Psalm 73

Psalm 73 - Daily Devotion - 24 January 2026

St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

As you read, keep in mind our two questions:

1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

A Psalm of Asaph.

1 Surely God is good to Israel,
to those who are pure in heart.
2 But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled;
my steps had nearly slipped.
3 For I envied the arrogant
when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

4 They have no struggle in their death;
their bodies are well-fed.
5 They are free of the burdens others carry;
they are not afflicted like other men.
6 Therefore pride is their necklace;
a garment of violence covers them.
7 From their prosperity proceeds iniquity;
dthe imaginations of their hearts run wild.
8 They mock and speak with malice;
with arrogance they threaten oppression.
9 They set their mouths against the heavens,
and their tongues strut across the earth.

10 So their people return to this place
and drink up waters in abundance.
11 The wicked say, “How can God know?
Does the Most High have knowledge?”
12 Behold, these are the wicked—
always carefree as they increase their wealth.

13 Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure;
in innocence I have washed my hands.
14 For I am afflicted all day long
and punished every morning.
15 If I had said, “I will speak this way,”
then I would have betrayed Your children.
16 When I tried to understand all this,
it was troublesome in my sight
17 until I entered God’s sanctuary;
then I discerned their end.

18 Surely You set them on slick ground;
You cast them down into ruin.
19 How suddenly they are laid waste,
completely swept away by terrors!
20 Like one waking from a dream,
so You, O Lord, awaken and despise their form.

21 When my heart was grieved
and I was pierced within,
22 I was senseless and ignorant;
I was a brute beast before You.

23 Yet I am always with You;
You hold my right hand.
24 You guide me with Your counsel,
and later receive me in glory.
25 Whom have I in heaven but You?
And on earth I desire no one besides You.
26 My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.

27 Those far from You will surely perish;
You destroy all who are unfaithful to You.
28 But as for me, it is good to draw near to God.
I have made the Lord GOD my refuge,
that I may proclaim all Your works.

REFLECTIONS

Now think about the two questions:

1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

Then pray, seeking to delight in God or to depend on God.

Psalm 72

Psalm 72 - Daily Devotion - 23 January 2026

St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

As you read, keep in mind our two questions:

1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

Of Solomon.

1 Endow the king with Your justice, O God,
and the son of the king with Your righteousness.
2 May he judge Your people with righteousness
and Your afflicted with justice.

3 May the mountains bring peace to the people,
and the hills bring righteousness.
4 May he vindicate the afflicted among the people;
may he save the children of the needy
and crush the oppressor.
5 May they fear him as long as the sun shines,
as long as the moon remains,
through all generations.
6 May he be like rain that falls on freshly cut grass,
like spring showers that water the earth.
7 May the righteous flourish in his days
and prosperity abound,
until the moon is no more.

8 May he rule from sea to sea,
and from the Euphrates to the ends of the earth.
9 May the nomads bow before him,
and his enemies lick the dust.
10 May the kings of Tarshish and distant shores bring tribute;
may the kings of Sheba and Seba offer gifts.
11 May all kings bow down to him
and all nations serve him.

12 For he will deliver the needy who cry out
and the afflicted who have no helper.
13 He will take pity on the poor and needy
and save the lives of the oppressed.
14 He will redeem them from oppression and violence,
for their blood is precious in his sight.

15 Long may he live!
May gold from Sheba be given him.
May people ever pray for him;
may they bless him all day long.
16 May there be an abundance of grain in the land;
may it sway atop the hills.
May its fruit trees flourish like the forests of Lebanon,
and its people like the grass of the field.
17 May his name endure forever;
may his name continue as long as the sun shines.
In him may all nations be blessed;
may they call him blessed.

18 Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel,
who alone does marvelous deeds.
19 And blessed be His glorious name forever;
may all the earth be filled with His glory.

Amen and amen.

20 Thus conclude the prayers of David son of Jesse.

REFLECTIONS

Now think about the two questions:

1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

Then pray, seeking to delight in God or to depend on God.

Psalm 70-71

Psalms 70-71 - Daily Devotion - 22 January 2026

St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

As you read, keep in mind our two questions:

1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

PSALM 70

1 Make haste, O God, to deliver me!
Hurry, O LORD, to help me!

2 May those who seek my life
be ashamed and confounded;
may those who wish me harm
be repelled and humiliated.
3 May those who say, “Aha, aha!”
retreat because of their shame.

4 May all who seek You
rejoice and be glad in You;
may those who love Your salvation always say,
“Let God be magnified!”
5 But I am poor and needy;
hurry to me, O God.
You are my help and my deliverer;
O LORD, do not delay.

PSALM 71

1 In You, O LORD, I have taken refuge;
let me never be put to shame.

2 In Your justice, rescue and deliver me;
incline Your ear and save me.
3 Be my rock of refuge,
where I can always go.
Give the command to save me,
for You are my rock and my fortress.
4 Deliver me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked,
from the grasp of the unjust and ruthless.

5 For You are my hope, O Lord GOD,
my confidence from my youth.
6 I have leaned on You since birth;
You pulled me from my mother’s womb.
My praise is always for You.
7 I have become a portent to many,
but You are my strong refuge.
8 My mouth is filled with Your praise
and with Your splendor all day long.

