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Dear Heavenly Father, Praise I ascribe glory and strength to you today, for you are great and greatly to be praised! You are to be feared above all gods. I sing to you and bless your name. I proclaim good tidings of your salvation from day to day! Splendor and majesty are before you, and strength and beauty are in your sanctuary (Ps 96:2–6). Hallelujah! Today in Your Word Today you told me more about the songs that were sung when David brought the ark into Jerusalem. In Psalm 96, the writer proclaimed your glory and strength, and he called on the nations to come and worship you. This teaches me that the desire to witness naturally flows from a heart that is full of appreciation for your blessings. As I reflect on your goodness to me, I find myself wanting to tell others about you! In Psalm 106, the writer remembered Israel’s ingratitude and rebellion from the Exodus until the present time. The fact that the people turned away from you and worshiped idols after all the great miracles they had seen teaches me that I am susceptible to forgetting you and giving in to the pressures of the world (Ps 106:13, 21). I must meditate on what you have done for me so that I won’t be drawn away by temptation. The writer went on to say that you allowed Israel’s enemies to oppress them in order to discipline them for sin (Ps 106:40–41). This teaches me that I can expect to be rebuked when I stray from your will. When this happens, I should welcome your discipline and repent and rededicate myself to a life of covenant faithfulness. The psalm ends with praise for your lovingkindness, for you always keep your covenant promises. Praise the Lord! Reflection David returned home to bless his family, only to be met by Michal’s caustic contempt. It’s easy to condemn her harsh words, but how many times have I squandered a blessing because I was upset over some perceived offense by my spiritual authority? Request Father, impress on my heart the danger of a critical spirit. Help me reject any thoughts of bitterness or resentment, and give me a spirit of love and kindness. Thanksgiving Thank you for the privilege of being called a child of God. I join with David and say, “I will celebrate before the Lord”! (2 Sam 6:21). In Jesus’ name, Amen. Suggested Hymn: “Oh, Worship the Lord” — Robert Lowry. Meditation Verse: Psalm 106:44–45. |