Hidden Streams

Throughout this magnificent chapter, we have meditated on the ways of God, the benefits of walking with God, staying close to Him and learning from Him. Now as we get to the end of the chapter we see that we are all …

Happy Thanksgiving and thank you for listening throughout this year. We wish all of you a joyful Thanksgiving.Linda McCrary sings "Long Have I Known"

We are in continual need of hearing the testimonies of God's goodness. In this episode Chad speaks such encouraging words, words that bring hope, because our hope is in the One who formed us for Himself. Bryan Duncan …

Next weekend we get back on track for the last 3 episodes of Psalm 119. But for this weekend let's pause and consider the great cost of our …

This week is a throwback to season 3 and Psalm 5. Chad has great words of compassion and encouragement. our lives our in good hands if we rest in the care of our heavenly Father. The next 3 weeks will be the ending …

The power of the words that procede from the mouth of God. Wow, Chad has lots of gems in this podcast. Rebekah Caggegi sings "I Love Your Words".

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This selection of Psalm 119 can be pretty confusing, seemingly arrogant and boastful. Chad explains all this and Colin Heinrich sings "The Narrow …

In the 6th part of this long and fascinating Psalm, Chad looks at spiritual hunger, our need to rely on God rather than ourselves or our circumstances. He speaks of the wineskin analogy and explains how it applies to us …

in this 5th week of Psalm 119, Chad looks at the word God uses when speaking of his creation.

Chris Lizotte sings "It's all good, for You are good".

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In this 4th week of our 11 part series on Psalm 119, Chad speaks of our comfort in time of affliction, namely God's promise, and the blessing that …

Another beautiful meditation on the word of God which brings light to our darkened eyes.

Izzi Ray sings "Turn My Heart, Turn My Eyes"

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Verse 28 of Psalm 119 reads "My soul melts away for sorrow; strenthen me avvording to Your word." Chad encourages us with good news as he unpacks …

I this first of 11 episodes on Psalm 119 we get a grand view of this oft confusing Psalm, as Chad quietly focuses our heart on the riches found …

Who is like the Lord our God, who raise the poor from the dust. A beautiful meditation from Chad Bird and wonderful song from Jonathan, Amanda and …

In this episode Chad looks at this Psalm and the heartbreaking descriptions it gives of suffering and meditates on what is accomplished on our behalf.

Psalm 112 has much to say about the steadfast one, the one who loves God, who gives of himself, follows God's precepts and helps others. But, Chad …

Chad unpacks this short but very profound Psalm of hope. Paul Jackson sings "Praise the Lord".

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We can look at our world at face value or we can see God's expression of His wisdom, love and kindness. Rebekah Caggegi sings "Surrounded".

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A call to trust in the Lord. John Andrew Schreiner sings "Who Can I Trust".

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In this short but profound Psalm we read of Israel crossing into the promised land and the mountains and hills and river Jordan reacting to the presence of God. Izzi Ray sings "Every Breath". Starting this week we will …

 God has done great things, but it's natural to feel we are being trampled down by the struggles we face. Chad shines light on this and our reason for great and lasting hope. Izzi Ray sings "We Will Sing the Victor's …

In this encouraging episode we learn some unexpected features of this Psalm. The gifted Ryan Delmore sings "Under Your Feet".

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In this short but profound Psalm , we are once again given great reasons for our hope.

Psalm 123 Izzi Ray sings "I Lift Up My Eyes"

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In the second half of this imprecatory Psalm we here about the ways we are vulnerable to attacks by our accusers. Chris Lizotte sings "You have …

Psalm 109 is an imprecatory Psalm. Very uncomfortable to absorb. Chad breaks this down with Gospel centered wisdom and compassion. Kris Winrich sings "I See Judas, Close at Hand"

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This Psalm deals with the storms of life, and God's care for His children. Izzi Ray sings "Lord of the Storm".

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   In the first half of Psalm 107 we hear about the troubled, the wanderers, the shipwrecked, ruined ones who cried out to God in their distress. Izzi Ray sings "All the Way Home".

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Chad calls this Psalm a walk of shame through Israel's history. But the Psalm includes the word "nevertheless...". Very encouraging words to those who know they fail. Andrea Hammond sings "Here I Confess". 

In this first of 2 episodes on Psalm 106, Chad addresses the Psalms bleak descriptions of Israel's

failures. Alex Mackey sings "My Hidden Sin"

In this continuation of Psalm 105, we hear Chad highlight what is missing in this telling of Israel's history, and what it shows about God and how God sees us. Kirsten Ford sings " You Are So Good".

