A young king listens to bad advice, and what starts as a condolence visit spirals into war. In 2 Samuel 10 and 1 Chronicles 19, we watch how fear and suspicion—fueled by unnamed advisors—reshape history. This post explores the ripple effects of influence, and how the voices we trust can steer far more than just our thoughts.

These four psalms don’t comfort—they confront. From empty rituals to national defeat, they push back on human assumptions about goodness, control, and power. Reading them side by side reveals a shared message: we’re not as righteous—or as in charge—as we think.

In the middle of David’s military triumphs, there’s an unexpected pause—a quiet question about an old friend’s son. When David brings Mephibosheth to his table, it’s not about strategy or politics; it’s about memory, loyalty, and the kind of promises that outlast people. This blog explores how one moment of kindness can echo more deeply than a dozen battles.

Psalm 39 captures the emotional tension of staying silent when everything inside is burning to be said. It’s a raw moment of self-restraint, reflection, and the desire to make sense of life’s fleeting nature. This psalm doesn’t resolve anything neatly—but it does put words to a very human experience.

David wanted to build a temple, but instead, he got a promise of a lasting dynasty—something he wouldn’t live to see. This passage got me thinking about how we define legacy: is it what we build, or what we set in motion? Maybe real legacy isn’t something we control, but something we learn to let go of.

Psalm 101 isn’t just ancient poetry—it reads like a leadership checklist with sharp edges. From private integrity to public accountability, it maps out one man’s ideal for ethical rule. But it also raises tough questions about control, discipline, and the blurry line between values and enforcement.

Psalms 15 and 24 ask a surprisingly pointed question: who gets to stand in sacred spaces? The answers focus not on rituals or beliefs, but on ethical character—truthfulness, integrity, and consistency. This post explores those ancient checklists and what they might mean for anyone curious about what makes a life “worthy” today.

Even the best-laid plans can crumble when key details are overlooked. In 1 Chronicles 13-15, David’s first attempt to move the Ark of the Covenant ends in disaster—but he doesn’t give up. This story offers a thoughtful look at how failure can lead to reflection, adjustment, and a second chance.

Psalm 106 reads like a greatest hits album of collective missteps—and still, it’s part of the prayerbook. Why preserve the bad parts of a story? This blog explores how remembering the messy moments might be more meaningful than we think.

Psalm 133 paints a beautiful picture of unity, but reading it today raised more questions than answers. Why is something so “good and pleasant” often so hard to maintain? This reflection explores the effort behind harmony and why it might just be worth it.

After years of running, waiting, and wondering, David finally becomes king over all Israel—but not without a long and winding journey. His story invites reflection on the uneasy balance between action and patience, and how leadership often depends on timing beyond our control. What if the waiting seasons in life are shaping us more than we realize?

Psalm 104 takes readers on a vivid journey through the natural world, from mountain peaks to ocean depths. Reflecting on this ancient text today offers a chance to pause and notice the rhythms and mysteries of nature that often slip by unnoticed. What happens when we set aside explanations and simply observe the world as it is?

What can a small tribe with a complicated past and Israel’s first king teach us about history? In 1 Chronicles 7-10, the tribe of Benjamin and the rise (and fall) of Saul take center stage, offering a glimpse into how stories of triumph and failure are preserved side by side. This reflection explores how the Chronicler gives space to both honor and honesty in recounting Israel’s lineage.

What if rest wasn’t just about taking a break but was actually part of the work itself? Psalm 92 offers a glimpse into a rhythm of rest that feels intentional—rooted in gratitude, reflection, and steady growth. In this post, I explore what that might look like outside a religious setting and how slowing down could be its own kind of productivity.

1 Chronicles 6 reads like a list of names and places, but beneath the surface lies a story about how people connect to the spaces they inhabit. The Levites, a tribe without a homeland, carried their purpose into scattered towns across Israel, shaping community life through their presence. This reflection explores how place and purpose intertwine, both in ancient times and today.

Why do people who act badly seem to come out ahead? Psalm 73 doesn’t shy away from that question—it leans into the discomfort and confusion before landing somewhere more grounded. This blog follows the psalmist’s emotional spiral and gradual shift in perspective, all through a secular and reflective lens.

Reading through 1 Chronicles 3–5 felt a bit like flipping through the Bible’s version of a phonebook—just names, line after line. But even in these seemingly dry passages, there’s something to notice about memory, identity, and what gets preserved. Not every page is thrilling, but maybe that’s not the point.

Psalm 49 quietly asks a timeless question: what can wealth do in the face of death? This reflection doesn’t condemn success but invites us to rethink where we place our trust. When everything else fades, what truly holds value?