Emotional Meditation—By Micah Siemens “He opened the rock, and water gushed out; it flowed like a river in the desert” (v. 41). In the middle of a dry and barren wilderness, God brought water from a rock. Israel was in a place where there appeared to be no natural source of what they needed, yet…

Emotional Meditation—By Micah Siemens “He brought out Israel, laden with silver and gold, and from among their tribes no one faltered” (v. 37). After all that Israel had endured, God did not simply bring His people out of Egypt; He brought them out with provision. They left slavery with what they needed for the journey…

Emotional Meditation—By Micah Siemens “They struck down their vines and fig trees and shattered the trees of their land” (v. 33). The devastation continued as God touched the very things that represented Egypt’s fruitfulness and provision. What had grown and flourished was suddenly brought low. There are seasons when life can feel this way for…

Emotional Meditation—By Micah Siemens “He turned their waters into blood, causing their fish to die” (v. 29). God began to confront Egypt with signs that revealed His authority over the very things the Egyptians depended upon. The Nile, which was central to their life and prosperity, became a place of judgment. What had seemed secure…

Emotional Meditation—By Micah Siemens “He turned their hearts to hate his people, to conspire against his servants” (v. 25). Israel’s increase eventually stirred opposition, and the people who had once welcomed them began to turn against them. What is striking is that the psalm says God allowed this change of heart as part of His…

Emotional Meditation—By Micah Siemens “To instruct his princes as he pleased and teach his elders wisdom” (v. 22). Joseph was eventually placed in a position where his wisdom would influence people around him, but that wisdom was not formed overnight. God used years of hardship, disappointment, responsibility, and waiting to prepare him for the influence…

Emotional Meditation—By Micah Siemens “They bruised his feet with fetters, his neck was put in an iron collar” Joseph’s journey into God’s purpose did not begin with comfort or recognition. It began with suffering, imprisonment, and humiliation. The man God had sent ahead was treated as though his life had no value. There are seasons…

Emotional Meditation—By Micah Siemens “When they went from nation to nation, from one kingdom to another people” The psalmist reminds us that God’s people were not always settled or secure. They moved from place to place, living among different nations and facing circumstances they could not control. Their journey was not always predictable, and their…

Emotional Meditation—By Micah Siemens “He remembers his covenant forever, the word that he commanded, for a thousand generations” The psalmist now continues by reminding us of the covenant God made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God’s relationship with His people was not built upon temporary promises or changing emotions; it was grounded in a covenant…

Emotional Meditation—By Micah Siemens “Remember the wondrous works that he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he uttered” The psalmist continues by reminding God’s people that faithfulness requires remembering. We are naturally forgetful when it comes to the goodness of God. We may remember the painful conversation, the disappointment, the unanswered prayer, or the…