Psalms | Thoughts of a Retired Pastor

John 7:37-39 – On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.

Isaiah 55:1-2 – “Ho! Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat. Yes, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and let your soul delight itself in abundance.

John 15:9-11 – As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.

Isaiah 12:3 – Therefore with joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.

Psalm 66:1 – Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands.

Psalm 81:1 – Sing aloud unto God our strength: make a joyful noise unto the God of Jacob.

Psalm 95:1-2 – O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.

Psalm 98:4 – Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.

Psalm 100:1 – Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands.

Make a Joyful Sound

When things are going right,
Make a joyful sound.
When things are going wrong,
Make a joyful sound.
When you are well in body and soul,
Make a joyful sound.
When you are sick physically or spiritually,
Make a joyful sound.
When you have many friends,
Make a joyful sound.
When all your friends are gone,
Make a joyful sound.
When you are blessed with this world’s goods,
When you are poor and destitute.

In all things, make a joyful sound.

Your joy will see you through,

Because it does not come from you.

I recently painted a picture of a rainbow. To me the rainbow is a reminder of God’s promise to Noah after the flood recorded in Genesis.

When I see a rainbow in the sky, I think of the hope we have in Jesus Christ – even in times of difficulty.

God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Psalm 46:1

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39

As I have learned of family/friends/acquaintances that are going through a difficult time – (death of a loved one, serious illness, loss of job) I have painted a smaller version of this painting and sent to them. It has been a joy to me to hear that these paintings have encouraged them.

As a retired minister my opportunities to serve the Lord have changed. I no longer speak in a pulpit, pastor a church or do evangelistic speaking, but I am thankful that God has opened another door for me to still help others.

I agree with the Psalmist who wrote:

O God, you have taught me from my earliest childhood,
    and I constantly tell others about the wonderful things you do.
Now that I am old and gray,
    do not abandon me, O God.
Let me proclaim your power to this new generation,
    your mighty miracles to all who come after me.

Thoughts of a Retired Pastor

Category Archives: Psalms

Make a Joyful Sound

Hope in the Storm