In God, whose word I praise, in the Lord, whose word I praise. Psalm 56:10

In the context of today’s Watchword, David expresses deep reliance on the Lord’s care when he
says, “You have taken account of my wanderings; Put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in
your book?” (vs. 8). Here, the Psalmist acknowledges that every detail of his life is known to
God, including each tear shed in his afflictions. David’s words paint an intimate picture of a
loving and attentive Creator who notices all of His children’s sorrows. This assurance offers
comfort to all of us who may feel overlooked or forgotten, emphasizing that God’s records are
precise and He cherishes the tears of His people. Being counted and remembered has the
powerful potential to inspire believers to place our burdens confidently at God’s feet.

David proclaims in verse 9: “Then my enemies will turn back in the day when I call; This I
know, that God is for me.” Here, he exudes bold faith that the Lord will act on his behalf.
Despite the opposition he faces, he anticipates divine reversal of his circumstances. We can find
hope that in times of dire need, prayers do not go unheard, and God’s love transforms the
outcome of our battles.

Building upon this confidence, David repeats his gratitude by declaring in today’s Watchword:
“In God, whose word I praise, in the Lord, whose word I praise.” The repetition emphasizes the
strength and certainty of David’s trust. By utilizing both “God” (Elohim, representing the
Creator/Judge/ supreme authority) and “Lord” (Jehovah, representing the covenant-keeping
God), David acknowledges that the Creator is also deeply invested in his personal protection.
David’s repeated praise of God’s word underscores the reliability of divine promises. These
promises continue to reassure believers that God’s truth can be trusted to guide and fortify our
faith.

From this confident position, David emphasizes his trust as he declares, “In God I have put my
trust, I shall not be afraid. What can man do to me?” (v. 11). Though enemies may succeed
temporarily in causing fear or suffering, David stands firm in his perspective that the Lord’s
dominion is far greater than any human power. We are ever reminded that no earthly peril can
separate us from God’s love and care (Romans 8:38-39).

From today’s text, may we pursue trust over fear. Like David, may we actively shift our focus
from the danger of mere mortals to the certainty of God’s unchanging promises. May we also
remember that faith is a choice. Indeed, faith and fear can occupy the same mind at the same
time, so let’s demonstrate a deliberate act of the will to focus on God’s word. May we also
recognize the power of God’s word. Such absolute confidence is not blind optimism; rather, it is
a grounded trust in the verifiable character and promises of God. May such disposition and
attitude be ours. Amen.
Jermaine Gibson

For great is his steadfast love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever.
Praise the Lord! Psalm 117: 2

Psalm 117 begins and ends with a call to praise the Lord. We praise God because He is worthy of
praise. We should praise Him daily in our private devotions and in public worship. If we really
think about it, there is no inappropriate time to praise the Lord. This Psalmist beckons everyone
to praise the Lord. The Psalmist assured his readers that the Lord was not merely a local deity.
He did not belong to Israel alone. God created the whole world and all of the people of the
world. Thus, believers ought to lead all to praise God’s holy name.

Today’s Watchword offers two reasons that we ought to praise God:

1. Great is His steadfast love towards us – The original Hebrew uses the word hesed, which refers
   to God’s loyal, loving, and covenant-keeping love. Commentators often point out that this
   specific love is mighty and prevails over human weaknesses and sins. It is “great” in the sense
   that it overflows boundaries and continually reaches toward people, offering forgiveness and
   continual preservation. 
   The word translated steadfast love is also translated mercy. It is the Lord’s mercy that allows us
   to be saved. God’s mercy sent His Son into the world. Without Jesus, we would know only
   judgment and wrath. Notice that the Psalm tells us that the Lord’s mercy is great toward us. Our
   sins are great; therefore, His mercy is great. Without God’s mercy we would live and die in our
   sins. There would be no hope of the abundant life that Jesus promised to those who believe in
   Him. I can think of no better reason to praise God.
2. God’s faithfulness endures forever – The Hebrew word emet is translated faithfulness, but also
   truth. We are called to praise God because of His truth and His faithfulness to His promises.
   Matthew Henry observes that while God’s mercy is the fountain of all our comforts, His
   unchanging truth is the foundation of all our hopes. No matter the circumstances or the passing
   of generations, God never changes, and His promises remain reliable forever. 
   We praise God, not just because we know that everything that He does and says is true, but
   because we can personally know God’s truth in Jesus Christ. All of God’s truth dwells in Jesus
   Christ, and to know Jesus personally is to possess all of God’s truth. God’s truth is too great to
   grasp intellectually, but we can have it by faith in Jesus. In a world filled with Satan’s lies, we
   desperately need God’s truth. Indeed, God’s truth and His faithfulness endures forever.
   Friends all, we have countless reasons to praise God. Today we are reminded that because of
   God’s steadfast love and mercy, we ought to praise Him. Also, because of God’s faithfulness and
   truth, He deserves our praise. This praise is not just by the songs and shouts that we make, but
   even more so, by the lives we live as a testimony to God’s character. Let’s praise the Lord!
   Amen.
   Jermaine Gibson

Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love
and your faithfulness. Psalm 115: 1

It is often said, ‘Give credit where credit is due.’ When it comes to giving honour and glory,
believers ought to know that only One deserves all the credit. Hear David in today’s Watchword:
“Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory”. Psalm 115 contrasts the superiority
of the Sovereign God of the universe with the impotent false gods and worthless human-made
idols of pagan nations (verses 2–8). The Psalm was penned in an era when Israel’s enemies
constantly insulted and mocked them. “Your name” refers to God’s essential character and
nature, or His reputation—it stands for God Himself. “Glory” is a state of high honour. Thus, the
Psalmist opens worship with the bold assertion that everything God’s people are and all they
accomplish should not be for their own benefit or credit, but for God’s glory.

The Bible reminds us that God will not yield His glory to people or His praise to idols because
all glory belongs to Him alone (Isaiah 42:8, 48:11). In the New Testament we encounter the
hypocritical Pharisees who sought glory for themselves. They wanted to be seen by other people
as righteous and receive honour from humans (Matthew 23:5; 6:16; John 5:44). But Jesus told us
to practice our good deeds in secret. The Apostle Paul taught that our Christian service is to be
motivated by a desire to please God and not by human praise (1 Thessalonians 2:4-6).

Today’s Watchword further explains the reason that God’s glory should not be unto us but to the
Lord alone: because of His steadfast love and faithfulness. In Psalm 36, David declares, “Your
steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds” (vs. 5). God’s
loyalty is unlimited, and He loves us always; therefore, we must honour Him alone and not
ourselves or any other person or thing.

All credit, honour, praise, and glory should not be to us but to our great God because only He
deserves it. Our God is the supreme, all-powerful Creator of the world. Anything that we value
or regard more than God becomes an idol to us. Interestingly, the object itself may not be
blatantly sinful; it may even be legitimate. Daniel Akin makes this very important point: “the
object of idolatry can be a good thing. However, when we turn a good thing into a god thing it
becomes a bad thing: an idol.”

Today, let’s hear this verse again: “Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory, for
the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness”. May we note the reminder that true
worship is not about human entertainment or recognition, but about elevating the magnificence
of God. May we humble ourselves before the Lord always, and give to Him all the praise, glory
and honour that He alone deserves. Let’s live all our lives in praise to God! Amen.
Jermaine Gibson

There is no Holy One like the Lord, no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God. 1 Samuel 2: 2

1 Samuel 2 is a song of praise by Hannah. If we were to sum up her song, perhaps it would be
that “God is in control; therefore, rejoice!” Admittedly, it is sometimes hard for us to see that
God is in control when we are going through a difficult time. However, that is when it can be
helpful to hear the testimony of someone else who has gone through a difficult time and has
gained victory. Hannah’s song is her testimony, not only of what God has done in her life, but of
how God operates in all of life.

Hannah knew what it was like to suffer pain. She was barren. Her husband’s second wife,
Peninnah, often provoked her to tears because of this. But when she cried out to God for a son
that she could dedicate to him, God answered her prayer and gave her the boy Samuel. Hannah
fulfilled her responsibility of nursing and weaning Samuel. She fulfilled her vow by dedicating
Samuel to the service of the Lord. And now, overcome by emotion at God’s gracious dealings
with her, Hannah rejoices in God’s sovereign rule over all things. She cries out, “My heart
rejoices in God!” (vs. 1) Why does she rejoice? Because God is in control of all things. This is
her story. This is her song.