In this episode Chad Bird draws our attention to some things that are curiously missing in the description of Israel's history as narrated in Psalm …

In this continuation of Psalm 104 Chad looks at the various "hats" that God wears as He created and sustains all that exists. John Andrew and Cathy Schreiner sing "World of Wonders"

What a wondrous creation God has made. In this episode Chad ponders the first half of Psalm 104. Rebekah Caggegi sings "Creation Song"

Chad unpacks this call for all nations to make a joyful noise to the Lord. Izzi Ray sings "Under Your mercy".

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As we continue our meditation on Psalm 102, Chad speaks of ambition that clouds our vision and distracts us from the things that really matter. We …

Psalm 102 starts out with a description of desolation. Chaos, unrest, shame, desolation among the ruins. Where is God in all of this? Chad unpacks …

Psalm 123 contains some of the most beautiful descriptions of the life of faith, describing how we look to God until “He shall be gracious to us” as …

Psalm 101 is a puzzling Psalm. At first glance it can leave us wondering how to respond.

Chad unpacks this and points us to our hope in the finished work of Christ. Andrea Hammond sings "Whatever Happens".

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Psalm 45 gives us a beautiful description of a wedding, and much more for those with eyes of faith, for we see in this Psalm a beautiful picture of …

In this episode Chad looks at the place of angels, the supreme glory of God over all creation and meditates on the mysterious glory that awaits all of us who trust in our Redeemer. Markita Knight sings "You Reign".

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Solomon wrote that there is nothing new under the sun. But in Psalm 96 we are told we have a new reason to sing, to sing a new song, for something …

All creation groans under the weight of sin, greed, and despair. As we enter into the season of Lent we have good reasons for hope. The greatest is …

In the midst of our worship, God admonishes us to remember His goodness, and don't harden our hearts like our ancestors when they forgot God in the wilderness. Instead, we are invited to enter in, give thanks and rest …

Psalm 30 is a Psalm for the dedication of the temple. However, it doesn't mention the temple and seemingly is unrelated to this subject. What gives? Once again Chad makes sense of all this in this eye opening episode. …

The second half of Psalm 89 takes a turn from promise to ruin. And in the midst of this downfall,  King David accuses God of causing all the …

In part 1 of Psalm 89, we hear of David wanting to build a house for the Lord to dwell, but God has bigger plans, and makes a promise to David that from his lineage will come the Messiah of the world. Izzi Ray sings …

Psalm 5 is a prayer that orients us as we start our day. Knowing that in the morning "You will hear my voice". Rebekah Caggegi sings "In the Morning". We align allign ourselves who is our king, in expectation of good …

Life can get so complicated, so full of mind numbing details and various pains that it's easy to wish we lived in a simpler time. Chad talk about …

Do you ever wonder if God thinks His plan is worth all of the suffering that His son went through on our behalf? Chad takes us through this Psalm and brings great encouragement. Psalm 21 Rebekah Caggegi sings …

As we finish Advent and celebrate Christmas, we remember that we are still waiting in hope for the return of our Savior. In this time, we face seasons of suffering and can feel abandoned by God. Chad reminds of us the …

Who can ascend the holy mountain? Who can enter the gates of the eternal city? The one whose hands are clean. The one with the pure heart. 

Chad …

Psalm 50 is rebuke to those that either think they are too important,  or they think God doesn't notice their acceptance of sin and hypocracy.

Chad …

In this episode Chad shows us that the problem of sin starts long before we are born, and the consequences are devastating. We meditate on the beauty of Christ suffering on our behalf, that we may be covered with mercy …

Better off spending one day in the courts of heaven with our loving God than a hundred anywhere else. The object of our love is not the gifts of God, …

Wandering, wandering. Where do we stand with God? Is there a reason for hope when all we see is failure and despair? Does God even hear us when we have failed so miserably?  Izzi Ray sings a song of hope for now and …

Psalm 82 gives us a glimpse into the cosmic realm where God pronounces judgement on the fallen angels. Chad explains and encourages us with the truth …

Psalm 81 is another description of the errors of God’s people throughout history. In this Psalm we see God’s loving frustration with His people when He speaks to them but they won’t listen, even when he blesses them …

Psalm 78 contains a long list of the failings of God's people.

