Philip Dampier's Blog

“So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to  another generation, your power to all those to come.” (Psalm 71:18) What is the responsibility of the older generation? The psalmist seems to think it is to share what God…

“But I am poor and needy; hasten to help me, O God! You are my help and my deliverer; O Lord, do not delay!” (Psalm 70:5) There is certainly a sense of urgency in this psalm. A sense of need which only God can provide. It is an excellent reminder…

“For zeal for your house has consumed me, and the reproaches of those who reproach you have fallen on me.” (Psalm 69:9) This verse immediately takes us to the New Testament and the cleansing of the temple. Jesus made a whip out of cords and drove the sellers of animals…

“You ascended on high, leading a host of captives in your train and receiving gifts among men, even among the rebellious, that the Lord God may dwell there.” (Psalm 68:18) This psalm is all about the return of the ark by King David. Having defeated his enemies, the king brings…

“May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us.” (Psalm 67:1) This psalm is designated a song.  It has a wonderful chorus that appears twice in the song. The chorus is, “Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples…

“Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will tell what he has done for my soul.” (Psalm 66:16) Those of us who live in a “What have you done for me lately?” world should appreciate the sentiment of these words. For those in the days of the…

“O you who hears prayer, to you shall all flesh come.” (Psalm 65:2) The psalm begins with the thought that all praise is due God and all vows should be performed to Him. Who is this one who receives all praise? In a land of idols and idol worshippers, this…

“Let the righteous one rejoice in the Lord and take refuge in him! Let all the upright in heart exult!” (Psalm 64:10) What a privilege those who are counted righteous have. They can rejoice and take refuge in God. They can exult! Isn’t that something? The upright in heart can’t…

“O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.” (Psalm 63:1) People read about the transgressions of David, the king and wonder how God could speak of…

‘Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us.” (Psalm 62:8) Twice in this psalm, David makes the point that his soul waits in silence for God. David sees God as a rock, a fortress, and the means of…