Day 295

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Praise Him!

Weekly Devotional

October 7— Psalm 113: The Praiseworthy Name of God

Reflection

Luke—physician, historian and writer of the longest gospel—has led us into a third account of the life of the Lord on earth. Jesus' teaching produces both disciples and despisers; there's really no middle ground when it comes to him. Let's consider him again as we ponder Psalm 113, and let it guide us into a renewing time of praise and worship with our worthy Lord.

Praise His Holy Name!

Have you ever heard it said of an athlete, "He's so great at his event that no one can even touch him?" What did the speaker mean by that? Why is greatness sometimes synonymous with remoteness?

Psalm 113 is a majestic proclamation of the greatness of God: "He is high above the nations; his glory is far greater than the heavens. Who can be compared with God enthroned on high?" (v. 4-5). Sounds pretty remote and untouchable, doesn't it?

But don't stop reading, because that exalted, glorious God "stoops to look" at the earth, which is "far below him" (v. 6). He is vitally concerned about such earthbound problems as poverty (v. 7), politics (v. 8), and families yearning for a child (v. 9). Little wonder the psalmist bursts forth in praise at both ends of the psalm!

God is almighty, but he is not aloof. When Hannah (1 Samuel 2), Mary (Luke 1:46-55), and Zechariah (Luke 1:67-79) got hold of that truth, they had no trouble praising God. Is there an unsaved friend with whom you could share the truth of Psalm 113? Invite your friend to lunch and introduce him or her to the great God who lives in human hearts.

Prayer

Dear Lord, thank you for the great lessons we can learn by reading your Word. Thank you for knowing our every need, and satisfying them all convincing us that we don't have to worry about tomorrow. Our heavenly Father, you are worthy to be praised from sunrise to sunset. And yet we so rarely make the effort to meditate on you and respond in worship. Forgive us, Lord. Thank you that you are not some passionless principle of the universe, but that you are our loving Father, now and forevermore. In your Son's name! Amen! 

Don't Worry, the Lord will Provide!




© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business! 2020

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