What can we learn from this collection of regrets? Chad teaches us that there is hope …

The Lord looks down from heaven on the children of man, to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God. It doesn’t go all that well. Chad takes us through this tour of what God finds in his survey of the …

In this episode, Chad discusses the symbolism of the horn. What does it mean when the wicked lift up their horn on high? What or who is the horn of …

Psalm 68 1-18

Paul reminds us in Eph. 6, that evil is real and present on earth. Unseen and seeking our harm, the evil is no match for the true …

A Psalm that speaks to the heartache of surveying the ruins of our lives. Lord have mercy. Christ have mercy. Colin Heinrich sings “Why Have You …

Godly, upright in heart, righteous. Sinful, sorrowful, wasting away. Could both these descriptions be true of us? Yes, because of our Savior, who …

It can all seem so unfair. The wicked prosper and the ones who look to God seem to suffer the most. Chad speaks to this topic with remarkable insights and points our hearts toward the suffering but victorious Savior of …

Psalm 68 19-35

The invisible world is present though we often aren’t as conscious of it. A battle rages between the forces of good and evil. We must …

The Lord told Moses to give a blessing on the people of Israel. Recorded in Numbers chapter 6, it is more than words. It is a work that God does on …

We might think of the poetry of the Psalms as a dance between creation and redemption. In this Psalm, iniquities prevail yet God atones for our salvation. All creation rejoices with their creator in thanksgiving.
This …

Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him,
    on those who hope in his steadfast love,that he may deliver their soul from death
    and …

What if God doesn’t hear me? The doubts and fears that lurk beneath our faith can rise up and speak to us in our worst times of struggle. Colin …

 Psalm 60 is a lament that begins with a harsh and bitter accusation, namely that God has rejected us. David complains about rejection, loss, national tragedy and

the experience of feeling that God has abandoned and …

From the 4 corners of the cross, Christ’s gift of redemption spreads throughout the earth, throughout the generations, and is perpetually praised in the celestial realm. Meanwhile, we suffer and bear the burden of …

The needy are not forgotten by God. He hears the cry of the afflicted. Those that forget God will be forgotten, but for those that trust Him, forever they will live in the light of His face. Izzi Ray sings “Jesus, Lord …

Pain and suffering; it can feel like punishment from an angry God, and we try to figure out the cause, to our own frustration. Psalm 31 speaks to this and much more as we join with Christ and His sufferings on our …

Waiting on God can seem like slow motion torture sometimes. Our minds can play tricks on us and deceive us into thinking we are left alone to suffer and die, but if we remember the One who created us, called us, goes …

The fact is this: we all are going to die. Whether we are rich or poor, foolish or wise, we will all pass away. No one can change this reality, but …

When surrounded by evil, it’s easy to think our doom is sure. How we can defend ourselves, how can we judge the wicked, especially when they seem so much smarter,stronger and more confident than us? Our help is in our …

The stormy seas of life threaten us, but we need not fear, for God is with us. Our gaze is upon His face. We look to Him alone to rescue, defend, …

Part of the journey involves seasons of affliction, and during those times it is easy to feel separated from God, even rejected by our God. We look …

None of us can enter the Kingdom of God based on our righteousness. Whether we realize it at the time, we are being carried through this life by our loving Savior. God asks that we cast on Him the weight of our burdens …

Everyone is stained by sin. Who can stand before God? Who can dwell in His holy presence? Only the one who walks blamelessly. Disappointing for those …

Psalm 2 ends by describing the state of blessing for those take refuge in God. In this life we are often left to wondering why God, who loves the world so much, is so rejected and hated by so many that He created. This …

When God changed Jacob’s name to Israel, thereafter his story was linked into as God’s story. Psalm 8 speaks of the human being, as humanity, but also of Christ. This Psalm is quoted in Hebrews as being about the …

This Psalm was written when David had to fake insanity to escape danger as he was on the run from King Saul. David responds with thanksgiving in the …

Psalm 1 shows us the true state of life and death. Life in abundance, rooted and secure in Christ, or desolate as we are left to ourselves. Rebekah …

This majestic Psalm reminds us who is in charge and Lord of all. We belong to the Most High God. John Andrew Schreiner sings " The Voice of the Lord".

The heavens declare the glory of God, and we are wise to meditate on God's revelation through creation. But He grants us specific benefits and grace from the Word He has given to us. Izzi Ray sings "Without A Sound".

