Psalm 117:1-2
One short chapter made up of two verses. So when you saw our reading for today did you think Wow, this is going to be a light day? Well, if so, think again because we don't necessarily have to read a certain number of verses to have a meaningful time with the Lord. We can really go to town engaging God's Word (receiving, reflecting and responding) with just two verses--seriously.
For me, I started in right at verse 1 with the goal of stopping and thinking about those things I noticed and saw. The first thing I read was the command to praise the Lord and to extol him. So I thought about that and considered Do I praise and extol him? How? What does that look like? And should or can I be doing more? Then I moved on to verse 2 focusing on the phrases "great is his steadfast love toward us" and "the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever." Some of my thoughts were: Do I fully believe these statements? Why? Why not? And how can I embrace and live relying on them even more? Then, I spent some time just recalling different times when God has been faithful to me and has shown His steadfast love and thanked Him.
So that's what I did. Now it's your turn. How did you engage God's Word through Psalm 117 today? Tami W.
for me, today, praising Him needs to be trusting Him and acknowledging His sovereignty and His faithfulness in ALL situations. Our church is going through some very divisive times right now (seemingly fueled by Satan) and I've been very anxious and upset about it. I need to stop so Satan can't gain a foothold in me, and turn instead to praising, trusting, remembering His steadfast love and faithfulness......
For me I think I extol HIM whenever I communicate with HIM. HE loves to hear from HIS children, right? If I'm singing a song to HIM at Church worship or even somewhere else, in my heart, any time, any place. Or reading HIS Word, praying, meditating, doing something/anything for HIM I feel I am extoling HIM. Especially when I let HIM increase while I decrease. My problem I feel is not to get down on myself because HE deserves so much more than I can ever give HIM.
Amen. He is worthy of being praised by all nations and all peoples! His love is steadfast. His faithfulness endures forever. What a challenge to truly believe that, from the heart. Even at times when we don´t understand how God can be faithful, loving or steadfast in our suffering. But He is, giving us grace to endure as His Son did.
Lord, help me BELIEVE from the heart that your love is steadfast and your faithfulness endures forever. Forgive my sinful heart when I cannot see it. And help me praise You today, with all my heart and all my soul, to truly love You with all that I am.
Anonymous - Thank you for praying for me yesterday. My heart was changed a great deal. Praise God!
Firstly, I must agree with you Tami, that it is not the quantity that makes a difference, but the quality - the quality of time we spend in the presence of the Lord. I am learning this fact daily. In praising the Lord today, I shared the Word. In fact, from what I learnt through 'P4' in how we can share, not only financially - and persons readily received this word. (Praise God) As I gave my testimony, telling how God delivered me in numerous circumstances, I believe it exalted His wonderful name. Encouraging persons, who are wavering, to enter the Kingdom of God, telling of the goodness and faithfulness of God is, to me, another way of worship and praise.
While listening to the radio today, Bott Radio Network, which I wonder how I ever got along without it, one of the speakers was alluding to our prayers. He asked this very question - when we talk to God, how much of the conversation is only about what we 'ask' as compared to what we 'praise' God for. It also got me to thinking how I always start with the praises, but I could do a better job of spending more time on the praises.
I liked what anon said about how God likes to hear from us. I tell my kids that God already knows how we feel, but it is like when your parents already know how you feel but saying things out loud to the other person can give both people comfort, and strengthen the relationship.
God is good.
Our Heavenly Father already knows what we need before we ask, so the question may be, why do we ask? What better way to give praise than through pray that acknowledges the one who provides all things.