SCRIPTURE: Psalm 147
OBSERVATION:
In this Psalm, I hear a follower of the Lord bursting to tell everyone how great and good He is, and how wonderful it is to know and love Him!
Essentially there are two reasons to praise the Lord: because He is so great, and because He is so good!
How great the Lord is: He knows and controls the stars, His power and wisdom are unlimited, He controls the clouds and the rain, the grass and the animals, He rules everything by His word, including the snow, the frost, the hail, the winds and the rain.
How good the Lord is: He builds up His family, gathers and protects them, He heals the broken-hearted, binding their wounds, He sustains the humble but judges the wicked, He feeds the animals, He delights in those who trust and love Him, He blesses His people with peace, protections and all their needs, He reveals His truth to His people.
The opposite is also true, if it is delightful to reflect on the greatness and goodness of the Lord, then it is discouraging NOT to do so.
APPLICATION:
How often do I reflect on the greatness and goodness of the Lord?
Do I appreciate that He is in charge of everything, and that His power and wisdom are beyond my reach, and that it is better to rest in Him than to resist Him?
One of the reasons that so many people are discouraged in life is because, without the Lord in their life, all they have to meditate on is what is wrong, what is depressing.
Whatever we give the most attention to, that is the object of our worship.
And if that object of worship is anything other than God, we are doomed to despair and defeat.
How can I tell others about the greatness and goodness of the Lord unless I take the time to know these things myself?
Where is my confidence, in myself or my investments or in chance or my government or my education?
“The Lord delights in those… who put their hope in His unfailing love.”
PRAYER:
Lord, You are so much more awesome than I appreciate. I often give more credit to things other than You. I choose today to take some time to reflect on Your greatness and goodness… and to tell someone about it!
ditto!!!
To Experiencing God
God bless you as you seek Him ….
I am thankful for for what God revealed to you today.
Keep on seeking Him, praising Him and asking Him to teach you what He wants you to learn…
May God bless you with peace
Thank-you for sharing with us
Jill
I have been so discouraged this past year. I have been so frustrated, full of worry and anxiety, struggling greatly with how the negative ‘stuff’ around me was affecting/ consuming me as it was when it never used to be that way. I couldn’t pull away. I was soaking it up like a sponge. Through this scripture this morning God was able to finally break through the darkness of my heart. I remember now how it used to be – I would determinely focus only on God’s greatness and goodness, looking for His fingerprints especially in the darkness. I have allowed my focus to wander / shift. So true it is that to NOT focus on the greatness and goodness of God is discouraging – no destructive. It gives satan a foothold into our hearts and satan makes sure we are too distracted to pull our eyes away from all the negative. This morning I weep with brokenness as God breaks through with this revelation of truth. I need a full renewal of my heart and mind. The spiritual battle will be great but I know that the battle belongs to our mighty and awesome LORD. In Him, victory will be mine. LORD, I am coming back, I am turning my eyes to You. I can see the Light this morning. Thank You Father for Your greatness. I praise You for all that You are about to do in my heart as You renew me. I am sorry for the way I have allowed satan to work in my heart, for the negative attitude that I have allowed to hinder my relationship with You. I take full responsibility. Thank You for Your unfailing love and forgiveness. You are so good! LORD, with all of my heart I will praise You. O LORD my God, I will give glory to Your Name forever. With all my heart. (Psalm 86:12 NLT) May I burst with praise and joy for You as Psalm 147 speaks of, today, tomorrow and forever……
This Psalm reminds me of some songs a long time ago Praise Him, Praise Him all you little children and Love Him in the morning love Him in the evening . . . but knowing is not the same as doing. Even though I greet my Saviour each morning and talk with Him in the evening, where is He in the times between? Do I rely upon Him and sense His presence or go my own way. The Psalmist tell us that He cares for the creation, for His people. Yet all too often my praise is limited. help me Lord so that my knowing also is my doin – that my head and heart and hands are in tune with you.
Praise Him, praise Him,
All you little children,
God is love, God is love.
Praise Him, praise Him,
All you little children,
God is love, God is love.
Know Him, know Him,
All you little children,
God is love, God is love.
Know Him, know Him,
All you little children,
God is love, God is love.
Love Him, love Him,
All you little children,
God is love, God is love.
Love Him, love Him,
All you little children,
God is love, God is love.
Serve Him, serve Him,
All you little children,
God is love, God is love.
Serve Him, serve Him,
All you little children,
God is love, God is love.
Crown Him, crown Him,
All you little children,
God is love, God is love.
Crown Him, Crown Him,
All you little children,
God is love, God is love.