9 Do not discard me in my old age;
do not forsake me when my strength fails.
10 For my enemies speak against me,
and those who lie in wait for my life conspire,
11 saying, “God has forsaken him;
pursue him and seize him,
for there is no one to rescue him.”

12 Be not far from me, O God.
Hurry, O my God, to help me.
13 May the accusers of my soul
be ashamed and consumed;
may those who seek my harm
be covered with scorn and disgrace.

14 But I will always hope
and will praise You more and more.
15 My mouth will declare Your righteousness
and Your salvation all day long,
though I cannot know their full measure.
16 I will enter in the strength of the Lord GOD;
I will proclaim Your righteousness—Yours alone.

17 O God, You have taught me from my youth,
and to this day I proclaim Your marvelous deeds.
18 Even when I am old and gray,
do not forsake me, O God,
until I proclaim Your power to the next generation,
Your might to all who are to come.
19 Your righteousness reaches to the heavens, O God,
You who have done great things.
Who, O God, is like You?

20 Though You have shown me many troubles and misfortunes,
You will revive me once again.
Even from the depths of the earth
You will bring me back up.
21 You will increase my honor
and comfort me once again.

22 So I will praise You with the harp
for Your faithfulness, O my God;
I will sing praise to You with the lyre,
O Holy One of Israel.
23 When I sing praise to You
my lips will shout for joy,
along with my soul,
which You have redeemed.
24 My tongue will indeed proclaim
Your righteousness all day long,
for those who seek my harm
are disgraced and confounded.

REFLECTIONS

Now think about the two questions:

1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

Then pray, seeking to delight in God or to depend on God.

Psalm 69:19-36

Psalm 69:19-36 - Daily Devotion - 21 January 2026

St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

Yesterday we heard King David’s cry to God for help, as he faced intense scorn, shame and humiliation for his faith in God, and we thought about it as a picture of how we share in the sufferings of Christ. Today we hear him continue to pour out his heart to God.

19 You know my reproach, my shame and disgrace.
All my adversaries are before You.
20 Insults have broken my heart,
and I am in despair.
I looked for sympathy, but there was none,
for comforters, but I found no one.
21 They poisoned my food with gall
and gave me vinegar to quench my thirst.

22 May their table become a snare;
may it be a retribution and a trap.
23 May their eyes be darkened so they cannot see,
and their backs be bent forever.
24 Pour out Your wrath upon them,
and let Your burning anger overtake them.
25 May their place be deserted;
let there be no one to dwell in their tents.
26 For they persecute the one You struck
and recount the pain of those You wounded.
27 Add iniquity to their iniquity;
let them not share in Your righteousness.
28 May they be blotted out of the Book of Life
and not listed with the righteous.

29 But I am in pain and distress;
let Your salvation protect me, O God.
30 I will praise God’s name in song
and exalt Him with thanksgiving.
31 And this will please the LORD more than an ox,
more than a bull with horns and hooves.
32 The humble will see and rejoice.
You who seek God, let your hearts be revived!
33 For the LORD listens to the needy
and does not despise His captive people.

34 Let heaven and earth praise Him,
the seas and everything that moves in them.
35 For God will save Zion
and rebuild the cities of Judah,
that they may dwell there and possess it.
36 The descendants of His servants will inherit it,
and those who love His name will settle in it.

REFLECTIONS

As I said yesterday, many Christians find verses 22-28 difficult. Is it appropriate to call on God to pour out his wrath on those who persecute us? I have a strong internal reaction against that.

Some people try to solve it by saying, “This is the message of the Old Testament, but Jesus and the New Testament preach love and forgiveness.” The problem with that argument is that the New Testament quotes Psalm 69 more than almost any other psalm – including the difficult verses (Acts 1:20 about the death of Judas, Romans 11:9-10 about the Jews who rejected Jesus).

Actually, as I reflected on it, it dawned on me that the key to approaching this psalm as a Christian is not to try to distance it from Jesus. It’s to tie it as closely as possible to Jesus – to hear it as his prayer to his Father, not the prayer of any unworthy sinner like me. If I was to pray this on my own merits – “Pour out Your wrath upon them … May they be blotted out of the Book of Life” – I would only be condemning myself. Who am I to ask God to condemn anyone to hell while asking him to forgive me for my stupid sinfulness?

As Christopher Ash says in his commentary on Psalms: “In verses 22-29 the king prays – as only a righteous king can pray – for justice to be done.” Ultimately this can only be the prayer of Jesus – who also prayed, as they crucified him, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). I don’t have the wisdom to sift hearts and decide who the prayer of Psalm 69 is for – but Jesus does. And when he returns in glory and all the dead are raised for judgment, Jesus’ prayer for final justice will be fulfilled, with rejoicing and praise for the humble who turned to him for forgiveness, and wrath for those who defiantly refused.

So how can we pray this Psalm? Only in and through Jesus – we can and should long for God to judge and to save, to bring his perfect justice, while we leave the details to our righteous, wise and loving king Jesus. In fact, that’s what we do every time we pray, “Your kingdom come”: we’re asking God to make all things right by bringing sinners to repentance and salvation, and also by judging the arrogant and defiant rebels against his kingship.

