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Dear Heavenly Father, Praise The Holy Spirit calls me to recognize that your holiness is worthy of my highest praise. He says, “Let them praise your great and awesome name! Holy is he! Exalt the Lord our God; worship at his footstool! Holy is he! Exalt the Lord our God, and worship at his holy mountain; for the Lord our God is holy! (Ps 99:3, 5, 9). I join with the angels who shout, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!” (Isa 6:3). All glory and honor be to “the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!” (Rev 4:8). Praise the Lord! Today in Your Word Today you shared with me more of the psalms whose authors are unknown. Several of these psalms begin with the triumphant cry, “The Lord reigns!” (Ps 93:1; 97:1; 99:1). What is the significance of this glorious truth? It means that you are mightier than the flooding waters and pounding waves of the sea. They may lift up their voice in tumult, but they are nothing compared to your majesty and strength (Ps 93:3–4). It means that I should rejoice in your justice and righteousness. You are coming to rule the earth and set things right. Your fire will go before you, and those who hate you will be burned up. Your lightning will light up the world, and the mountains will melt like wax before you! All those who worship idols will be put to shame, while those who love you will find deliverance and joy (Ps 97:1–12). It means that I should tremble in reverent fear. Your power should always move me to praise “your great and awesome name!” You are holy, and you love what is just and right. You are a forgiving God, yet you are also an avenger of wrongdoing (Ps 99:1–9). How wonderful to know that my God reigns! May your throne be established forever! (2 Sam 7:16). Reflection “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty” (Ps 91:1). What comforting words from an encouraging psalm! Yet I must never forget that those who have no fear of the “terror of the night, the arrows that fly by day and the pestilence that stalks in darkness” are those who have made the Lord their dwelling place. Am I holding fast to you in love? (Ps 91:14). Request Father, when the cares of my heart are many, may your consolations cheer my soul. May my heart always find shelter in the stronghold of your strength (Ps 94:19, 22). Thanksgiving “It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to your name, O Most High. For you, O Lord, have made me glad by your work; at the works of your hands I sing for joy” (Ps 92:1, 4). In Jesus’ name, Amen. Suggested Hymn: “The God Jehovah reigns!” — Isaac Watts. Meditation Verse: Psalm 98:1. |