May 28: Psalm 111-118

May 28, Psalm 111-118

Psalm 111 is an acrostic poem connecting to Psalm 112. Since they are separated in our Bibles, I will treat them as such. Can you give thanks to God with your whole heart publicly? If you believe that He is great and and you love His works, you should be able to! Those who delight in God, study Him and His Word. God does amazing things and causes them to be remembered. He is our Provider and much more. Look at how many amazing things the Lord has done. He is so Awesome - even just His Name, Yahweh, is Awesome.

Here is a popular phrase, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!” This is how we are to approach the Lord, as He is deserving of our reverence and from there, we will get wisdom. 

Psalm 112 God’s people are to be upright and to live lives of faith in Him. Blessed is the man who fears the Lord and delights in Him and His laws. Seems so simple, doesn't it? But yet, we delight in so many other things sometimes. But we are blessed if we delight in Him! Be generous, not stingy. “He is not afraid of bad news, his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord.” When you have faith in God, you are able to stand the storms of life as you trust in Him, who controls the storms of life. Stand firm! This angers the wicked men and women, but God delights in or trust. 

Psalm 113 Praise Him because of Him. That is a good enough of a reason to praise God. All day long, He is to be praised. Not just on Sundays or when things are going good. There is none like our God. God takes care of the down and outers. God works all things out.

Psalm 114 We are to revere Yahweh - to fearfully respect Him. We learn here that even the earth obeys God, and Israel was called to the same. There is nothing God cannot accomplish!

Psalm 115 “Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!” What a way to start your day! We live to glorify God, this is how we should live then… in humility pushing all glory to God. We are to trust God at our core and be faithful and loyal to Him alone. 

Man made idols… are exactly that. Man made. They can do nothing and the men that make them, will become like them.

God blesses those who fear Him - both the big wigs and the little guys. God is the one who gives increase and provides, so go to Him when you are in need. Everything is the Lord’s and He has given us the earth to steward. Praise the Lord!

Psalm 116 Can you say this with me, after reading this Psalm? I love you God. You are real. You hear me and you help me!

This is what the Psalmist is declaring, as should we! God is gracious and righteous and merciful. He is there when we are low and saves us. He has delivered us from spiritual death. When we are sad, He is there. When we are weak, He is there. 

My life will reflect my love for God - that is where our hearts should be if we love God. 

Psalm 117 God’s love is international. We are called through God’s love, His steadfast love that endures forever. 

Psalm 118 If you fear and love the Lord, you appreciate the fact that HIs love endures forever. Enemies surround us, but God will cut them off His way. When you are pushed so hard and you think that you cannot handle anymore, God will help you. 

Some random ways of saying ‘live’ in obedience: We should live to thank God and proclaim His goodness! Recount the deeds of the Lord… and yes, the Lord will discipline you when we need it. But, God is the one who opens the way for us and we should thank Him for guiding us. 

Then we transition into a very prominent verse that is often quoted in the New Testament: “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This is the Lord's doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” From the Reformation Study Bible, “The stone that the builders rejected. The metaphor would likely refer originally to the king, who represented his people. The stone was cast off in despair when defeat seemed inevitable, and victory was no longer a realistic hope (but see following note). the cornerstone. The low and insignificant, despite having been rejected, is exalted to the chief place. Jesus later applies this passage to Himself (Matt. 21:42; Mark 12:10; Luke 20:17; Acts 4:11 and 1 Pet. 2:7). Jesus is the cornerstone (Eph. 2:20), cast away by the earthly rulers of His day, but exalted to the right hand of the Father. To some this is a cause for stumbling (Is. 8:14; 1 Pet. 2), but to others the basis of hope.” What a great explanation! 

To close it up, we have a declaration that the Lord is God, our God and we thank Him & Praise Him!

To sum it all up:

• When should we praise God? Not just on Sundays or when things are going good. All day long! This may sound impossible unless your heart is inclined towards the Lord and you are meditating on Him throughout your life. 
• My life will reflect my love for God - that is where our hearts should be if we love God. Do you love God and does your life reflect it?
• “It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man.”  Where are you placing your refuge? In God who doesn't disappoint, or in man, who will try not to disappoint - but ultimately will.