Why not pray now for God to bring the final justice of his kingdom? And ask him to help us “live holy and godly lives” to speed the day of Jesus’ return (2 Peter 3:11-12).

Psalm 69:1-18

Psalm 69:1-18 - Daily Devotion - 20 January 2026

St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

We’re going to read Psalm 69 over two days. For this psalm, rather than our “do-it-yourself” method, I will provide some of my own reflections today and tomorrow.

1 Save me, O God,
for the waters are up to my neck.
2 I have sunk into the miry depths,
where there is no footing;
I have drifted into deep waters,
where the flood engulfs me.
3 I am weary from my crying;
my throat is parched.
My eyes fail,
looking for my God.
4 Those who hate me without cause
outnumber the hairs of my head;
many are those who would destroy me—
my enemies for no reason.
Though I did not steal,
I must repay.

5 You know my folly, O God,
and my guilt is not hidden from You.
6 May those who hope in You not be ashamed through me,
O Lord GOD of Hosts;
may those who seek You not be dishonored through me,
O God of Israel.
7 For I have endured scorn for Your sake,
and shame has covered my face.
8 I have become a stranger to my brothers
and a foreigner to my mother’s sons,
9 because zeal for Your house has consumed me,
and the insults of those who insult You have fallen on me.
10 I wept and fasted,
but it brought me reproach.
11 I made sackcloth my clothing,
and I was sport to them.
12 Those who sit at the gate mock me,
and I am the song of drunkards.

13 But my prayer to You, O LORD,
is for a time of favor.
In Your abundant loving devotion, O God,
answer me with Your sure salvation.
14 Rescue me from the mire
and do not let me sink;
deliver me from my foes
and out of the deep waters.
15 Do not let the floods engulf me
or the depths swallow me up;
let not the Pit close its mouth over me.
16 Answer me, O LORD,
for Your loving devotion is good;
turn to me in keeping with Your great compassion.
17 Hide not Your face from Your servant,
for I am in distress.
Answer me quickly!
18 Draw near to my soul and redeem me;
ransom me because of my foes.

REFLECTIONS

This psalm is a cry for help from King David at a time when he was experiencing intense persecution and suffering, being mocked and humiliated because of his faith in God.

Many Christians find this a difficult psalm to read, because as we’ll see tomorrow, David goes on to call on God to judge and destroy his persecutors. But the New Testament writers saw this psalm as a clear and direct prophecy of Jesus, especially of his crucifixion. I found it so enriching to read it imagining it as the prayer of Jesus to his Father as he faced the cross. Even verse 5 (“my guilt is not hidden from You”) is a reminder of how Jesus took our sin on himself – God made him “to be sin on our behalf” (2 Corinthians 5:21). But ultimately, the thing that made Jesus willing to suffer so much shame and scorn was that he was consumed by zeal for God’s “house” (v 9) – zeal for God’s honour, love for God’s holiness and reputation. It also expresses how completely Jesus trusted his Father as he went to the cross – he knew that on the other side of death, God would rescue him and ransom his life from the grave.

All of that makes our suffering as believers – when people mock and insult us for our faith – so much more bearable, even somehow special! I kept remembering Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 1:5: “For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.” When we suffer for faith in Christ, it is never meaningless. Christ is there with us in those sufferings, because they are an extension of his. So we can take these words and pray them all to God with the same trust as Jesus had when he went to the cross, knowing that God will hear and redeem our lives from the grave.

Psalm 68:19-35

Psalm 68:19-35 - Daily Devotion - 19 January 2026

St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

A reminder: This month, we are using our do-it-yourself method for reading the Psalms. Each day, after the reading, I’ll ask you to reflect on two questions:

1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

19 Blessed be the Lord,
who daily bears our burden,
the God of our salvation.

Selah

20 Our God is a God of deliverance;
the Lord GOD is our rescuer from death.
21 Surely God will crush the heads of His enemies,
the hairy crowns of those who persist in guilty ways.
22 The Lord said, “I will retrieve them from Bashan,
I will bring them up from the depths of the sea,
23 that your foot may be dipped
in the blood of your foes—
the tongues of your dogs in the same.”

24 They have seen Your procession, O God—
the march of my God and King into the sanctuary.
25 The singers lead the way,
the musicians follow after,
among the maidens playing tambourines.
26 Bless God in the great congregation;
bless the LORD from the fountain of Israel.
27 There is Benjamin, the youngest, ruling them,
the princes of Judah in their company,
the princes of Zebulun and of Naphtali.

28 Summon Your power, O God;
show Your strength, O God,
which You have exerted on our behalf.
29 Because of Your temple at Jerusalem
kings will bring You gifts.
30 Rebuke the beast in the reeds,
the herd of bulls among the calves of the nations,
until it submits, bringing bars of silver.
Scatter the nations who delight in war.
31 Envoys will arrive from Egypt;
Cush will stretch out her hands to God.

32 Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth;
sing praises to the Lord—

Selah

33 to Him who rides upon the highest heavens of old;
behold, His mighty voice resounds.34 Ascribe the power to God,
whose majesty is over Israel,
whose strength is in the skies.
35 O God, You are awesome in Your sanctuary;
the God of Israel Himself
gives strength and power to His people.

Blessed be God!

REFLECTIONS

Now think about the two questions:

1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

Then pray, seeking to delight in God or to depend on God.

