March 12, 2011

Psalm 56 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:
Matthew 24:29-35, Romans 6:15-23, Numbers 23-24

Journal Entry

Scripture

This I know, that God is for me.
In God, whose word I praise,
In the LORD, whose word I praise,
in God I trust; I shall not be afraid.
What can man do to me?
I must perform my vows to you, O God;
I will render thank offerings to you. (vs 9b-12)

Observation

In the midst of enemies and attacks and strife, David resolves to trust God in this psalm. This trust in God leads not to be afraid of man -- for there is nothing man can do to him when God is for him.
More so, in the verses of 9b-12, I find more than 'trust'. First, this trust comes from knowing that God is for him. This is not only from the book-knowledge, but also from the experiences. His trust in God is thru God's word as well as thru this experience of His words being true. Secondly, this leads him to praise. Still the attacks and strives surround him, but David praises God. He never stops to perform his vow; the lifestyle of offering thanksgiving unto the Lord.

Application

It is often the case that when we are faced with attacks and trials, we come before Him with cries and petition, asking for His mercy, strengths, comforts, wisdom, or guidance. But what I see from this prayer of David is, a resolution to trust, which leads him to continue the life of thanksgiving and praises unto the Lord. Offering praises and thanksgivings unto the Lord is not conditional nor 'as a result of'. It is action of "in the midst of hardship."
Thus, let praises and thanksgivings never stop in my life regardless circumstances I am in. Remember to give Him thanks.
I am reminded, this morning, of the word of wisdom one elderly lady gave me when I have shared how I wanted to grow in the life of personal daily worship. To focus on thanking Him -- each day, list and articulate all the reasons to be thankful for and offer that to Him. Yes, I want to practice that today and this coming week.

Prayer

Thank you Lord, for reminding me of the importance of thanksgiving this morning, that thanksgiving is one of the expression of trust.
Thank you, Lord, for giving your life for me. Thank you for allowing me to walk before you in the light of life.
Thank you for being my side. You are for me, and who can be against me? Not only human being, but also death, principality of this world cannot overcome me.
Thank you for your word that proves to be true, and your presence thru the Holy Spirit that enables me to see Your work in and thru my life.
Thank you, Lord, even, in the midst of pains and suffering of people of Japan go thru right now, you are in control and you know what goes on there. You are aching together with the people of Japan more than what we can imagine to be. I resolve to offer thanksgiving in the midst of what I don't fully understand.
In Jesus' name, Amen.

--yanahn