God Shines Forth (v. 1-2)
The Mighty One, God the Lord, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting. 2 Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God shines forth.
Mighty One, God of Creation, you spoke, and the earth came into existence (Genesis 1:1). The power of your voice created all things that live in the land, sky, and seas. The perfection of your Creation is excellent and profitable for our life. My soul delights at the wonders of Your creation, bewilderment by its beauty. Let my heart continue to be faithful to Your marvellous works. Mighty One, you are the sustainer of all living things, including my life. Oh, Mightly One, let me declare your work of creation and salvation for all people.
God is Judge! (v.3-6)
3 Our God comes; he does not keep silence; before him is a devouring fire, around him a mighty tempest.4 He calls to the heavens above and to the earth, that he may judge his people: 5 “Gather to me my faithful ones, who made a covenant with me by sacrifice!” 6The heavens declare his righteousness, for God himself is judge! Selah
“God almighty, creator of all things, you’re the ultimate judge of righteousness upon all the people of the earth. Your wrath is a devouring fire that doesn’t cease.” For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.” (Romans 1:18) “God almighty, creator of all things, you’re the ultimate judge of righteousness upon all the people of the earth. Your wrath is a devouring fire that doesn’t cease. “ For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.” (Romans1:18)
God, you’ve tested the hearts of the nations of Isreal who had not experienced the wars in Canaan (Judges 3:1). Are you trying to help our countries that have experienced war but now call for peace, and they have none. Are we deceiving ourselves by thinking we’re living in a time of peace when lies, death, and corruption abound in our lands? Oh, yes, you’ve tested Israel many times. Testing if they would obey your commandments (Judges 3:4). Sadly, we have disobeyed your word and commandments, Even rejecting God in all possible ways. Removing God from our schools, institutions, and government. We’ve compromised our faith and love for Jesus Christ and complied with everything contrary to God’s word. Oh, Jesus, my Beloved redeemer, forgive us if we have done so. Turn our hearts back to You, and give us the courage to stay firm in our faith and live for you.
So Zion meant the place where God was present and near to his people. But that’s not all. It follows that Zion became the place from which the people expected help. Zion became the source of deliverance and salvation. For example,
- Psalm 20:2, “May the Lord send you help from the sanctuary, and give you support from Zion!”
- Psalm 3:4, “I cry aloud to the Lord, and he answers me from his holy hill”—that is, Mount Zion.
So Zion was the place of God’s special presence among his people and it was the place where they could get help and deliverance.
John Piper-
I Am God, your God (v.7-11)
“Hear, O my people, and I will speak; O Israel, I will testify against you. I am God, your God. 8 Not for your sacrifices do I rebuke you; your burnt offerings are continually before me. 9 I will not accept a bull from your house or goats from your folds. 10 For every beast of the forest is mine, the cattle on a thousand hills.11 I know all the birds of the hills,and that moves in the field is mine.
You are my God, and I’m thankful for all your provisions, wisdom, and steadfast love. Keep my soul pure and full of your understanding. Never let me walk far from your truth. Call me back! Call me back! Forgive my soul! You. Rebuke me not so harshly that I despair. It is with a heart of a child that I desire to learn from You. Let my simplest prayer be sweet to your ears.
“Real satisfaction comes not in understanding God’s motives, but in understanding His character, in trusting in His promises, and in leaning on Him and resting in Him as the Sovereign who knows what He is doing and does all things well.”
~ Joni Eareckson Tada
A Pleasing Sacrifice (v.12-15)
“If I were hungry, I would not tell you, for the world and its fullness are mine. 13 Do I eat the flesh of bulls or drink the blood of goats? 14 Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and perform your vows to the Most High, 15 and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.”
What sacrifices can my soul offer You but my best? Though I failed in the flesh, mind, and spirit, struggling to keep myself pure for You, I hold to your promises thatI’mm your beloved. To do so, I must hold firm to your promises. Cling to them for dear hope, rest, and peace. Let my soul call upon the Most High and offer Him a sacrifice of thanksgiving with hymn and song of praises.
He has said “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”
Charles Spurgeon- Morning & Evening Devotion
Do Not Keep Company with the Haters of God (v.16-18)
But to the wicked God says:“What right have you to recite my statutes or take my covenant on your lips? 17 For you hate discipline, and you cast my words behind you.18 if you see a thief, you are pleased with him, and you keep company with adulterers.
Oh God, let my soul meditate on this psalm, that all may be well with my soul. Holy Spirit guides my heart to respond to his word with obedience. That my joy will come from your words. That I would be courageous to share your word.
Hold your Tongue! (v.18-21)
“You give your mouth free rein for evil, and your tongue frames deceit. 20 You sit and speak against your brother; you slander your own mother's son. 21 These things you have done, and I have been silent; you thought that I was one like yourself.But now I rebuke you and lay the charge before you.
“Mighty God, let my tongue speak of wisdom so that I may be prudent in all my ways. “I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, and I find knowledge and discretion. (Proverbs 8:12). Let not my tongue lash with bitterness when angry or frustrated. Holy Spirit, teach my soul to abstain from speaking evil against another soul. It is not what you have called me for. “Mighty God, let my tongue speak of wisdom so that I may be prudent in all my ways. “I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, and I find knowledge and discretion. (Proverbs 8:12). Let not my tongue lash with bitterness when angry or frustrated. Holy Spirit, teach my soul to abstain from speaking evil against another soul. It is not what you have called me for.
Talking of God (v.22-23)
Mark this, then, you who forget God, lest I tear you apart, and there be none to deliver! 23 The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me; to one who orders his way rightly I will show the salvation of God!”
My God! My God! Do not forsake me; deliver me from my enemies so that my soul sings praised and clings to your steadfast love. I bow my knees in your grace and righteousness, hoping to be forgiven. Renew my spirit, increase my love for You, and be gentle when you rebuke your servant. Oh Jesus, my friend, walk by my side, for I always need You. I will dwell on understanding and knowing GoGod’sharacter and trust in His promises. Amen.
LeLet’so Pray!
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