Psalm 68:1-18

Psalm 68:1-18 - Daily Devotion - 17 January 2026

St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

As you read, keep in mind our two questions:

1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. A song.

1 God arises. His enemies are scattered,
and those who hate Him flee His presence.
2 As smoke is blown away,
You will drive them out;
as wax melts before the fire,
the wicked will perish in the presence of God.
3 But the righteous will be glad
and rejoice before God;
they will celebrate with joy.

4 Sing to God!
Sing praises to His name.
Exalt Him who rides on the clouds —
His name is the LORD—
and rejoice before Him.
5 A father of the fatherless,
and a defender of the widows,
is God in His holy habitation.
6 God settles the lonely in families;
He leads the prisoners out to prosperity,
but the rebellious dwell in a sun-scorched land.

7 O God, when You went out before Your people,
when You marched through the wasteland,

Selah

8 the earth shook and the heavens poured down rain
before God, the One on Sinai,
before God, the God of Israel.
9 You sent abundant rain, O God;
You refreshed Your weary inheritance.
10 Your flock settled therein;
O God, from Your bounty You provided for the poor.

11 The Lord gives the command;
a great company of women proclaim it:
12 “Kings and their armies flee in haste;
she who waits at home divides the plunder.
13 Though you lie down among the sheepfolds,
the wings of the dove are covered with silver,
and her feathers with shimmering gold.”
14 When the Almighty scattered the kings in the land,
it was like the snow falling on Zalmon.

15 A mountain of God is Mount Bashan;
a mountain of many peaks is Mount Bashan.
16 Why do you gaze in envy, O mountains of many peaks?
This is the mountain God chose for His dwelling,
where the LORD will surely dwell forever.

17 The chariots of God are tens of thousands—
thousands of thousands are they;
the Lord is in His sanctuary
as He was at Sinai.
18 You have ascended on high;
You have led captives away.
You have received gifts from men,
even from the rebellious,
that the LORD God may dwell there.

REFLECTIONS

Now think about the two questions:

1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

Then pray, seeking to delight in God or to depend on God.

Psalm 67

Psalm 67 - Daily Devotion - 16 January 2026

St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

As you read, keep in mind our two questions:

1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

For the choirmaster. With stringed instruments. A Psalm. A song.

1 May God be gracious to us and bless us,
and cause His face to shine upon us,

Selah

2 that Your ways may be known on earth,
Your salvation among all nations.

3 Let the peoples praise You, O God;
let all the peoples praise You.
4 Let the nations be glad and sing for joy,
for You judge the peoples justly
and lead the nations of the earth.

Selah

5 Let the peoples praise You, O God;
let all the peoples praise You.

6 The earth has yielded its harvest;
God, our God, blesses us.
7 God blesses us,
that all the ends of the earth shall fear Him.

REFLECTIONS

Now think about the two questions:

1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

Then pray, seeking to delight in God or to depend on God.

Psalm 66

Psalm 66 - Daily Devotion - 15 January 2026

St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

As you read, keep in mind our two questions:

1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

For the choirmaster. A song. A Psalm.

1 Make a joyful noise to God,
all the earth!
2 Sing the glory of His name;
make His praise glorious.
3 Say to God, “How awesome are Your deeds!
So great is Your power
that Your enemies cower before You.
4 All the earth bows down to You;
they sing praise to You;
they sing praise to Your name.”

Selah

5 Come and see the works of God;
how awesome are His deeds toward mankind.
6 He turned the sea into dry land;
they passed through the waters on foot;
there we rejoiced in Him.
7 He rules forever by His power;
His eyes watch the nations.
Do not let the rebellious exalt themselves.

Selah

8 Bless our God, O peoples;
let the sound of His praise be heard.
9 He preserves our lives
and keeps our feet from slipping.

10 For You, O God, have tested us;
You have refined us like silver.
11 You led us into the net;
You laid burdens on our backs.
12 You let men ride over our heads;
we went through fire and water,
but You brought us into abundance.

13 I will enter Your house with burnt offerings;
I will fulfill my vows to You—
14 the vows that my lips promised
and my mouth spoke in my distress.
15 I will offer You fatlings as burnt offerings,
with the fragrant smoke of rams;
I will offer bulls and goats.

Selah

16 Come and listen, all you who fear God,
and I will declare what He has done for me.
17 I cried out to Him with my mouth
and praised Him with my tongue.
18 If I had cherished iniquity in my heart,
the Lord would not have listened.
19 But God has surely heard;
He has attended to the sound of my prayer.

20 Blessed be God, who has not rejected my prayer
or withheld from me His loving devotion!

REFLECTIONS

Now think about the two questions:

1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

Then pray, seeking to delight in God or to depend on God.

Psalm 65

Psalm 65 - Daily Devotion - 14 January 2026

St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

As you read, keep in mind our two questions:

1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. A song.

1 Praise awaits You, O God, in Zion;
to You our vows will be fulfilled.
2 O You who listen to prayer,
all people will come to You.
3 When iniquities prevail against me,
You atone for our transgressions.
4 Blessed is the one You choose
and bring near to dwell in Your courts!
We are filled with the goodness of Your house,
the holiness of Your temple.

