Strength or weakness

Psalm 81:1 “Sing for joy to God our strength; shout aloud to the God of Jacob.” Is it fair to say (write) that either a person has strength or a person has weakness? Is it fair to say (again, write) that a Christian has strength.  That isn’t to write a Christian is problem free or is perfect–it is to write–a Christian relies in faith on the strength provided by his/her Heavenly Father.  If strength is absent– anxiety, depression and a feeling of loneliness does exist.  Not only is our Psalmist expressing the thought of strength with a relationship with Jesus, but to delight in that strength–sing, rejoice and shout about it!  What a joy to live and be thankful for such a faith.

Amazing

Psalm 81:1 “Sing for joy to God our strength; shout aloud to the God of Jacob.” God makes Himself known to you and me through the Bible, through nature and through our individual hearts and souls.Our Psalmist not only knew of God, he knew that from God comes peace, contentedness and strength.  How can any of us, knowing this truth, not earnestly and excitedly thank and praise the God of our forefathers and our loving, wonderful Redeemer.

A heartfelt prayer

Psalm 80:3 “Restore us, O God; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved.” Allow me to interpret this passage in the form of construction.  All of us who own a home are in a constant state of construction, demolition, restoration, a sigh of relief saying now we’re done (but we never are) as we are continually repeating those 4 steps.  The same with our lives.  We learn God’s Word. we disobey God’s Word, we are forgiven and made perfect and say to ourselves–now maybe we have learned for good (but we never do) and are continually repeating those 4 steps.  Could our Savior be more loving—how compassionate He is—how forgiving He is—how blessed we are.  

Trust in God

Psalm 78:7 “Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds but would keep his commands.” Every one of us has to make a decision in regard to relying on or trusting in every one and everything.  You either trust or you don’t.  If you don’t you cannot say–well, sometimes.  If you do you will say–always.  In regard to God we can honestly and definitely say–always.  God’s promises are never in question.  Whatever He tells us is absolute truth.  When He says–I love you, I forgive you, you are my child, I am always with you, I am your God and your Savior–believe Him with all your heart—you are relying on absolute truth–trust Him!  You are His wonderfully blessed child—worry about nothing.

Can’t hide truth

Psalm 18:4 “We will[ not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done.” Every responsible Christian is privileged to both live his/her life to God’s glory and to tell others of His grace and glory.  Appreciation and love make it impossible to not tell others of His wonders.  Your and my lives are simply not complete if we keep the marvels of our God to ourselves.  Enjoy spreading Truth! 

God’s followers listen

Psalm 78:1 “My people. hear my teaching; listen to the words of my mouth.” The first question all of us must ask is–am I one of God’s people?  Am I one of His faithful followers?  Do I cherish my relationship with my Almighty God?  Do I believe in the love of my Savior?  The second question all of us must ask is–What does the answer to the first question require of me?  Our passage this morning answers–listen, study, follow, obey and place your trust in Me.  The wonderful result?  Then you are Mine and you receive all the benefits of your inheritance.  That is phenomenal!

Praise continues

Psalm 77:13 “Your ways, God, are holy.  What god is as great as our God?” Holy.  Perfect.  Never an error.  And to think that God is your and my God.  And to know that God will bring us to Himself for all eternity.  And to know that God is caring for each of us as we walk through our present life.  What a blessing to be intimately loved by Him.  We thank and praise our God! Have a great weekend.

Praise God

Psalm 75:1 “We praise you, God, we praise you, for your name is near; people tell of your wonderful deeds.” Can you imagine going through life without God being an integral part of your life?  How empty, unfulfilled, meaningless, depressing–just overall negative.  When we place God at the center of life, our lives become purposeful, meaningful, successful (notice how these adjectives all end in–ful).  Isn’t that amazing?  God creates life and life to the full—How blessed are all those who know Him!

If only…

Psalm 72:19 “Praise be to his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory.  Amen and Amen. Can you imagine if the entire world would recognize the majestic glory of God and continually give Him their praise?  This world would certainly be a different place.  At the least let us (you and me) do our part in giving God the glory and honor He deserves.

Be close

Psalm 73:28 “But as for me, it is good to be near God.  I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.” The first sentence of this passage defines life for a Christian.  Our psalmist doesn’t say–it’s good to have a substantial retirement account or it’s good to have a comfortable house, nice new car, eat out two times per week, or travel (you get the point).  It is good first to be near God–all other blessings follow.  How blessed we are.

Failure/Success

Psalm 73:26 “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Physically and emotionally every person–even Christians–has/have stress.  Ever since Adam and Eve fell the world became contaminated with difficulties.  Fortunately, every Christion–including you and me–not only survive, but flourish because of our relationship with our loving Father.  Without Him difficulties flourish, while with Him peace and security and comfort of heart are ours forever.  Rest in His arms.

The One and Only

Psalm 72:18 “Praise be to the Lord God, the God of Israel, who alone does marvelous deeds. The true God is light years beyond your and my capability of comprehending, yet we have a relationship with Him which provides comfort and peace like no other security on this earth.  In his psalms David constantly expressed this thought.  There is no one like Him–there never has been and there never will be.   How privileged we are to walk with Him every day of our lives. Have a great weekend.