May 20, 2011

Psalm 108 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:
Mark 14:12-21, 2 Corinthians 13, 2 Samuel 7-8

Journal Entry

Scripture

1 My heart is steadfast, O God!
I will sing and make melody with all my being!

5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens!
Let your glory be over all the earth!
6 That your beloved ones may be delivered,
give salvation by your right hand and answer me!

10 Who will bring me to the fortified city?
Who will lead me to Edom?
11 Have you not rejected us, O God?
You do not go out, O God, with our armies.
12 Oh grant us help against the foe,
for vain is the salvation of man!
13 With God we shall do valiantly;
it is he who will tread down our foes.

Observation

David is completely secure in God. There is no waiver, his heart is fixed on praising God with all his life. God will grant salvation to his people. God will grant victory in areas where there was defeat and destruction. The latter verses remind us that this salvation can only come through God. It is only possible with Him. We are helpless against the foe unless God leads us to victory.

Application

Apart from Sundays or when I am shouting a praise tune in the car while I am driving, praising God is not always consistent in my daily life. But when true praises come from within they are usually centered on experiencing first hand the abounding love and grace of God in my life despite what my life circumstances may be. He has saved me and He knows me now and forever more. As recently tweeted by Timothy Keller - "The Christian gospel is that I am so flawed that Jesus had 2 die 4 me, yet I am so loved & valued that Jesus was glad 2 die 4 me."

But the reason for this praise is not reserved just for me. In fact, praise is so much better when it is experienced corporately. It is almost depressing to reflect that there are so many I know just around me that neither know or have experienced praising God because they have yet to be truly freed. And in complete contrast, what joy and great praise there is when someone experiences the gospel for the first time. “Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.” – Luke 15:7.

Prayer

Lord, as I have and continue to experience praising you, there are so many who have not. That must break your heart and it should break mine as well. Lord use me to be part of your plan and process for salvation. Open my eyes and heart to see where I can engage someone genuinely, relevantly and lovingly. Help me to be the tangible gospel message they can experience.

--jyim