Tag: psalms

Psalm 8

On By Tim EhrhardtIn Daily Bible Reading Blog, Year BLeave a comment
As we embark on yet another new year, Psalm 8 helps to remind us of who we are and the possibilities that exist for the future.  This little psalm grounds us in reality by dealing with the ultimate questions of our existence:  Who am I?  Why do I exist?  What is the purpose of my life? 
 
            Living on such a big planet actually makes some people feel quite small and wondering how they fit in.  With such a large universe we may ask along with psalmist, “What is man that you are mindful of him?”  This question forms the center of the psalm.  Hebrew poetry is typically set up to have the front and the end of the poem point to the middle as its main focus.  That is, the psalmist purposely wrote this psalm so we would consider this great question of what God thinks of humanity within the scope of this very large universe.
 
            Out of the billions of galaxies in the universe, what is the planet Earth that God should care about it?  On our planet there are billions of creatures.  Yet out of all of those bugs, animals, fish, and birds, God has a special relationship with us, humanity, and cares for us deeply.  We know that God cares for us, according to this psalm, because he has entrusted us with the responsibility to care for creation.  We are the only creatures who have the charge to steward all that God has created.  To put it another way, we, as people created in the image of God, have a job that is befitting of a king, and it is not just a duty for us, but a delight.
 
Only we as people have the self-awareness and perspective of the world that is needed to govern the world.  So, then, we can only find our true purpose and belonging in the stewardship of creation.  Caregiving is actually at the heart of being a person.
 
            So, in this next year we have the possibilities of engaging in good stewardship of all that God has given us.  We have the opportunity to use our words in ways that care for others and build them up, rather than saying uncaring things that are not helpful.  We have the chance to be attentive to all the little things of life, whether gardening, building a bird house, working with diligence and care at our jobs, or keeping our community clean and its citizens healthy and happy, it is all important and has a significant place in God’s wondrous world.
            Let us, then, continually improve what we do, no matter what it is, so that it befits us as God’s people crowned with honor.  May this year be one of joy and contentment in knowing the majesty that you share with God as a human being in his wondrous world.  

Psalm 96

On By Tim EhrhardtIn Daily Bible Reading Blog, Year BLeave a comment
            It was the Dutch theologian and statesman, Abraham Kuyper, who famously said over one hundred years ago, “There is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is Sovereign over all, does not cry, Mine!”  That sentiment perfectly expresses the vision of the psalmist concerning God’s rightful place over all creation.  “Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name” is both the believer’s duty and delight.
 
            All of God’s good promises are ultimately fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ.  The New Testament focuses the praise to King Jesus, the great Sovereign over all.  It is in Christ that all creation finds both redemption and restoration. 
 
            As we move near to Christmas and the birth of the Christ child, the biblical witness testifies along with the psalmist that not just Israel will have a king – all kinds of people will come to believe and submit with joyful abandon to the Lord of the universe.  Since God reigns over every square inch of creation and our lives, he will continue to bring more and more people under the gracious and benevolent rule of Jesus.  This is to God’s glory, and our praise.
            Mighty God, your gracious rule extends to all the world.  May your kingdom come and your will be done on earth as it is in heaven so that all creation shall rightly praise your holy name, through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Psalm 126

On By Tim EhrhardtIn Daily Bible Reading Blog, Year BLeave a comment
            You reap what you sow.  This principle is not only true with farming and gardening, but is also a reality of the Christian life.  Growth does not occur quickly.  Instead, a constant and vigilant attention to the spiritual life is what eventually bears fruit in good works and godly attitudes.  In our Western society of wanting everything immediately, this is a difficult principle to grasp.  We may think that when we sin and lightning does not strike us right away that what we did must not have been so bad.  But eventually our sin will find us out.  Conversely, we might believe that when we commit ourselves to service and see no immediate benefits and results that we must be doing something wrong.  So, we easily become discouraged and give up.
 
            But the psalmist reminds us of the necessity of patience.  Just as it takes continual watering to reap a harvest in the field, so the Christian’s life of weeping and tears, of tilling deeply into the things of God, is necessary to realizing a sprout, growth, and finally fruit.  Thus, the tedious patient development and weeding of our souls is the task before us.  If we wait, we will realize a harvest of righteousness. 
 
            Jesus taught us his Beatitudes to help us understand that righteousness, peace, and joy come through being in touch with our poverty of spirit; mourning over personal and corporate sin; becoming humble and meek; hungering and thirsting after righteousness.  Only through the blood, sweat, and tears of agonizing over the state of our souls will we come through to the deep happiness of seeing the Lord accomplish great things in our lives.  In other words, joy is neither cheap nor easy.  It is the fruit of many tears.
            Living God, plant yourself so firmly in my soul that life and joy will result.  Let my mouth be filled with laughter and shout the deep satisfaction that comes from having great things in my life, through Jesus my Lord.  Amen.

Psalm 27

On By Tim EhrhardtIn Daily Bible Reading Blog, Year BLeave a comment
            The message of the Advent season is perfectly and succinctly encapsulated in the last verse of this real and raw psalm:  “Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!  Oh, how impatient we can be as people!  Not only do we anticipate the celebration of Christmas with the coming Christ child, but we long for deliverance, courage, help, strength, and, of course, patience.
 
            This verse is much needed to fortify us for hope.  Whatever it is that we desire to see realized – the return of a wayward son or daughter; revitalization and revival within the church; courage to face the high wall of adversity; protection and deliverance from mean-spirited people – whatever the situation we long for, patience is to be our breakfast every morning to help us through each day.
 
            Without the ability to wait upon the Lord we will lose our spiritual zeal and settle for a mediocre existence with tepid relationships.  But God desires much more than simply having a marriage in which two people only exist under the same roof; his will is for church to be much more than attendance and putting some money in the offering place once in a while; he sent his Son to bring reconciliation to the broken relationship with the person that only offers small talk and platitudes.  No, rather than lose heart we must be strengthened with patience that comes from daily hope.  Persevering in prayer and tediously laboring on obeying the revealed will of God is our work while we wait upon God.
            O God Almighty, from whom all blessings flow, I am weary and emotionally exhausted.  Lift me up.  Do not let the enemy triumph over me.  I patiently wait upon your deliverance and your blessing, through Jesus Christ my Lord in the power of the Holy Spirit.  Amen.