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Dear Heavenly Father, Praise I shout with joy to you and sing the glory of your name! I say of you, “How awesome are your deeds! So great is your power that your enemies cringe before you. All the earth bows down to you; they sing praise to you, they sing praise to your name” (Ps 66:1–4 NIV). I praise you today, for you have not rejected my prayer or withheld your lovingkindness from me (Ps 66:20). Today in Your Word Today you shared with me some of the psalms whose authors are unknown. This is helpful because it reminds me that your Holy Spirit is the true author of Scripture (2 Pet 1:20–21). Psalm 1 is a beautiful and inspiring introduction to the whole Psalter. It stands as a faithful doorkeeper, reminding me that there are only two paths in life: the broad way of wickedness and the narrow way of holiness. The road less traveled is not always an easy one. I must reject the counsel of the wicked, avoid the way of sinners, and shun the company of scoffers. Instead my heart should find its delight in your Law, and I should meditate on your Word day and night. Your law reveals your character, and it shows me how to love you and love others. If I abide in your Word by keeping your commands (John 15:7–10), I will be like a “tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither” (Ps 1:3). All that I do will prosper. Not always in the way that the world counts success, but in the way that will last for eternity (Matt 6:19–21). And when the righteous and the wicked face the judgment, you will know my way, “but the way of the wicked will perish” (Ps 1:6). Reflection In Psalm 71, the author’s cry for help reveals more than just a desire for personal vindication. Above all, he wanted your name to be magnified (Ps 71:15–16). Do I have this attitude when I’m being persecuted? When people slander and malign me, do my thoughts turn to your wondrous deeds? (Ps 71:13, 16). Request Father, be gracious to me and bless me, and make your face to shine upon me. I ask this because your blessing will cause others to know your ways and motivate the nations to praise your name. May the ends of the earth fear you! (Ps 67:1–7). Thanksgiving Thank you for your faithfulness. From my youth to my old age you have taught me and protected me. My heart is filled with gratitude for your wondrous deeds! (Ps 71:17–18). In Jesus’ name, Amen. Suggested Hymn: “Oh, Write Thy Law” — Charles W. Naylor. Meditation Verse: Psalm 33:12. |