Psalm 37 shows us that God is making all things new,  and covering His own with protection. We are told to be still, wait patiently on God, not to …

Sometimes it seems that everything goes the opposite way we desire. But who thinks that repentance is the answer God sets before us?God turns us from ourselves to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. We cry out …

Psalm 23 is often at odds with our emotions. Oftentimes we can feel alone and vulnerable and unable to see any reason for hope. Though our eyes and …

We are accustumed to praying to God, through Christ, but in this Psalm we are praying to the Father and asking Him to hear the prayers of His Son, prayers made on our behalf. Linda McCrary sings "Every Prayer".

Anyone that follows Christ will face troubles. Psalm 18 speaks of deep waters, foreboding disasters and a sense of doom. We cry out to God because He …

A Psalm of David, spoken as a prophet, seeing into the future what would happen to the Messiah. It is Jesus Christ who says “the Lord is my portion …

A Psalm of comfort for all of us. John Andrew Schreiner sings “The Lord is My Light and My Salvation”.

In this painful Psalm, we read of distress that is caused by lying lips and deceitful tongues. This Psalm follows the majestic Psalm 119 which …

In this episode, Chad Bird talks about the disconnect we often experience when reading Psalms like this. This tremendous,  encouraging Psalm can also …

If you are a follower of Jesus Christ, then you have a duel citizenship; One on Earth, and one in the new in  Jerusalem. This is our confession, that …

God has looked down upon us with peace, righteousness, fidelity, and love. This Psalm is understood as describing our Savior who perfectly manifests all of these with mercy towards us. He gives us these gifts now, so …

When we wait on God, sometimes it seems like we are waiting forever, and the things we hold dear seem to be falling apart. Sometimes, it looks like …

When we wait on God, sometimes it seems like we are waiting forever, and the things we hold dear seem to be falling apart. Sometimes, it looks like …

The enemies of God will be put to shame. David understands this as he looks back on his life. He sees God’s kindness and seeks to document God’s …

 Psalm 70 encapsulates all of our needs in this life. We ask God to hurry up, make haste,  and deliver us from all torments, in all situations. Isa …

There is a time for everything under heaven. There is a time to cry out to God in anguish, and a time to cry out hallelujah in thanksgiving. We also cry out to God to make things right, to judge according to His …

Our enemies have weapons that can intimidate us and we can easily imagine being destroyed by them. The Psalms speak of how the weapons of the wicked are often used by God to destroy the enemy by their own hand. The …

It is helpful to realize that we all face different types of threats. We should take no good thing for granted, but instead receive each day as a …

David was betrayed when he was hiding from King Saul, but he trusted in the name of God, and so can we. No matter how confused and bewildered we have …

In Psalm 41, when we come to faith in Christ, our Savior’s life becomes ours. His death is our death, His resurrection, our resurrection. 

Jesus is …

Psalm 35 

This Psalm is a prayer from Jesus Christ who comes down to make war on our behalf. Christ calls out to His Father, and the fight is fierce and long. He comes in mercy but is opposed by the ones He loves, and …

Psalm 36

The children of mankind take shelter in the shadow of Your wings. Evildoers lie fallen, but those that

repent find eternal hope in Christ. Both Jews and Greeks are under sin, but Christ restores us to life. 

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Psalm 26 begins with a plea that God will vindicate me because of my integrity. Our broken reality shows that this doesn’t seem true when it is only our voice making statements like this. We never pray alone. We pray in …

Psalm 25, an acrostic Psalm, begins with “to You I lift up my soul”. This prayer covers everything we need from God, from A to Z. Blake Flately sings …

Psalm 17   

Life in this world is a life of conflict. Our battles are not against flesh and blood, and the devil looks to devour us. We look to the infinite mercy of God. We trust in His heart of mercy. Christ is the …

This episode reflects on a time in Israel’s past where they are met by the goodness of God who has turned their misfortune into freedom and joy. Their mouths were filled with laughter, whereas before they were filled …

This prayer expresses the feeling of separation and the resulting distress from feeling like we are abandoned. We cannot find an anchor within us, so …

This is a prayer which orients us in the morning to offer our lives to God with trust and thanksgiving. We align ourselves towards the One who made us and loves us.  Rebekah Caggegi sings “In The Morning.”

