Friday, March 7, 2025

Where Do You Find Jesus in Psalms?

         Where do you find Jesus in the book of Psalms? Anywhere you look! There are about 706 verses in just the book of Psalms that contain the word “LORD” in the New Living Translation. Jesus is definitely throughout the Old Testament. David gave his son Solomon good advice about seeking the LORD that is good for us even today.

And Solomon, my son, learn to know the God of your ancestors intimately. Worship and serve him with your whole heart and a willing mind. For the LORD sees every heart and knows every plan and thought. If you seek him, you will find him. But if you forsake him, he will reject you forever. 1 Chronicles 28:9 (Underlined for emphasis.)

Interestingly, David wrote most of the Psalms and in his wisdom, he continually pleaded with and sought the LORD with all of his heart. He was known as a man after God’s own heart. He is in the lineage of Jesus according to God’s promises.

Out of the stump of David's family will grow a shoot--yes, a new Branch bearing fruit from the old root. And the Spirit of the LORD will rest on him--the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD. He will delight in obeying the LORD. He will not judge by appearance nor make a decision based on hearsay. He will give justice to the poor and make fair decisions for the exploited. The earth will shake at the force of his word, and one breath from his mouth will destroy the wicked. ... In that day the heir to David's throne will be a banner of salvation to all the world. The nations will rally to him, and the land where he lives will be a glorious place. Isaiah 11:1-4, 10

Jesus is that banner of salvation for us. We are promised that the LORD will answer when I call to him. Keep looking and searching for Him. The answer to your prayers may not be what you want or expect from the LORD, but He has a plan and he still wants us to trust Him. I appreciated the verses below that said… Don't sin by letting anger control you. Think about it overnight and remain silent. That is wise advice. Blowing up in anger never seems to make the situation better…and I’ve found that it just makes me look like a fool—so as James and Peter advice in the New Testament…control your tongue. The Lord will help you with that. He has brought that to my attention…and helped me, but I still need to His wisdom and grace to really control my tongue.

If you claim to be religious but don't control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless. James 1:26

For the Scriptures say, "If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies. 1 Peter 3:10

Where are you finding Jesus and His help with the conflicts and struggles in your life today?

 

You can be sure of this: The LORD set apart the godly for himself. The LORD will answer when I call to him. Don't sin by letting anger control you. Think about it overnight and remain silent. Offer sacrifices in the right spirit, and trust the LORD. Many people say, "Who will show us better times?" Let your face smile on us, LORD. You have given me greater joy than those who have abundant harvests of grain and new wine. In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O LORD, will keep me safe. Psalm 4:3-8

 

Prayer – Lord Jesus, I need You every hour. Control my heart, my thoughts, and today most of all, my tongue! May the words You hear be in honor of You. I trust You with my life—everything I think, say, and do. Glory to You.

 

Meditate. Consider God’s guidance and promises in scripture.

 

Verses of Salvation ~ Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you. Then I will teach your ways to rebels, and they will return to you. Forgive me for shedding blood, O God who saves; then I will joyfully sing of your forgiveness. Unseal my lips, O Lord, that my mouth may praise you. You do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one. You do not want a burnt offering. The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God. Psalm 51:12-17

 

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31

Edible nasturtium blossom.
Add to a salad--nibble and enjoy!

What food brings God glory? I have always thought that we are honoring God by eating food we raise ourselves. We can only do that if we farm or garden! Time to get some plants started inside because before long it will be time to put those precious plants into the garden.

         It is time to plan and get ready to plant your garden. This year I plan to include some edible flowers like nasturtiums. I recall the first time I saw them in a salad, I thought they were just a garnish. Then someone reassured me that they were actually edible. Yum. The leaves and flowers have a sort of a peppery flavor similar to watercress. In researching their use, I was very pleased to discover that the seeds can be made into capers. That will be a fun thing to try later in the summer. I recently gave one of my granddaughters some nasturtium seeds for her birthday and we look forward to sharing those in a salad this summer before they go to seed!

        For now…it is planning time…and time to get that soil ready. Where I live here in the Columbia Basin, we can still expect freaky spring frosts, so it is best to wait until mid-May before actually planting seeds outdoors. They can be started indoors now and transplanted in May. Below is a list of a few favorites with edible flowers that can be easily grown including some that we think of as herbs. Google and research for yourself a few edible flowers and pick up some seeds at your local nursery, grocery, hardware, big box home improvement store or on-line mail-order nursery. Let me know what you think as they grow and you use them to add some flavor and color to your salads and other dishes. 

 

Edible Flowers and Herbs

Aylssum – add the flowers to salads, soups or omelets.

Basil – use the flowers as you would the leaves in salads, soups or pasta.

Borage – try freezing flowers in ice cubes. Consume in small quantities.

Lilac – mix flowers with cream cheese and serve on crackers.

Nasturtium – use leaves and flowers in salads or to garnish casseroles. Pickle the seeds into capers.

Pansy – use flowers in salads or desserts.

Peony – use flowers in salads or cook for a treat. Use in water or to garnish punch.

Plumeria – use flowers in salads or steep as a tea.

Primrose – garnish salads, cakes or other desserts.

Squash & Pumpkin – use flowers in salads, pastas, soups, or egg dishes. Can be fried and filled with cream cheese.

Rose – if petals smell good, they will taste good. Also use rose hips in jellies. Use only if organic—no chemical sprays.

Rosemary – use with pork and beef dishes. Flowers are also good in breads.

 

Enjoy a feast of lovely flowers created just for you by the King of Kings. Give Him glory and honor as you feast on His creation.

 

© 2025 Text, photos, and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved. 

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted. 

New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. 

Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm

 

Books by Mickey M. Hunacek

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