5 With awesome deeds of righteousness You answer us,
O God of our salvation,
the hope of all the ends of the earth
and of the farthest seas.
6 You formed the mountains by Your power,
having girded Yourself with might.
7 You stilled the roaring of the seas,
the pounding of their waves,
and the tumult of the nations.
8 Those who live far away fear Your wonders;
You make the dawn and sunset shout for joy.

9 You attend to the earth and water it;
with abundance You enrich it.
The streams of God are full of water,
for You prepare our grain
by providing for the earth.
10 You soak its furrows and level its ridges;
You soften it with showers and bless its growth.
11 You crown the year with Your bounty,
and Your paths overflow with plenty.
12 The pastures of the wilderness overflow;
the hills are robed with joy.
13 The pastures are clothed with flocks,
and the valleys are decked with grain.
They shout in triumph;
indeed, they sing.

REFLECTIONS

Now think about the two questions:

1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

Then pray, seeking to delight in God or to depend on God.

Psalm 63-64

Psalms 63-64 - Daily Devotion - 13 January 2026

St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

As you read, keep in mind our two questions:

1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

PSALM 63

A Psalm of David, when he was in the Wilderness of Judah.

1 O God, You are my God.
Earnestly I seek You;
my soul thirsts for You.
My body yearns for You
in a dry and weary land without water.

2 So I have seen You in the sanctuary
and beheld Your power and glory.
3 Because Your loving devotion is better than life,
my lips will glorify You.
4 So I will bless You as long as I live;
in Your name I will lift my hands.

5 My soul is satisfied as with the richest of foods;
with joyful lips my mouth will praise You.
6 When I remember You on my bed,
I think of You through the watches of the night.
7 For You are my help;
I will sing for joy in the shadow of Your wings.
8 My soul clings to You;
Your right hand upholds me.

9 But those who seek my life to destroy it
will go into the depths of the earth.
10 They will fall to the power of the sword;
they will become a portion for foxes.
11 But the king will rejoice in God;
all who swear by Him will exult,
for the mouths of liars will be shut.

PSALM 64

For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David.

1 Hear, O God, my voice of complaint;
preserve my life from dread of the enemy.
2 Hide me from the scheming of the wicked,
from the mob of workers of iniquity,
3 who sharpen their tongues like swords
and aim their bitter words like arrows,
4 ambushing the innocent in seclusion,
shooting suddenly, without fear.

5 They hold fast to their evil purpose;
they speak of hiding their snares.
“Who will see them?” they say.
6 They devise injustice and say,
“We have perfected a secret plan.”
For the inner man and the heart are mysterious.

7 But God will shoot them with arrows;
suddenly they will be wounded.
8 They will be made to stumble,
their own tongues turned against them.
All who see will shake their heads.
9 Then all mankind will fear
and proclaim the work of God;
so they will ponder what He has done.

10 Let the righteous rejoice in the LORD
and take refuge in Him;
let all the upright in heart exult.

REFLECTIONS

Now think about the two questions:

1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

Then pray, seeking to delight in God or to depend on God.

Psalm 62

Psalm 62 - Daily Devotion - 12 January 2026

St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

A reminder: This month, we are using our do-it-yourself method for reading the Psalms. Each day, after the reading, I’ll ask you to reflect on two questions:

1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

But don’t worry if you can’t always think of something – just read, reflect and pray.

For the choirmaster. According to Jeduthun. A Psalm of David.

1 In God alone my soul finds rest;
my salvation comes from Him.
2 He alone is my rock and my salvation.
He is my fortress;
I will never be shaken.

3 How long will you threaten a man?
Will all of you throw him down
like a leaning wall
or a tottering fence?
4 They fully intend to cast him down from his lofty perch;
they delight in lies;
with their mouths they bless,
but inwardly they curse.

Selah

5 Rest in God alone, O my soul,
for my hope comes from Him.
6 He alone is my rock and my salvation;
He is my fortress; I will not be shaken.
7 My salvation and my honor rest on God, my strong rock;
my refuge is in God.
8 Trust in Him at all times, O people;
pour out your hearts before Him.
God is our refuge.

Selah

9 Lowborn men are but a vapor,
the exalted but a lie.
Weighed on the scale, they go up;
together they are but a vapor.
10 Place no trust in extortion,
or false hope in stolen goods.
If your riches increase,
do not set your heart upon them.

11 God has spoken once;
I have heard this twice:
that power belongs to God,
12 and loving devotion to You, O Lord.
For You will repay each man
according to his deeds.

REFLECTIONS

Now think about the two questions:

1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

Then pray, seeking to delight in God or to depend on God.

Psalms 60-61

Psalms 60-61 - Daily Devotion - 10 January 2026

St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

Today we are reading two psalms. As you read, keep in mind our two questions:

1. What things in these Psalms can I relate to?

2. Is there anything in these Psalms that makes me think of Jesus?

Psalm 60

For the choirmaster. To the tune of “The Lily of the Covenant.” A Miktam of David for instruction. When he fought Aram-naharaim and Aram-zobah, and Joab returned and struck down 12,000 Edomites in the Valley of Salt.

1 You have rejected us, O God;
You have broken us;
You have been angry;
restore us!
2 You have shaken the land
and torn it open.
Heal its fractures,
for it is quaking.
3 You have shown Your people hardship;
we are staggered from the wine You made us drink.