She affirms in verse 1 that no one can rescue like God. In verse 2, today’s Watchword, she
declares that no one is holy like God – “There is no one holy like the Lord; there is no one
besides you; there is no Rock like our God.” God’s holiness means his separateness. When we
say that God is holy, we mean that God is separate from all creation. He is above all things; he is
before all things; he is sovereign over all. But God’s holiness also refers to his righteousness and
purity. God is perfectly holy and just. That is important when we talk about God being in control.
If an unholy God was in control of the universe, we are not likely to find that very comforting.
But God is holy. There is no one holy like the Lord. God is majestic. He is all powerful, all
knowing, everywhere present. “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, perfect in power, love and
purity.” We cannot compare God to anyone else. There is no one holy like God.

Today’s text also has Hannah announcing that no one protects like God. This is what Hannah
means when she says, “There is no Rock like our God.” In Bible times a rock was a place of
safety and refuge. We may look to all sorts of things and people in life as our refuge or safety
net, but there is no safer place than in the hands of God. No matter what trials we may be going
through today, when God is our Rock, we are safe, we are protected.

So today, let us hear again Hannah’s declaration – There is no one like God. No one rescues like
God; no one is holy like God; no one protects like God. God is in control; therefore, rejoice! Like
Hannah, may our hearts rejoice in God today and everyday. Amen.
Jermaine Gibson

My times are in your hand. Psalm 31:15

Admittedly, many times we are a control-freak people. We love to be in control, managing our
lives and that of others. Humans enjoy wielding power and authority over others. It is no wonder
that when the enemy tempted Eve, that the serpent said, “For God knows that when you eat of it
(fruit of the tree in the middle of the garden) your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God,
knowing good and evil.” (Genesis 3:5) How often do we find ourselves trying to seek control
and manipulate challenging circumstances that come about in our lives, instead of first and
foremost surrendering ourselves and our circumstances to the sovereign hand of the Lord?
Today’s Watchword affirms that God has ordained every circumstance of our lives to be worked
out for our good and for His glory. We can rest knowing that every aspect of our lives is under
His divine control. 

In the context of today’s Watchword, David is facing intense persecution, with his life in danger,
yet he shifts from complaint to affirmation of God’s control. David’s affirmation, in the midst of
enemies who would destroy him, demonstrates his faith and confidence in God. David was never
ashamed to make it known that his trust was in the Lord. The Psalm opens with the king’s prayer
and adoration that the Lord was his strength, protector and shepherd (31:1-3).  Nevertheless, the
life of the king was not without its burdens and troubles that are the plague of all persons living
in this fallen, sin cursed world.  Sorrows, disappointments, grief, loneliness and traitors who
slandered his name were the haunt of his life. In the midst of his sorrows, David did what should
be the practice of all who know the Lord – he called to the Lord and confessed.

The reference to the “times” is about all circumstances, vicissitudes, and changes throughout a
person’s life. This includes the duration of life, times of trial, and moments of relief. The good
times, the bad times, the times of joy and sorrow, times of health and sickness, the times of
wonder and anticipation, the times of dread and anxiety – all times are directed by the hand of
God who is faithful and ever-present. The hand of God symbolizes both His authority and His
loving care. Instead of being in the hands of enemies or fate, the believer is securely in God’s
grasp. Even while being surrounded by enemies, the Psalmist actively chooses to trust God. This
indicates that faith can exist alongside, or in spite of, severe trials. Indeed, life events are not
arbitrary. They are ordained and managed by God’s wisdom.