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Psalm 4 reminds us that our daily lives are lived in a battlefield. And just as the world hated Christ, so it will hate those who follow Him. David …

Moses highlights how ultimately short life is in the light of eternity. Chad speaks of the anger of God and and how he the passionate exclusionary …

Uniquely attributed to Moses, this Psalm offers a grand recalling of the creation account and God’s covenant faithfulness though the generations. …

Chad talks about the practice of prayer and the offering of incense. The tradition of meditating on the psalms helps explain and the symbolism …

Chad explains the context and background of Psalm 52 and explores the destructive power of the tongue. The Psalm demonstrates why you cannot trust in your own ability and must rely on God for righteousness and …

Verse 12 begins with a description of God’s blessings to the faithful. Here we are reminded that this life is a struggle and fight, and that our only …

Calling on the God’s vengeance, this militant prayer is aimed against the enemies of God and his people. Here we are reminded that the God of Israel …

Using agricultural images, the Psalmist speaks of suffering and the persecutions that Israel endures. These words were sung alongside the …

Israel cries out to God, to remember his promises. Chad meditates on how to speak honestly to God. Chad also explains covenantal language, and how we are in a relationship that we are committed to, even when things seem …

The first section of Psalm 44 teaches about the life of the redeemed. Chad highlights the nature and simplicity of christian life. These first verses demonstrate that the promised land is not a reward for good living …

Chad meditates on what it means to look to God and how He looks at us. The Scripture leads us away from ourselves so that we look to and trust in God alone for our salvation. Izzi Ray sings “Until You Show Your Mercy”

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Words have great power to destroy. Chad meditates on the power of words in scripture and the contrast being the pure words of the Lord and the speech that tears down and brings shame and fear. This prayer cries out to …

When we are suffering persecutions, falsely accused and battling our own emotions, the truth of His grace is greater than anything that can attack us, including ourown thoughts. Christ prays this Psalm, and it gives us …

Asking God to be gracious to me, because my enemies are trampling on me. My enemies attack me with such pride, and spend time and energy devising ways to destroy me.But I trust in God and am unafraid. Chad meditates on …

The Psalm is written in the cave, referring to the time David was hiding from Saul and his soldiers. Chad meditates on the meaning of caves in the …

David states a very bold accusation that God has rejected and abandoned him. The land is quaking, shaking and full of tragedy. Sometimes our …

This Psalm describes the wicked and the arrogant thoughts and scenes of wicked preying upon the poor. David prays that God will not forget the poor. Calls for eternal justice. Chad meditates on the lament that God has …

A call for God to hear our cries, a call for the Good Shepherd to carry His people. Going down to the pit, a prayer that God rescue him, lest he end up stuck there forever. Even in the midst of pain we bless the name of …

In Psalm 3, David is fleeing from Absalom, and many are saying there is no God that will save him.We can feel these thoughts when we are under duress. At the end of this Psalm David declares that Salvation belongs to …

Psalm 7 is a prayer that gives expression to those who have experienced persecution. Christ prays the Psalms and as we pray these Psalms we pray in Him and He prays in us that these prayers might go to the ear of the …

As this Psalm is set in the the time of the Babylonian exile, Chad Bird meditates on the types of exile we find in scripture and in our lives. Also when all we value is lying in ruins, how do we respond? Kirsten Ford …

There are times when we feel farther away from God than we used to be. This reminds us that even though we feel exiled, God is with us in our exile. “I Will Remember” is sung by John Andrew Schreiner.

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Look away from me, that I may smile again. Rather than putting on a happy face, it might be better to honestly grieve during seasons of heartbrokenness. We are able to speak openly to God in this brief life and view our …

Psalm 13 is a story of sorrow and joy, confession and absolution, it declares that God has answered all our trouble. "But I have trusted in your …

Psalm 55 instructs us to call out to God and look to His sure promises when sin and darkness assails us. "But I call to God, and the LORD will save me."

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Is there any assurance when it doesn't feel like God is with you?Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has he in anger shut up his compassion?”

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The Psalmist speaks about how God delivers the poor and needy. "I waited patiently for the LORD; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a …

Psalm 38 shows a confession of sin that seeks and trusts in God alone forgiveness."But for you, O LORD, do I wait; it is you, O Lord my God, who will answer."

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In Psalm 22, we see our pain and suffering imputed to Christ on the cross as he confesses the words of the Psalm. "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of …

Crumbling and forsaken, a cry goes out to God. "But I, O LORD, cry to you; in the morning my prayer comes before you."

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"Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord." Psalm 31 delivers the promise that God is our deliverer and steadfast refuge. 

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Hidden Streams is a series of devotions through the Psalms of Lament. The purpose and hope of this series is to bring comfort to the heavy laden through music and the word.