4 You have raised a banner for those who fear You,
that they may flee the bow.
Selah

5 Respond and save us with Your right hand,
that Your beloved may be delivered.

6 God has spoken from His sanctuary:
“I will triumph!
I will parcel out Shechem
and apportion the Valley of Succoth.
7 Gilead is Mine, and Manasseh is Mine;
Ephraim is My helmet, Judah is My scepter.
8 Moab is My washbasin;
upon Edom I toss My sandal;
over Philistia I shout in triumph.”

9 Who will bring me to the fortified city?
Who will lead me to Edom?
10 Have You not rejected us, O God?
Will You no longer march out, O God, with our armies?
11 Give us aid against the enemy,
for the help of man is worthless.
12 With God we will perform with valor,
and He will trample our enemies.

Psalm 61

For the choirmaster. With stringed instruments. Of David.

1 Hear my cry, O God;
attend to my prayer.
2 From the ends of the earth I call out to You
whenever my heart is faint.
Lead me to the rock
that is higher than I.
3 For You have been my refuge,
a tower of strength against the enemy.
4 Let me dwell in Your tent forever
and take refuge in the shelter of Your wings.
Selah

5 For You have heard my vows, O God;
You have given me the inheritance
reserved for those who fear Your name.
6 Increase the days of the king’s life;
may his years span many generations.
7 May he sit enthroned in God’s presence forever;
appoint Your loving devotion
and Your faithfulness to guard him.
8 Then I will ever sing praise to Your name
and fulfill my vows day by day.

REFLECTIONS

Now think about the two questions:

1. What things in these Psalms can I relate to?

2. Is there anything in these Psalms that makes me think of Jesus?

Then pray, seeking to delight in God or to depend on God.

Psalm 59

Psalm 59 - Daily Devotion - 9 January 2026

St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

As you read, keep in mind our two questions:

1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

For the choirmaster. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” A Miktam of David, when Saul sent men to watch David’s house in order to kill him.

1 Deliver me from my enemies, O my God;
protect me from those who rise against me.
2 Deliver me from workers of iniquity,
and save me from men of bloodshed.
3 See how they lie in wait for me.
Fierce men conspire against me
for no transgression or sin of my own, O LORD.
4 For no fault of my own,
they move swiftly to attack me.
Arise to help me, and take notice.
5 O LORD God of Hosts, the God of Israel,
rouse Yourself to punish all the nations;
show no mercy to the wicked traitors.
Selah

6 They return in the evening, snarling like dogs
and prowling around the city.
7 See what they spew from their mouths—
sharp words from their lips:
“For who can hear us?”
8 But You, O LORD, laugh at them;
You scoff at all the nations.

9 I will keep watch for You, O my strength,
because You, O God, are my fortress.
10 My God of loving devotion will come to meet me;
God will let me stare down my foes.

11 Do not kill them,
or my people will forget.
Scatter them by Your power,
and bring them down,
O Lord, our shield.
12 By the sins of their mouths
and the words of their lips,
let them be trapped in their pride,
in the curses and lies they utter.
13 Consume them in wrath;
consume them till they are no more,
so it may be known to the ends of the earth
that God rules over Jacob.
Selah

14 They return in the evening,
snarling like dogs
and prowling around the city.
15 They scavenge for food,
and growl if they are not satisfied.

16 But I will sing of Your strength
and proclaim Your loving devotion in the morning.
For You are my fortress,
my refuge in times of trouble.
17 To You, O my strength, I sing praises,
for You, O God, are my fortress,
my God of loving devotion.

REFLECTIONS

Now think about the two questions:

1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

Then pray, seeking to delight in God or to depend on God.

Psalm 58

Psalm 58 - Daily Devotion - 8 January 2026

St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

Today I’ll make a brief comment at the end of the reading. But as always, as you read keep in mind our two questions:

1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

For the choirmaster. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” A Miktam of David.

1 Do you indeed speak justly, O rulers?
Do you judge uprightly, O sons of men?
2 No, in your hearts you devise injustice;
with your hands you mete out violence on the earth.

3 The wicked are estranged from the womb;
the liars go astray from birth.
4 Their venom is like the venom of a snake,
like a cobra that shuts its ears,
5 refusing to hear the tune of the charmer
who skillfully weaves his spell.

6 O God, shatter their teeth in their mouths;
O LORD, tear out the fangs of the lions.
7 May they vanish
like water that runs off;
when they draw the bow,
may their arrows be blunted.
8 Like a slug that dissolves in its slime,
like a woman’s stillborn child,
may they never see the sun.

9 Before your pots can feel the burning thorns—
whether green or dry—
He will sweep them away.
10 The righteous will rejoice
when they see they are avenged;
they will wash their feet
in the blood of the wicked.
11 Then men will say,
There is surely a reward for the righteous!
There is surely a God who judges the earth!”

REFLECTIONS

We will encounter a few psalms like this one, where the psalmist asks God to destroy the wicked or looks forward to their final destruction. We often find these psalms hard to read and wonder whether we should pray them. I’ll make more detailed comments on that when we get to Psalm 69. But for now, a couple of comments.

