March 4, 2011

Psalm 48 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:
Matthew 22:15-22, Romans 2:12-29, Numbers 7-8

Journal Entry

Scripture

1 Great is the LORD and greatly to be praised in the city of our God!
His holy mountain,
3Within her citadels God has made himself known as a fortress.
8As we have heard, so have we seen in the city of the LORD of hosts,
in the city of our God, which God will establish forever.
9We have thought on your steadfast love, O God, in the midst of your temple.
10As your name, O God, so your praise reaches to the ends of the earth.
Your right hand is filled with righteousness.
12Walk about Zion, go around her, number her towers,
13consider well her ramparts, go through her citadels, that you may tell the next generation
14that this is God, our God forever and ever. He will guide us forever.

Observation

The psalmist acknowledges how great God is therefore most worthy of all praise. He is the Great King and the “Lord of Hosts.” The Almighty God who has the universe in the palm of His hand. Kings of nations run in fear and panic and the great ship cannot withstand the power of the wind God sends.
There is joy and thanksgiving in the temple because of God's unfailing love and faithfulness to His people past and present. God judges rightly on behalf of Israel so the praise of God reaches to the ends of the earth. The strength, safety and security of God's impregnable city, Jerusalem is God's presence. Therefore tell others to put their trust in the Almighty God to enjoy the security of "the city of our God" forever.

Application

What is my view of God? He is my friend, my comforter, my help in times of trouble, he loves me, he will never leave me, he listens to my prayers... this is all true but the benefit is directed toward me. How do I worship, praise and honor Him as the Almighty, Sovereign, King of the Universe that He is?
Although the psalmist describes a physical fortress of God in Jerusalem, we have a spiritual Jerusalem now as a church body. And instead of Old Testament Temple sacrifices for redemption, we are saved through the one perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Do I remember this when I am at church busily “doing” things? Am I really there to praise and worship God and the Lord Jesus Christ the way He should be worshiped?
Do I take the time to remember what I have “heard” through the scriptures and the testimonies of others of God's faithfulness and love and “see” God's daily miracles in my life and praise and worship God all the more because of it? Do I share with others God's Power and Mighty Acts He has done and what He has promised to do? Am I thankful that God shows His love for me and guides me now and will always do so when I put my trust in Him?

Some of the things I can do is to have a high view of God in daily worship and praise by meditating on the names of God and His attributes; show honor and reverence in my posture as I pray or praise Him; and not take for granted His mercies and love for me but remember His goodness and live my life in a constant attitude of thankfulness to Him. Last but most important, know it is God who created me for a plan and a purpose and each day is a gift from God so make the most of it for Him.

Prayer

Lord God, you are the great and awesome God, worthy of all my praise. Forgive me Lord when I take your praise from you or forget all your mercies and goodness to me. Thank you for your loving kindness and your faithfulness to me even when I am not faithful to you. Help me through your Spirit to remember to place You and only You on the throne of my life. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

--Kathleen Hong