crucified Christ. Izzy Ray sings "Why." Support the Show

A call for God to hear our cries, a call for the Good Shepherd to carry His people. Going down to the pit, a prayer that God rescue him, lest he end up stuck there forever. Even in the midst of pain we bless the name of God and our heart trusts in Him, our saving defense and He's one of us, joining us in our pain. Kris Winrich sings the hymn " O Thou In Whose Presence." Support the Show

In Psalm 3, David is fleeing from Absalom, and many are saying there is no God that will save him.We can feel these thoughts when we are under duress. At the end of this Psalm David declares that Salvation belongs to the Lord and will put his trust in Him. Chad sees the picture of Christ's death and resurrection in this Psalm. Rebekah Caggegi sings "Arise O Lord." Support the Show

Psalm 7 is a prayer that gives expression to those who have experienced persecution. Christ prays the Psalms and as we pray these Psalms we pray in Him and He prays in us that these prayers might go to the ear of the Father. God is described as a warrior who goes to battle for us. We can trust in Him to fight the battle that only He can win. Dave Irish sings " You Are My Refuge." Support the Show

As this Psalm is set in the the time of the Babylonian exile, Chad Bird meditates on the types of exile we find in scripture and in our lives. Also when all we value is lying in ruins, how do we respond? Kirsten Ford sings "By the Rivers of Babylon". Support the Show

There are times when we feel farther away from God than we used to be. This reminds us that even though we feel exiled, God is with us in our exile. "I Will Remember" is sung by John Andrew Schreiner. Support the Show

Look away from me, that I may smile again. Rather than putting on a happy face, it might be better to honestly grieve during seasons of heartbrokenness. We are able to speak openly to God in this brief life and view our tears as a watery hope that gives birth to the life that is to come. John Andrew Schreiner sings "Look Away. Support the Show

Psalm 13 is a story of sorrow and joy, confession and absolution, it declares that God has answered all our trouble. "But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the LORD, because he has dealt bountifully with me." Presented by 1517.org Support the Show

Psalm 55 instructs us to call out to God and look to His sure promises when sin and darkness assails us. "But I call to God, and the LORD will save me." Presented by 1517.org Support the Show

Is there any assurance when it doesn't feel like God is with you?Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has he in anger shut up his compassion?" Presented by 1517.org Support the Show

The Psalmist speaks about how God delivers the poor and needy. "I waited patiently for the LORD; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure." Presented by 1517.org Support the Show