First, David and the other psalmists longed for God to bring an end to violence, injustice, corruption, exploitation and wickedness – and so do we. When God judges wickedness and puts all evil to an end forever, it will be good and will bring rejoicing. Secondly, notice that this psalm is especially directed at rulers and people in authority who “mete out violence on the earth” (v 1-2) – and on top of that, these rulers have refused God’s call to repent (v 4-5). The Bible has specially targeted warnings for those in positions of power. Finally, we all by nature would come under the judgment of this Psalm. It is only God’s grace to guilty sinners that means we can receive a “reward for the righteous” that we don’t deserve. Only Jesus is “righteous” in himself, but through his blood shed for the wicked, he gives us the reward of his own righteousness.

Now spend a moment thinking about the questions:

1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

Then pray, seeking to delight in God or to depend on God.

Psalm 57

Psalm 57 - Daily Devotion - 7 January 2026

St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

As you read, keep in mind our two questions:

1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

For the choirmaster. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” A Miktam of David, when he fled from Saul into the cave.

1 Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy,
for in You my soul takes refuge.
In the shadow of Your wings I will take shelter
until the danger has passed.
2 I cry out to God Most High,
to God who fulfills His purpose for me.
3 He reaches down from heaven and saves me;
He rebukes those who trample me.
Selah

God sends forth
His loving devotion and His truth.
4 My soul is among the lions;
I lie down with ravenous beasts—
with men whose teeth are spears and arrows,
whose tongues are sharp swords.

5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
may Your glory cover all the earth.

6 They spread a net for my feet;
my soul was despondent.
They dug a pit before me,
but they themselves have fallen into it!
Selah

7 My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast.
I will sing and make music.
8 Awake, my glory!
Awake, O harp and lyre!
I will awaken the dawn.

9 I will praise You, O Lord, among the nations;
I will sing Your praises among the peoples.
10 For Your loving devotion reaches to the heavens,
and Your faithfulness to the clouds.
11 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
may Your glory cover all the earth.

REFLECTIONS

Now think about the two questions:

1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

Then pray, seeking to delight in God or to depend on God.

Psalm 56

Psalm 56 - Daily Devotion - 6 January 2026

St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

As you read, keep in mind our two questions:

1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

For the choirmaster. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” A Miktam of David.

1 Be merciful to me, O God,
for men are hounding me;
all day they press their attack.
2 My enemies pursue me all day long,
for many proudly assail me.

3 When I am afraid,
I put my trust in You.
4 In God, whose word I praise—
in God I trust.
I will not be afraid.
What can man do to me?

5 All day long they twist my words;
all their thoughts are on my demise.
6 They conspire, they lurk,
they watch my steps
while they wait to take my life.
7 In spite of such sin, will they escape?
In Your anger, O God, cast down the nations.

8 You have taken account of my wanderings.
Put my tears in Your bottle—
are they not in Your book?
9 Then my enemies will retreat
on the day I cry for help.
By this I will know that God is on my side.

10 In God, whose word I praise,
in the LORD, whose word I praise,
11 in God I trust; I will not be afraid.
What can man do to me?

12 Your vows are upon me, O God;
I will render thank offerings to You.
13 For You have delivered my soul from death,
and my feet from stumbling,
that I may walk before God
in the light of life.

REFLECTIONS

Now think about the two questions:

1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

Then pray, seeking to delight in God or to depend on God.

Psalm 55

Psalm 55 - Daily Devotion - 5 January 2026

St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

This month, we are returning to our devotions through the book of Psalms. For these devotions, instead of hearing someone else’s reflections, each day I’ll ask you to reflect on the Psalm yourself using two simple questions:

1. What things in the Psalm can I relate to?

2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus? It could be something about his ministry, his suffering and death, his resurrection, his kingdom, or what God has done for us through Jesus.

But don’t worry if you can’t always think of something – just read, reflect and pray.

For the choirmaster. With stringed instruments. A Maskil of David.

1 Listen to my prayer, O God,
and do not ignore my plea.
2 Attend to me and answer me.
I am restless in my complaint,
and distraught 3 at the voice of the enemy,
at the pressure of the wicked.
For they release disaster upon me
and revile me in their anger.

4 My heart murmurs within me,
and the terrors of death assail me.
5 Fear and trembling grip me,
and horror has overwhelmed me.
6 I said, “Oh, that I had wings like a dove!
I would fly away and find rest.
7 How far away I would flee!
In the wilderness I would remain.
Selah

8 I would hurry to my shelter,
far from this raging tempest.”

9 O Lord, confuse and confound their speech,
for I see violence and strife in the city.
10 Day and night they encircle the walls,
while malice and trouble lie within.
11 Destruction is within;
oppression and deceit never leave the streets.

12 For it is not an enemy who insults me;
that I could endure.
It is not a foe who rises against me;
from him I could hide.
13 But it is you, a man like myself,
my companion and close friend.
14 We shared sweet fellowship together;
we walked with the crowd into the house of God.

15 Let death seize them by surprise;
let them go down to Sheol alive,
for evil is with them in their homes.
16 But I call to God,
and the LORD saves me.
17 Morning, noon, and night, I cry out in distress,
and He hears my voice.
18 He redeems my soul in peace
from the battle waged against me,
even though many oppose me.
19 God will hear and humiliate them—
the One enthroned for the ages—
Selah

because they do not change
and they have no fear of God.