 
So today’s text is a declaration of total trust in God’s sovereignty over every aspect of life. It
signifies that a believer’s life is controlled by God’s loving providence, not by chance, enemies,
or circumstances, providing security and peace in challenging times. When facing uncertainty or
opposition, this verse invites us to release control and entrust our future, safety, and reputation to
God. May God help us so to do. Amen

Jermaine Gibson

He sustained him in a desert land, in a howling wilderness waste; he shielded him, cared for
him, guarded him as the apple of his eye. Deuteronomy 32:10

Human relationships are very interesting. They move from being warm and deep to being callous
and cruel. Our relationship with God is about an ever-loving and compassionate God, with us
who are many times disobedient and rebellious. For nearly forty years, Moses led the Israelites in
their wanderings in the wilderness which resulted from disobedience, unbelief, and constant
complaining. God was angry with their attitude and allowed an entire generation to die in the
desert and not enter His promised rest. The time had arrived for Moses to pass the reins of
leadership to Joshua. To help God’s people remember His never-failing faithfulness, Moses
teaches them the ‘Song of Moses’ to both encourage them in the days ahead and as a constant
reminder that God’s work is perfect, His way is righteous, His laws are just, and His faithfulness
lasts from generation to generation.

The song Moses teaches drew a stark contrast between the goodness, greatness, loving-kindness,
and righteousness of their sovereign God, with His perverse and petulant people who broke their
covenant, sinned against Him, and acted corruptly toward Him. In his song, Moses recounts how
the Lord found Israel in a desert land and protected him, cared for him, guarded and chose him to
be His special nation from all the nations of the world. The Lord saved the Israelites from
bondage in Egypt, brought them out of slavery, blessed them abundantly, and promised to
protect them from their enemies and provide for them along the way. He relates how precious
they were to God and how He considered them ‘the apple of His eye’.

Moses seeks to ensure that the people of Israel did not forget their origin, nor the goodness of
God. They were to commit his poem to memory, consider their roots and history, and learn the
lessons of their forefathers. They were never to forget that “the Lord sustained Israel in a desert
land, in a howling wilderness waste.” They were to remember how God encircled them, cared for
them, and guarded them as the pupil of His eye. What a beautiful picture Moses paints of God’s
gracious goodness to His people.

May we never forget all the wonderful things that God has done for us and His never-failing
faithfulness to His children. May we remember to keep in mind the many pitfalls we will face in
our Christian life and maintain our faith in His promises to sustain and keep us. May we keep the
eyes of our heart on Jesus and apply the truth of His word, knowing that we too are the apple of
His eye and have been given all we need for life and godliness. Just as God cared for Israel in the
desert, may we be assured that God provides for and protects His people through life’s
wildernesses (spiritual and otherwise) supplying all our needs through His word and grace.

Today’s New Testament text is apt: Romans 8: 38-39 – “For I am convinced that neither death,
nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height,
nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in
Christ Jesus our Lord.” May we continue to celebrate the love of our resurrected Lord. Amen
Jermaine Gibson

I, I am the Lord, and besides me there is no savior. Isaiah 43:11

Much like us, Israel’s history is one of struggle with theological forgetfulness and spiritual
unfaithfulness. Time and time again, the people turned away from the Lord to worship foreign
gods. We hear God’s instruction in the Ten commandments: “I am the Lord your God, who
brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. You shall have no other gods before me”
(Exodus 20:2-3). Their failings resulted in God’s punishment. In the context of today’s
Watchword, the people are in Babylonian captivity. Yet here, God’s offers a word of comfort to
the Israelites by reminding them that despite their situation, their covenant God is still in control
and is their only true rescuer, invalidating pagan idols.

Idolatry is the ultimate manifestation of disloyalty, and it invokes jealousy and severe judgment
from the Lord. Yet, God’s jealousy and judgment are based on His love for the people He
redeemed at such a high cost. When God set Israel free from slavery in Egypt and instituted His
covenant with them, His whole desire was to live in constant, intimate fellowship with His
people. No other god has ever offered such a loving, close, one-on-one relationship.

Israel’s national life and the personal life of every citizen depended on God, because He alone
was their Saviour. Without God, Israel would not exist. The people only needed to look at their
own history to know this was true. If it had not been for the Lord delivering the nation over and
over again, they would have no history at all. But still, they continued to abandon their God and
Saviour to serve foreign gods. We are ever reminded that nothing escapes God’s eyes. He sees
our wayward hearts and actions. The people of Israel thought they could live however they
pleased and escape the consequences. But God saw their unfaithfulness, just as He sees our
disloyalty today.

