Philip Dampier's Blog

“… Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” (Psalm 61:2b) What does one do when their heart grows faint? Hopefully, they turn to God in prayer and ask for strength and help. This is exactly what David recommends. It is his constant thought when he is in…

“Oh, grant us help against the foe, for vain is the salvation of man!” (Psalm 60:11) The sentiment of the psalm is a familiar one. If God doesn’t go out with the armies, they will march in vain. Regardless of the height of the wall if God is not protecting…

“But you, O Lord, laugh at them; you hold all the nations in derision.” (Psalm 59:8) This verse reminds us of the theme of the second Psalm. Why does the psalmist see God as one who laughs at the nations? This may not fit our picture of God, but it…

“Mankind will say,’Surely there is a reward for the righteous; surely there is a God who judges on earth.” (Psalm 58:11) This lament ends with two positive statements about evil and those who try to live by God’s precepts. When it looks like evil is winning the war, it is…

“My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast! I will sing and make melody!” (Psalm 57:7) The psalmist is in the middle of describing all the difficulties he is facing. He refers to them as storms of destruction, as being in the midst of lions and fiery beasts.…

“In God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can man do to me?” (Psalm 57:11) This verse has three components, doesn’t it? Easy to see the pattern here. No mystery except the ones we make. We are so familiar with the first statement because it is all around…

“And I say, ‘Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest.” (Psalm 55:6) The psalmist finds himself in deep trouble from foes without and the wickedness of those around him. He is in deep despair and sees no real answer for the…

“With a freewill offering I will sacrifice to you; I will give thanks to your name, O Lord, for it is good.” (Psalm 54:6) A freewill offering is one not required by law. A freewill offering is beyond what is expected according to the rule of the day. A freewill…

“The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’” (Psalm 53:1) No matter how many times you read this the meaning will not change. Anyone who denies the existence of God is a fool. Denying the validity of things is somewhat foolish but denying God is totally a foolish…

“You love evil more than good, and lying more than speaking what is right.” (Psalm 52:3) What a statement! Who would want to be on the receiving end of such a statement? But there it is. A choice of behavior has led someone to actually prefer evil over good and…