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Dear Heavenly Father, Praise David said, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork” (Ps 19:1). The vastness and grandeur of the universe trumpets the truth of your existence. Indeed, Paul said that your eternal power and divine nature are clearly displayed in the things that you have made (Rom 1:19–20). I praise you today as the God who makes Himself known to the world. I honor you as God and give thanks for your goodness (Rom 1:21). Praise the Lord! Today in Your Word Today you shared with me more of David’s psalms. Psalm 22 is the psalm Jesus quoted as he hung on the cross. He cried, “My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?” (Ps 22:1a), and the words of this psalm were fulfilled as he endured the agony of crucifixion. He was scorned and despised (Ps 22:6), he was mocked for his trust in you (Ps 22:7), his enemies gathered around him to stare and gloat (Ps 22:12–13, 16–17), his hands and feet were pierced (Ps 22:16), and they divided his garments and cast lots for his clothing (Ps 22:18). Yet there is an undercurrent of hope running throughout the psalm. Jesus remembered that the fathers trusted in you and were delivered (Ps 22:3–5). He also recalled with gratitude your personal, lifelong care for him: “From my mother’s womb you have been my God” (Ps 22:9–10). This theme of trust rises at last in a crescendo of joy: “You have rescued me from the horns of the wild oxen!” (Ps 22:21b). Jesus rejoiced in the knowledge that his sacrifice would “bring many sons to glory,” and he was not ashamed to call me his brother, saying, “I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will sing your praise” (Heb 2:10–12; Ps 22:22). I say with David, “You who fear the Lord, praise him!” (Ps 22:23a). You didn’t despise the suffering of your faithful servant, and you didn’t hide your face from him (Ps 22:24b). When Jesus cried, you heard him, and though he died, you raised him up in victory to everlasting life! Hallelujah! Reflection The green pastures and still waters that refresh the soul are enjoyed only by those who follow you in submission and obedience (Ps 23:2–3). If I resist your leadership, I am refusing the very things that nourish me and bring peace to my life. Request Father, more than anything I desire “clean hands and a pure heart.” Help me to avoid deceit and remain faithful to you. May I always seek the face of the God of Jacob! (Ps 24:4–6). Thanksgiving How wonderful to know that “goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever” (Ps 23:6). Blessed be the Lord! In Jesus’ name, Amen. Suggested Hymn: “He Leadeth Me” — Joseph H. Gilmore. Meditation Verse: Psalm 21:7. |