Anything we desire more than God or value more than our relationship with God is an idol. God
must be first in our lives. God longs, even insists, that He be the only one we seek to meet the
deep needs in our heart. God still says to us today, “… besides me there is no saviour.” When we
pursue love, identity, significance, worth, and security in something or someone other than God
Himself, we are turning our backs on His love for us and forgetting, like Israel, that God is the
only one who truly saves.

Today, God reminds us, “I, I am the Lord…” Another version says, “I, even I, am the Lord…”
The doubled “I” emphasizes that Jehovah is the only true God and Saviour. It serves as a stark
reminder that no other power, person, or idol can deliver in times of trouble. It highlights God’s
absolute exclusivity, sovereignty, and sole capability to deliver His people, highlighting that
salvation—both temporal and eternal—comes only from Him, not idols or false gods. The verse
summons us to rely only on God. Indeed, with our whole hearts, we must be devoted to Him and
nothing and no one else. Amen.
Jermaine Gibson

O God, from my youth you have taught me, and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds. Psalm 71:17

Psalm 71 is a prayer for deliverance and a declaration of God’s faithfulness. Today’s Watchword
is a statement of the David’s lifelong commitment to God and his acknowledgment of God’s
teachings and wondrous works. The central theme of this verse relates to lifelong learning and
devotion to God. It is a reflection on a lifetime of divine guidance and a commitment to
intergenerational testimony. There is the importance of early spiritual education and the duty of
older generations to share God’s faithfulness with the young. 

Of significance, David reflects on the fact that God has been his teacher since his youth,
implying that he has been learning from God for his entire life. This speaks to the idea that faith
is not just a one-time decision, but a continual journey of growth and learning. It also emphasizes
the importance of nurturing a relationship with God from a young age, setting a strong
foundation for a faithful life. The phrase “I still proclaim your wondrous deeds” suggests the
Psalmist’s commitment to sharing God’s wondrous deeds with others. In proclaiming God’s
wondrous works, the Psalmist is not only praising God, but also bearing witness to God’s power
and faithfulness, encouraging others to also believe in and trust God.

The context of this verse within Psalm 71 emphasizes David’s reliance on God throughout his
life. The Psalmist seeks refuge in God’s righteousness and praises Him for His protection and
deliverance from enemies. He acknowledges that his trust in God has been unwavering, and he
expresses confidence that God will continue to uphold him. This verse is a part of the Psalmist’s
plea to God for continued strength and support in his old age, as he faces new challenges and
adversaries.

Of note is that David’s acknowledgment of God as his lifelong teacher symbolizes the intimate
and personal relationship between the believer and God. It also reflects the idea of God’s
continuous presence and influence in the believer’s life, shaping and moulding our faith and
character. By sharing the wondrous deeds of God with others, we become witnesses to God’s
power and goodness, serving as a light and example to those around them.

Charles Spurgeon highlights that this verse serves as a model for “aging gracefully” by focusing
on continuing to serve God and mentor younger believers, rather than just focusing on declining
physical strength. While this passage helps to reflect back on a life that has been richly blessed
by the Lord, it also offers up a challenge for the years to come – to declare the power of the Lord
to the next generation. Those who are old and gray have a responsibility to those who are closer
to the beginning of their journey. To teach them the things of the Lord and to lead them in
following after Him. We should always aim to be faithful at whatever age or stage we are at. We
ought to commit to proclaim the goodness of the Lord, helping others to mature in their faith and
walk with God. Amen
Jermaine Gibson

The heavens are yours; the earth also is yours; the world and all that is in it—you founded
them. The north and the south—you created them; Tabor and Hermon joyously praise your
name. Psalm 89:11-12

Today’s Watchword proclaims God’s absolute ownership and creative power over the entire
universe—heavens, earth, and all within them. The verses highlight God’s sovereignty over
nature, from the “north and south” to specific landmarks like Mounts Tabor and Hermon, which
symbolize joy and praise for the Creator. These words remind us that God is the Maker and
owner of all that exists, both seen and unseen.

