Dr. James Long, Jr.

Dr. James Long, Jr. I am a life coach, pastor, board-certified professional counselor, and university professor.

Psalm 28Few moments in the Christian life are harder than praying and hearing nothing in return. When heaven feels silen...
09/01/2025

Psalm 28

Few moments in the Christian life are harder than praying and hearing nothing in return. When heaven feels silent, it can seem as if God has abandoned us, ignored our prayers, or left us no better than those without hope. Psalm 28 gives voice to that struggle. It reminds us that God’s apparent silence is never His absence. In fact, His steadfast love is carrying us even when we cannot see or feel it.

Psalm 28 Summary & Exposition

Psalm 28 unfolds in three movements: a desperate cry for God’s mercy (vv. 1–5), a burst of praise for God’s strength and deliverance (vv. 6–8), and a closing prayer for God’s ongoing care of His people (v. 9). The psalm begins in anguish but ends in assurance, showing us how to persevere in prayer until faith rises into praise.

A Plea for God’s Mercy (Psalm 28:1–2)

David cries, “To you, O Lord, I call; my rock, be not deaf to me.” His prayer is urgent, not casual. Without God’s answer, he feels no different from those who perish without hope.

Psalm 28 Few moments in the Christian life are harder than praying and hearing nothing in return. When heaven feels silent, it can seem as if God has aba

Psalm 27Fear is one of the most universal struggles we face. Whether it’s fear of failure, fear for our children, fear o...
09/01/2025

Psalm 27

Fear is one of the most universal struggles we face. Whether it’s fear of failure, fear for our children, fear of an unknown future, or even fear of death, anxiety grips our hearts and robs us of peace. Psalm 27 shows us that the answer is not to ignore fear but to confront it by seeking the Lord as our light, salvation, and stronghold. It is in His presence that courage rises and hope is renewed.

Psalm Summary & Exposition

Psalm 27 weaves together two movements: bold confidence in God (vv. 1–6) and desperate prayer for His presence (vv. 7–14). This blend of assurance and lament mirrors our own walk of faith—moments of clarity mixed with moments of struggle.

Confidence in God’s Protection (Psalm 27:1–3)

David begins with an unforgettable declaration: “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” Even when enemies surround him, David’s heart rests in God’s protection.

Psalm 27 Fear is one of the most universal struggles we face. Whether it’s fear of failure, fear for our children, fear of an unknown future, or even f

Psalm 26Have you ever felt like life was slipping out from under your feet? Betrayals, accusations, temptations, and cul...
08/27/2025

Psalm 26

Have you ever felt like life was slipping out from under your feet? Betrayals, accusations, temptations, and cultural pressures can leave us questioning whether we will stand or fall. In moments like these, the cry of Psalm 26 becomes our own: “Vindicate me, O Lord.” Psalm 26 teaches us that confidence before God is not rooted in pride, but in integrity, separation from sin, and delight in worship. It reminds us that God’s steadfast love is firm ground beneath our feet, offering stability in emotional, relational, mental, and spiritual struggles.

Psalm Summary & Exposition

Psalm 26 is David’s heartfelt plea for vindication and protection from the wicked. It is not the boast of a self-righteous man but the prayer of someone clinging to God’s justice, mercy, and truth. The psalm unfolds in four movements: a plea for vindication, loyalty to God and separation from evil, integrity expressed in worship, and a final prayer for deliverance and stability.

Psalm 26 Have you ever felt like life was slipping out from under your feet? Betrayals, accusations, temptations, and cultural pressures can leave us que

Psalm 25We all walk through seasons when life feels heavy; when the pressure comes from difficult circumstances, painful...
08/26/2025

Psalm 25

We all walk through seasons when life feels heavy; when the pressure comes from difficult circumstances, painful relationships, or the guilt of past failures. In those moments, the question arises: Where can I turn for guidance, forgiveness, and hope? Psalm 25 answers with a prayer that has carried God’s people for generations. It teaches us to lift our souls to the Lord, trust in His steadfast love, and walk in His ways with confidence.

