DAILY BREAD READING (Published Daily by Our Daily Bread Ministries)
AUGUST 19, 2026
READ: Psalm 68 (Focus vs. 1-4; 19-20 & 32-35)
MEMORY VERSE
“You, God, are awesome in your sanctuary.” Psalm 68:35
BACKGROUND
As a landscape photographer, I’m drawn to photos I find online. Recently I came across “10 of the Most Breathtaking Places in the U.S.” A photo of a geothermal spring depicts a massive basin of multicolored luminescence.
A snapshot of the Hoh Rain Forest shows a dense, mossy forest that looks like something straight out of The Hobbit. A stunning picture taken in Monument Valley, Arizona, could be a panorama of Mars.
These awesome images make me think of our awesome God. In Psalm 68, David gushes about God’s majesty: “Sing to God . . . extol him who rides on the clouds” (v. 4). Vividly, the psalmist proclaims God’s power over enemies: “May you blow them away like smoke” (v. 2).
Yet God’s sheer majesty and power are contrasted with His intimate love: “Praise be to the Lord . . . who daily bears our burdens” (v. 19). David’s epic psalm reaches a climax with his breathless praise: “You, God, are awesome” (v. 35).
In landscape photographs, I find both immensity and intimacy. The sheer expanse of these vistas speaks personally to my soul. It makes me wonder if the landscapes of our world are really glimpses of God Himself—reflections of how He’s awesomely immense and breathtakingly loving.
In that light, might we look for His reflected beauty around us today. When we see it, we might whisper to Him, “You, God, are awesome.”
Kenneth Petersen
INSIGHT
Psalm 68 celebrates God as a mighty warrior who’ll defeat evil (vv. 1-2). It draws on the imagery of the song in Exodus 15 that celebrates God delivering His people from Egypt. In Psalm 68, He’s depicted as “[riding] on the clouds” (v. 4) while scattering “his enemies” (v. 1).
The retelling of the exodus deliverance concludes by describing a victory parade that ends with God dwelling and reigning as king (v. 18).
The rest of Psalm 68 (vv. 19-35) praises the enthroned God, recognizing that His people are completely dependent on Him. The psalm entreats, “Summon your power, God; show us your strength, our God, as you have done before” (v. 28).
God is a gentle warrior who fights for justice, who “leads out the prisoners with singing” (v. 6) and “daily bears our burdens” (v. 19). Today, as we reflect on the awesomeness of God, we can celebrate His great love for us.
Monica La Rose
APPLICATION
What visual experience has reminded you of God’s awesome ways? What about God does that reflect?
PR’s (Pastor Richard) RE-EMPHASIS (From Today’s Post)
“…the landscapes of our world are really glimpses of God Himself—reflections of how He’s awesomely immense and breathtakingly loving.
PR’s TAKE
“The word/adjective “awesome” should only be used for our God”. RuNett Ebo – Our Awesome God always leaves us delightfully awestruck. Pr
PRAYER
“Dear God, please help me see Your breathtaking beauty.”
TODAY’S HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“ALL CREATURES OF OUR GOD AND KING”
All creatures of our God and King,
Lift up your voice and with us sing
Alleluia, alleluia!
Thou burning sun with golden beam,
Thou silver moon with softer gleam,
O praise him, O praise him,
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Thou rushing winds that art so strong,
Ye clouds that sail in Heav’n along,
O praise him, alleluia!
Thou rising morn, in praise rejoice,
Ye lights of evening, find a voice.
O praise him, O praise him,
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
And all ye saints of tender heart,
Forgiving others, take your part,
O sing ye, alleluia!
Ye who long pain and sorrow bear,
Praise God and on him cast your care:
O praise him, O praise him,
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Let all things their creator bless,
And worship him in humbleness,
O praise him, alleluia!
Praise, praise the Father, praise the Son,
And praise the Spirit, Three in One:
O praise him, O praise him,
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