Today’s text affirms God’s divine ownership. The “heavens” and “earth” are declared to be
God’s property because He is their creator. “The world and all that is in it” means that everything
within creation, including humanity and the earth’s resources, belongs to Him. We ought always
to remember that everything is God’s, and we are mere stewards, temporary overseers, of the
resources that we are priviledged to benefit from. The resources at our disposal must not be
treated as an occasion to boast or hoard same. Rather, it is an awesome opportunity to utilize
divine wisdom in enabling others to benefit and God be acknowledged and glorified, as our
Landlord.

The text reminds us that God is active in creation. The phrase “you founded them” emphasizes
God as the architect and sustainer, who established the world with purpose. Not only did God
create the world by His might and power, but ensures its sustainability every day. What an
assurance that is evident each day that we are alive! God is at work!

The text also affirms God’s sovereignty over nature which results in creation’s joy. By
mentioning the “north and south,” the Psalmist indicates God’s dominion over the entire, vast
earth. God’s creative power is in every direction. Mount Tabor is located in the Lower Galilee
region of Israel, known for its distinctive dome-like shape rising about 1,886 feet above sea
level, while Mount Hermon stands on the northern border, reaching over 9,000 feet in elevation
and forming a majestic part of the landscape. By mentioning these specific mountains, the
Psalmist paints a vivid picture of all creation rejoicing in God’s limitless dominion. Mount Tabor
(west) and Mount Hermon (east) represent the totality of the land praising God. The imagery
suggests that the entire natural world acts as an instrument of praise to its Creator.

This praise serves as a foundation for trusting in God’s faithfulness, even when circumstances
seem dire, by focusing on His immense, unmatched power. When we catch even but a glimpse of
God’s power and creative genius, we are led to entrust our lives into His care, trust His will for
us, and give God all the praise and glory that He so richly deserves. Amen
Jermaine Gibson

All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the Lord, and all the families of the
nations shall worship before him. Psalm 22:27

Today’s Watchword speaks to the universal sovereignty of God and the eventual recognition and
worship of God by all people. Psalm 22 is attributed to King David and is traditionally believed
to have been written during a time of intense distress and suffering. The beginning of the Psalm
contains the famous words, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” which are echoed
in the New Testament during Jesus’ crucifixion. This Psalm, therefore, is often interpreted as a
prophetic expression of the suffering that the Messiah would endure. Psalm 22, however,
eventually transitions into a message of hope and salvation.

Israel was surrounded by nations worshiping many different gods, with each culture having its
own idols and beliefs. David’s vision of all nations turning to the one true God would have
seemed like an impossible dream. However, his words show faith that God’s influence would
eventually reach far beyond Israel, transforming people from all backgrounds. This verse
expands the idea of worship and foreshadows a time when all people will come to know the
Lord.

Today’s text reveals God’s desire for all nations and people to turn to Him. It implies that
worship of God is not exclusive to one group, but meant for everyone, no matter their
background or heritage. The verse shows God’s inclusivity and His plan for all of humanity to
share in His love and presence. It also reflects the idea that only by turning to God can people
find true purpose and peace. In the New Testament, this theme of reaching all nations is echoed
in the Great Commission, where Jesus instructs His followers to spread the gospel to the ends of
the earth.

The act of worship is a powerful symbol of submission and reverence. When all the kindreds of
the nations worship before God, it represents a complete surrender to His authority and a
recognition of His sovereignty. This imagery is a potent reminder of the ultimate destiny of
humanity – to acknowledge and exalt the one true God. Today’s text uses words like
“remember,” “turn,” and “worship” or bow down which indicate a heartfelt response to God that
involves both mind and spirit. The idea of the “ends of the earth” and “all the families of the
nations” gives the verse a sweeping, universal scope, illustrating a global response to God’s
majesty.

For believers today, this verse serves as a reminder that God’s love and salvation are meant for
everyone. God’s loving nature is His desire to be known by all people. It’s not God’s wish to
remain hidden or distant; instead, He wants everyone to come close, to experience His presence
and love. We are encouraged to live with a mindset that reaches beyond cultural or national
boundaries, as God’s heart is for all people to know Him. May we be motivated to share the
message of God’s love, knowing that one day all people will recognize His greatness. As we live
out our faith, we are part of the fulfillment of this vision, inviting others to “turn to the Lord” and
join in worship. Amen

Jermaine Gibson