The first thing the book of Psalms chooses to say about the righteous is that they do not follow the advice of the world, but they find pleasure in listening to God in his Word.

Wherever there are people whose hearts are not fretful or anxious or in a resentful frenzy the world sits up and takes notice.

Don't be like the mule but run headlong to God in prayer while he may be found. For the contrite heart which prays will be forgiven and protected and taught the way to God and will be glad in the Lord forever.

We're made of the same stuff as the saints of old, and they help guide us so that we persevere to the end.

Don't let your sinfulness hinder your prayers. Run into the arms of God and fill his ear with arguments that aim for His honor.

It seems that with this passage of Scripture, more than any other, to recite it is also to experience its reality. The psalm itself is green pasture, the psalm itself is still water, the psalm itself restores my soul.

I feel myself drawn with David not so much to love the green pastures but the good shepherd, not so much to love the lavish banquet but the bountiful host, and not so much to love the trip to Miami or the bungalow but to love the highway patrolman.

What are some practical steps that we can take to stay alive to the beauty of God's world?