May 31, 2011

Psalm 118 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:
Mark 16:9-20, Galatians 6:11-18, 2 Samuel 24

Journal Entry

Scripture

1 Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good: for his steadfast love endures forever! 2 Let Israel say, "His steadfast love endures forever." 3 Let the house of Aaron say, "His steadfast love endures forever." 4 Let those who fear the Lord say, "His steadfast love endures forever." 5 Out of my distress I called on the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me free.

Observation

The psalmist starts by proclaiming the Lord's steadfast and enduring love and again repeats it at the end of the passage. It comes from a very personal place as we see in verse 5, at a moment when he called on the Lord and the Lord answered. The psalmist felt God's steadfast love so deeply and trusts that God's steadfast love will endure forever. The statement is strengthened by the histories of the very people the psalmist calls to proclaim the same statement. Israel. Drawn out of Egypt. In spite of numerous moments of unfaithfulness as they wandered in the desert, God showed his steadfast love to them by taking them to the Promised Land and calling them His people. And God showed his steadfast love to the house of Aaron. The priestly line that performed sacrifices for God’s people and was given the right to enter into the holy of holies. And for those who fear the Lord. God has shown his love and mercy to all who fear Him and thus has shown that his steadfast love has endured in the past and will endure forever.

Application

I am saved because of God's mercy, and his love for me will endure eternally. But frankly, I still sin. And when I do, I lose sight of that fact and approaching God and fervently serving him becomes so difficult, even as I know that my sins are forgiven. But it is in lowest moments of failure and sin that I realize that salvation has nothing to do with me and everything to do with God's steadfast love for me. I approach Him because HE forgave me. I serve Him because HE loves me.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I thank you for your goodness and steadfast love. I pray that I will be reminded of how your love has saved me. I pray that though I still sin, I will not fear approaching you and serving you with full confidence, not because of anything that I have done, but because of your steadfast love that will endure throughout my life. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

--sam w