Psalm Summary & Exposition

Psalm 25 is a heartfelt prayer that blends lament, trust, and instruction. Written in an acrostic pattern, it covers the whole range of human need, from fear of enemies to guilt over sin to confusion about the path forward. David shows us what it means to seek God in every circumstance.

Confidence in God’s Protection (Psalm 25:1–3)

David begins with an act of trust: “To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. O my God, in you I trust” (vv. 1–2). Lifting our souls to the Lord is not just poetic.

Psalm 25 We all walk through seasons when life feels heavy; when the pressure comes from difficult circumstances, painful relationships, or the guilt of

Psalm 24We live in a world where anxiety, relational strain, and emotional burdens weigh heavily on our hearts. It is ea...
08/26/2025

Psalm 24

We live in a world where anxiety, relational strain, and emotional burdens weigh heavily on our hearts. It is easy to feel overwhelmed, adrift, or powerless when life feels chaotic. Psalm 24 speaks directly to this struggle, reminding us that the earth belongs to the Lord, that He desires pure hearts, and that He reigns as the King of Glory, bringing victory and peace.

Psalm Summary & Exposition

This is a psalm of triumph and worship, likely sung by God’s people as they approached the temple after deliverance. Its message unfolds in three movements: God’s sovereign rule, the requirements for those who seek Him, and the glorious entry of the King. This psalm offers not only a picture of worship in Israel’s history but also a rich source of hope for counseling the heart today.

Psalm 24 We live in a world where anxiety, relational strain, and emotional burdens weigh heavily on our hearts. It is easy to feel overwhelmed, adrift,

Psalm 23Psalm 23 shows how the Good Shepherd provides, restores, and protects. Discover true contentment and peace throu...
08/25/2025

Psalm 23

Psalm 23 shows how the Good Shepherd provides, restores, and protects. Discover true contentment and peace through His unchanging care.

The Comfort of Psalm 23

Few passages in Scripture have brought more comfort to weary hearts than Psalm 23. With its images of green pastures, still waters, and an overflowing cup, this psalm captures God’s faithful presence in every season of life. David, the shepherd-king, knew that security is not found in the absence of trials but in the presence of the Shepherd who meets every need.

This psalm invites us to embrace a deeper truth: contentment is not rooted in circumstances but in Christ, the Good Shepherd who provides, restores, and protects His people with messages like those in Psalm 23.

The Shepherd Who Satisfies (Psalm 23:1–4)

Rest in His Provision

“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.” Contentment begins here. Many struggle with anxiety or restlessness because their sense of stability rests on shifting circumstances.

Psalm 23 Psalm 23 shows how the Good Shepherd provides, restores, and protects. Discover true contentment and peace through His unchanging care. The C

Psalm 22There are seasons in life when God seems silent and our prayers feel unanswered. The pain of loneliness, rejecti...
08/25/2025

Psalm 22

There are seasons in life when God seems silent and our prayers feel unanswered. The pain of loneliness, rejection, or betrayal can lead us to believe that the Lord has turned His face away. Psalm 22 gives voice to that anguish, while also guiding us toward unshakable hope rooted in God’s faithfulness.

Psalm 22 Summary

The psalm begins with the anguished cry, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (v. 1). David pours out his lament, describing feelings of abandonment and suffering at the hands of his enemies. Yet woven through his cries are moments of trust in God’s holiness and past deliverance. The psalm then shifts dramatically from sorrow to praise, proclaiming God’s salvation not only for the psalmist but also for the nations. What begins as deep lament ends as a global chorus of worship.

Core Problem / Human Experience

“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (v. 1). These words capture the ache of abandonment that so many experience.

Psalm 22 There are seasons in life when God seems silent and our prayers feel unanswered. The pain of loneliness, rejection, or betrayal can lead us to b

Posted on: August 24, 2025, 1:00 PMBy: James Long, Jr.It’s been a few weeks since our last detailed update, and we’re pl...
08/24/2025

Posted on: August 24, 2025, 1:00 PMBy: James Long, Jr.

It’s been a few weeks since our last detailed update, and we’re pleased to share an update on Amy's progress. As of today, we’ve been home for just about a month. In that time, we’ve had to return to Philadelphia twice, one of those appointments thankfully conducted virtually. That flexibility was a huge answer to prayer.