20 My companion attacks his friends;
he violates his covenant.
21 His speech is smooth as butter,
but war is in his heart.
His words are softer than oil,
yet they are swords unsheathed.

22 Cast your burden upon the LORD
and He will sustain you;
He will never let the righteous be shaken.
23 But You, O God, will bring them down
to the Pit of destruction;
men of bloodshed and deceit
will not live out half their days.

But I will trust in You.

REFLECTIONS

Now think about the two questions:

1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

Then pray, seeking to delight in God or to depend on God.

John 5:39-47

John 5:39-47 - Daily Devotion - 3 January 2025

St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

39 You pore over the Scriptures because you presume that by them you possess eternal life. These are the very words that testify about Me, 40 yet you refuse to come to Me to have life.

41 I do not accept glory from men, 42 but I know you, that you do not have the love of God within you. 43 I have come in My Father’s name, and you have not received Me; but if someone else comes in his own name, you will receive him. 44 How can you believe if you accept glory from one another, yet do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?

45 Do not think that I will accuse you before the Father. Your accuser is Moses, in whom you have put your hope. 46 If you had believed Moses, you would believe Me, because he wrote about Me. 47 But since you do not believe what he wrote, how will you believe what I say?”

REFLECTIONS

Written by Omar Dewan

For those of you who don’t know, I work in superannuation regulation. My job is to make sure that superannuation funds are following the rules we’ve set for them. If they don’t abide by the rules, they face pretty severe consequences.

The interesting thing about the rules we set is that they’re actually principles. They’re not the “tick-a-box” type of rule. This means that I don’t tell superannuation funds what they need to do to run their business, but I’m more concerned with how they run their business. I’ve worked as a regulator for a while, so I can tell when superannuation funds are technically following the rules we’ve set, but they don’t actually believe in the spirit of the rules and what they are pointing towards – that is, running their business properly and well.

Today’s passage from John 5 reminds me of what I face at times in my job, but goes much further. Jesus is rebuking the religious leaders because, while they strictly seem to follow the rules of the Old Testament Scriptures (v 39), they have lost sight of what the Scriptures are ultimately pointing towards: Jesus himself (v 40-44). As we heard yesterday, Jesus is God’s ultimate and perfect testimony of Himself, so it’s no surprise that all the Old Testament Scriptures pointed to him. Because the religious leaders have prioritised rule-keeping and rejected Jesus as God’s revelation, the very Scriptures they said they followed will “accuse” them before the Father (v 45).

Today’s passage prompts me to pause and reflect on my own relationship with Jesus. Maybe you can join me in reflecting on these questions as well.

Are we cultivating our relationship with Jesus by growing in our knowledge and dependence on Him through both good times and bad times?

Have we recognised the only way to be saved from being “accused” before the Father – by believing the Scripture’s testimony and coming to Jesus to have life? Are we following God’s way set out in Scripture by coming to Jesus, or do we treat Scripture just as rules we have to do? If we have come to Jesus, we should be following God’s way as an expression of our trust in Jesus, and to testify of his goodness to others.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Omar is a member of our Fairfield Evening congregation.

John 5:31-38

John 5:31-38 - Daily Devotion - 2 January 2025

St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

31 If I testify about Myself, My testimony is not valid. 32 There is another who testifies about Me, and I know that His testimony about Me is valid.

33 You have sent to John, and he has testified to the truth. 34 Even though I do not accept human testimony, I say these things so that you may be saved.

35 John was a lamp that burned and gave light, and you were willing for a season to bask in his light. 36 But I have testimony more substantial than that of John. For the works that the Father has given Me to accomplish—the very works I am doing—testify about Me that the Father has sent Me. 37 And the Father who sent Me has Himself testified about Me. You have never heard His voice nor seen His form, 38 nor does His word abide in you, because you do not believe the One He sent.

REFLECTIONS

Written by Val Dewan

I served on a jury a few years ago. One of our main roles was to assess the credibility of the testimonies of many witnesses. In making our judgement, we had to consider whether their testimonies lined up with factual evidence.

From today’s passage, I reflected on the credibility of Jesus’ claim that he is equal to God, which we saw back in verses 18-23. Jesus gives three strong testimonies that prove this claim:

1. The testimony of John the Baptist (v 32-35),

2. Jesus’ works, through which God the Father himself testified about Jesus (v 36-38), and

3. Scripture (as we’ll see in tomorrow’s devotional).

What struck me was that even though the religious leaders knew these three pieces of factual evidence very well, including witnessing Jesus heal a man who was disabled for 38 years earlier in John 5, they did not judge Jesus’ claims to be credible. Instead, they started planning for his death.

I was comforted that Jesus provides these testimonies in order to save us from God’s judgement and enable us to inherit eternal life (v 34). I thank God that He has worked by His Spirit to soften my heart to trust in His Word and accept Jesus as my Lord and Saviour. His ultimate testimony is that he died and rose again from the dead. Therefore, His claim as the Son of God is not only credible, but unshakeable. I am encouraged to keep testifying that Jesus is the Son of God to friends and family who do not call on Jesus as their Lord and Saviour.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Val is a member of our Fairfield Evening congregation.