Designed for Life—Now and Forever
In his sermon on Psalm 139:15–24, Stephen Davey explains that every human life is intentionally designed by God, fully known by Him, and never accidental or irrelevant. David celebrates God’s intimate involvement in creation—from the womb to every planned day—contrasting biblical truth with modern claims that humanity has no meaning or purpose. Davey clarifies that David’s strong words against the wicked express righteous anger mixed with grief over unbelief, not personal hatred. The psalm then turns inward as David invites God’s searching examination of his own heart, recognizing that only God can expose hidden sin and self-destructive paths. Davey concludes that true wisdom is asking God to lead us in the “ancient way”—the path revealed in His Word and fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the only way to life now and forever.
Uniquely Crafted By and Cared For By Our Creator God
In his sermon on Psalm 139:1–14, Stephen Davey explains that believers can never successfully pretend before God because He is omniscient, omnipresent, and omnipotent. David rejoices that God knows every movement, thought, and motive—not to condemn, but to lovingly surround and care for His people. Davey highlights that God’s all-seeing presence brings comfort, even in darkness, because nothing escapes His attention. He then emphasizes God’s creative power in the womb, affirming that every person is uniquely designed by God, with purpose even in weakness or disability. Davey concludes that surrendering to God’s design is an act of faith that leads believers to trust His grace now and anticipate their future perfected bodies in heaven.
The Steadfast Love of God Will Last Forever
In his sermon on Psalms 135–138, Stephen Davey explains that these psalms repeatedly call God’s people to praise Him for His steadfast love that endures forever. Psalm 135 urges believers to remember God’s past acts of deliverance and to trust His future promise of vindication, even when mistreated or slandered. Psalm 136 reinforces this truth through a repeated refrain, showing that every act of creation and redemption flows from God’s covenant love. Psalm 137 recalls Israel’s sorrow in Babylon and models a longing for God’s justice rather than personal revenge. Psalm 138 then reassures God’s people with David’s confidence that “the LORD will fulfill His purpose,” reminding believers that nothing can stop God from completing His loving plan for their lives.
Singing the Songs of Hope and Joy
In his sermon on Psalms 131–134, Stephen Davey explains how these final Songs of Ascent teach God’s people to trust, worship, unite, and bless the Lord as they journey toward His promises. Psalm 131 uses the image of a weaned child to show that spiritual maturity learns to rest quietly in God’s care rather than demand immediate answers. Psalm 132 traces Israel’s history under David and God’s covenant promise of an eternal King, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Psalm 133 celebrates the beauty of unity among God’s people, describing it as a fragrant blessing and refreshing dew that brings life and joy. Psalm 134 closes the ascent with a benediction, calling worshipers to bless the Lord together as they look ahead with hope to Christ’s coming kingdom.
Wisdom for Building House and Home
In his sermon on Psalms 127–130, Stephen Davey explains that a home, a family, and even a nation are built in vain unless the Lord is the foundation and focus. Psalm 127 teaches that children are a gift from God and that parents should trust Him even in troubling times, just as God raised up Moses, Elijah, and ultimately Christ in dark eras. Psalm 128 promises happiness—not from circumstances but from living in “trembling awe” of God, finding satisfaction in Him rather than in success. Psalm 129 recalls Israel’s long history of affliction but celebrates the God who “cuts the cords of the wicked,” delivering His people with righteous compassion. Psalm 130 then leads believers to confess their countless sins and rejoice that with the Lord there is forgiveness, steadfast love, and “plentiful redemption.”
Responding to Suffering and Sowing With Tears
In his sermon on Psalms 123–126, Stephen Davey explains how weary believers can respond to contempt, find confidence in God’s protection, and persevere in sowing gospel truth. Psalm 123 shows travelers overwhelmed by scorn, yet lifting their eyes to the God enthroned in heaven, whose authority outweighs every insult. Psalm 124 celebrates Israel’s deliverance and reminds believers that their help—not their skill or strength—comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth. Psalm 125 assures God’s people that, like mountains surrounding Jerusalem, the Lord surrounds and secures His own even when wicked rulers seem to prevail. Psalm 126 encourages believers to keep sowing truth with tears, knowing God will one day turn weeping into joyful harvest.
Songs for Those Who Are Traveling Home
In his sermon on Psalms 120–122, Stephen Davey explains that these opening “Songs of Ascent” were sung by Israelites traveling uphill to Jerusalem, reminding them that God—not the city itself—was their true destination. Psalm 120 expresses the believer’s longing to leave a deceitful, hostile world and move toward God in worship. Psalm 121 reassures travelers that their help comes not from the hills with their dangers and idols, but from the Lord who never sleeps, guards every step, and stands so close His presence casts a protective shadow. Psalm 122 then celebrates the joy of gathering with fellow worshipers in Jerusalem and anticipates the future reign of Christ, the promised Son of David, whose rule will finally bring lasting peace. Davey concludes that these psalms encourage weary believers to keep traveling toward God with confidence in His protection, presence, and coming kingdom.
Four Ways to Treat God's Word
In his sermon on Psalm 119 (Part 2), Stephen Davey highlights four questions the psalmist raises about how believers should treat God’s Word: Do you love it, memorize it, understand it, and apply it? He explains that loving Scripture reveals love for its Author, while memorizing it stores truth in the heart to guard against sin. Understanding the Word requires humility, as the psalmist prays for God to “open my eyes” by exposing blind spots and sin. Applying Scripture means letting it function as a lamp that gives just enough light for each obedient step. Davey concludes that God’s Word is the divine blueprint for building a straight, strong life—and it must be treasured, studied, and obeyed daily.
The Power and Protection of God's Word
In his sermon on Psalm 119 (Part 1), Stephen Davey explains that the psalmist uses 176 verses and eight different Hebrew synonyms—listed on page 4—to emphasize the essential power and protection of God’s Word. Davey shows how the carefully structured acrostic poem urges believers to study, memorize, and obey Scripture, describing it as the “supervisor” that guides every detail of life. Through verses like 9, 23, 63, and 67 (page 2), he highlights that God’s Word guards purity, gives wisdom during opposition, shapes friendships, and even uses affliction to draw wandering hearts back to the Shepherd. The psalmist ends with a humble confession in verses 175–176 (page 3), admitting his tendency to stray and pleading for God to keep him close. Davey concludes that Scripture is God’s transformative tool, and that passionate devotion to it anchors believers in every season of life.
Portraits of Our Redeemer
In his sermon on Psalms 115–118, Stephen Davey explains that Psalm 115 calls believers to give God all the glory, even when taunted by a watching world, because idols are powerless but “our God is in the heavens; He does all that He pleases.” Psalm 116 becomes deeply personal as the psalmist—possibly King Hezekiah—testifies that God heard his desperate prayer during a life-threatening crisis and that such faith should be shared publicly. Psalm 117, the shortest psalm, serves as a global evangelistic invitation, calling all nations to worship the Lord for His steadfast love. Psalm 118 then celebrates God’s covenant faithfulness and includes the prophetic declaration that “the stone the builders rejected” would become the cornerstone—a truth Jesus Himself likely sang with His disciples before going to Gethsemane. Together these psalms portray our Redeemer as powerful, compassionate, faithful, and worthy of worldwide praise.