March 25, 2011

Psalm 68:1-18 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:
Matthew 27:11-23, Romans 13:1-7, Deuteronomy 22-23

Journal Entry

Scripture

“Sing to God, sing praises to his name; lift up a song to him who rides through the deserts; his name is the LORD; exult before him! Father of the fatherless and protector of widow is God in his holy habitation.” (vv. 4-5)

Observation

This psalm is from the lips of David, exalting God for His mighty power as he brought the ark back to the tent in Jerusalem. It praises God for the destruction of the evil and the establishment of the righteous. The Psalm starts with God’s enormous power over the evil. As David anticipates a glorious coming of God, he says, “God shall arise, his enemies shall be scattered” (v.1). When the wicked stand before the Lord, they will be destroyed like wax before a fire. However, the righteous rejoice when they acknowledge the Lord (v. 3).

Application

When I see God’s enormous power displayed in my life, my response should be to give praise unto his name (v. 3). Instead of giving praise to myself, I meditate on the LORD, Yahweh (v.4). As His name indicates, God has been the covenant-maker and covenant-keeper in my life. He not only took the initiative, but has been sustaining me with His covenant love. He cares for me with compassion as “the father of the fatherless” and covers me with His love as “the protector of widow" (v. 5). As I remember his mercy and grace all the days of my life, I give my praises unto the Lord. I seek to keep myself holy and pure that my life would be the Lord's abode (v. 5).

Prayer

Lord, I worship you this morning as I echo this praise unto you. "O Lord, my heart longs to be a habitation fit for Thee, a place where peace reigns, and love can flourish, a heart where You will feel at home. O Lord, I want to be like you, My tongue to speak the words You do. My hands to stretch forth in healing others, My feet to carry the good news." Lord, may You be glorified in my life today. In Jesus' name, Amen.

--Stephen Han