The one enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord ridicules them. – Psalm 2:4
Harsh!?!
That God almighty, ruling from His superior place in heaven would ridicule “anyone”?
I thought God loves us. Cares for us. Wants us to approach Him as Heavenly Father. Yet, He ridicules?
He laughs at those who set themselves up as if they are the almighty ones. Beyond His reach. Outside His sovereignty.
God takes no delight in their rebellion, but recognizes their foolishness; the way they have joyfully jumped into the deception offered them by the evil one.
God’s laughter, ridicule, is intended to jar them into another look – self- evaluation. Or if not them, any who would see them as role models.
God reigns! And in His resurrection, has established Christ Jesus as Lord of Lords, King of Kings!
Real, long-lasting happiness—joy even, is not the byproduct of what I normally think will bring me happiness. It’s not in:
leisure
money
things
temporal relationships
not even in purposeful work.
All those things may bring transient happiness, even security and satisfaction. But hardly ever long-term, permanent joy.
The Word of the Lord, however, is a deep, ever-fresh well that brings forth all that I long for, and it equips me, readies me for all of life. It is the real source of security, purpose, ultimate joy.
It is in God’s Word that I discover the ground for a well-rooted life.
I started the Psalms Project in the Summer of 2025 in an effort to spend more focused time in the Psalms.
I have long read the Psalms as a part of my daily devotional time, that quiet time in God’s Word as the day begins. Rarely, though, have I journaled the thoughts I have about the Psalms, reading one each day like a vitamin, but not delving deeply in the words unless they resonate with a particular circumstance or feeling. They are as likely to make me wonder if I ever feel the way the Psalmists felt as they are to connect me deeply with their worship, joy, sadness, or exultation.
I’ve already made a relatively new habit of journaling thoughts about my daily Bible reading – something I realize I should have been doing for years. Better late than never, I suppose. So, it wasn’t a leap or burden for me to commit myself to spending a few extra moments adding a specific daily reflection from a Psalm. The joy of retired life. A flexible schedule!
At the same time I find myself trying to learn to paint. I’ve dabbled in this a couple of times in my younger life. Always I find some connection to what I’m trying to illustrate, and doing it makes me think and feel deeply about the subject matter. I’ve always been drawn to the transparent beauty of watercolor images – loose lines, translucent color, and the power to draw a viewer into scene. Somehow the medium fits my mood as I dwell on the poetry of the Psalms. This is especially true if I can conceive and execute a line and wash image – that wonderful combination of pen and ink with the wash overlay of color.
What, I wondered, could happen if I combine these efforts? I will read a Psalm (or at least a portion of a Psalm) every day. I will immediately write a reflection. Just some words and thoughts that immediately come to mind as I worship in these ancient hymns. And, at least once per week I will seek out an image; one verse, one word, one phrase – something in the seven Psalms I’ve read, and I will try to capture a watercolor image that grows out of the thoughts I’ve had.
The Psalms Project was born. And now it lives on here at Numbering My Days (another Psalms reference that means a lot to me). It’s a collection of words, not too carefully chosen or edited, and a collection of the artistic efforts of a very beginning amateur, and clumsy, would-be painter.
If you find yourself here and reading, you might try this: read the Psalm that is referenced, then read the few words of my reflection on that Psalm. Get a journal or open a notes app and jot down a thought or two of your own. And, I hope, enjoy a little art. Sketch something yourself or sing a melody. Allow these Psalms to open your day, your mind and heart, to the wonder and joy of the very personal God who is majestic, glorious, holy, righteous, mighty – and yet is present for us in our worship.
“Teach us to number our days carefully so that we may develop wisdom in our hearts.”
This is a collection of daily reflections . . . my thoughts as I attempt to number my own days carefully.
The Psalms Project.
For years I’ve read a Psalm (or a portion of a Psalm) to begin my day. I find the Psalms set my mind and heart on the right path each day. Even if the Psalm I read doesn’t match my circumstances or attitude that day, chances are, in the coming days or weeks, I’ll encounter a moment where some verse or verses spring to mind. These words, which previously seemed irrelevant, suddenly shine a light of understanding or hope on an unexpected, difficult, or even joyous experience.
This summer I’ve begun to write a few words of my own in response to each Psalm I read. I’ve done this kind of devotional journaling with other Scriptures in the past, but never exclusively the Psalms, and rarely consistently through an entire Book of the Bible. At the same time, I find myself in the second summer of my retirement, trying my hand at painting. I’ve dabbled with this a few times in my life, but rarely had time or interest to maintain any kind of consistent output.
It occurred to me one day that I could find inspiration for my artistic impulse in the images of the Psalms. And so The Psalms Project was born. I endeavor to read a Psalm (or portion) each day; to write a brief reflection immediately – really my first thoughts about each Psalm in a very short format; and, once each week, to find one image in the readings to illustrate with a small format watercolor.
The reflections and images of The Psalms Project are the initial content of Numbering My Days. My prayer is that you will join me, and Moses, and countless Saints between, in seeking the Lord’s assistance in developing wisdom in our hearts.
Numbering My Days 