Weekly Rhythm and Medical Oversight

Each week, Amy undergoes one or two blood draws, typically early in the week. These labs are crucial: they allow her transplant team to monitor liver and kidney function and fine-tune the delicate balance of medications she’s on. We also meet with the transplant team on a weekly basis, either in person or virtually. This will remain our rhythm for the next few months.

Posted on: August 24, 2025, 1:00 PMBy: James Long, Jr. It’s been a few weeks since our last detailed update, and we’re pleased to share an update on Am

Psalm 21Psalm 21 celebrates answered prayer, enduring joy, and lasting security in God’s presence. While Psalm 20 reflec...
08/24/2025

Psalm 21

Psalm 21 celebrates answered prayer, enduring joy, and lasting security in God’s presence. While Psalm 20 reflected the desperate cries of God’s people before battle, Psalm 21 reminds us to rejoice after deliverance, pausing to praise God’s faithfulness and trust Him for the victories yet to come.

Looking Back: The Joy of God’s Deliverance (Psalm 21:1-6)

David begins with worship, not self-congratulation: “O Lord, in your strength the king rejoices, and in your salvation how greatly he exults!” (Psalm 21:1). In reading Psalm 21, we see that victory is not credited to strategy or armies but to God’s answered prayer.

This psalm teaches us that it is easy to plead with God in crisis but harder to linger in gratitude after deliverance. God gave David more than he asked: preservation of life, increase in glory, joy in God’s presence, and a crown of blessing (vv. 2–6). In the context of Psalm 21, it becomes clear how crucial it is to pause and express gratitude.

Psalm 21 Psalm 21 celebrates answered prayer, enduring joy, and lasting security in God’s presence. While Psalm 20 reflected the desperate cries of God

Psalm 20Introduction: Why Psalm 20 MattersPsalm 20 draws us into a sacred moment of intercession before battle. The peop...
08/23/2025

Psalm 20

Introduction: Why Psalm 20 Matters

Psalm 20 draws us into a sacred moment of intercession before battle. The people pray for their king and express unwavering confidence in the Lord’s name. Therefore, this psalm becomes a guide for anyone facing overwhelming odds, reminding us that true security comes not from our resources but from our Redeemer.

Prayer as the First Defense

“May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble! May the name of the God of Jacob protect you!” (Psalm 20:1). These petitions are rooted in God’s covenant faithfulness. In the same way, when we face a “day of trouble,” Scripture invites us to pray boldly and intercede for one another. Prayer is not the last step after we exhaust our strength; rather, it is the believer’s first defense.

Confidence in God’s Name

The tone shifts in verse 6: “Now I know that the Lord saves His anointed.” David declares victory before the battle begins. His assurance rests not in military power but in God’s character.

Psalm 20 Introduction: Why Psalm 20 Matters Psalm 20 draws us into a sacred moment of intercession before battle. The people pray for their king and e

Psalm 19Psalm 19 is a rich and beautiful psalm that shows us how God reveals Himself through both creation and His Word....
08/23/2025

Psalm 19

Psalm 19 is a rich and beautiful psalm that shows us how God reveals Himself through both creation and His Word. David begins by pointing our eyes to the sky, where the heavens declare the glory of God. He then draws us to Scripture, where the Lord’s character and will are clearly revealed. Finally, he leads us into a prayer of humility and surrender, asking God to cleanse his hidden faults and keep him from sin’s dominion. Indeed, within this prayer, David experiences finding hope in God’s cleansing grace.

This psalm is not only about knowing that God exists but also about being transformed by His revelation. Therefore, as we walk through Psalm 19, we will see how it speaks to our emotional, relational, and spiritual struggles with wisdom that still restores the soul today.

Creation Declares the Glory of God

“The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork” (Psalm 19:1). From sunrise to sunset, the natural world testifies to God’s majesty.

Psalm 19 Psalm 19 is a rich and beautiful psalm that shows us how God reveals Himself through both creation and His Word. David begins by pointing our ey

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