Come rain or come shine

October 30, 2009

Come rain or come shine

Psalm 111

Linnea Welch

Central Truth

God is trustworthy. We can rely on Him to do what is best for us, without fail.

His acts are characterized by faithfulness and justice;
all His precepts are reliable.
(Psalm 111:7)

Great Are the LORD's Works

1 ^{1

111:1
This psalm is an acrostic poem, each line beginning with the successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet} Praise the LORD!
I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart,
    in the company of the upright, in the congregation.
2 Great are the works of the LORD,
    studied by all who delight in them.
3 Full of splendor and majesty is his work,
    and his righteousness endures forever.
4 He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered;
    the LORD is gracious and merciful.
5 He provides food for those who fear him;
    he remembers his covenant forever.
6 He has shown his people the power of his works,
    in giving them the inheritance of the nations.
7 The works of his hands are faithful and just;
    all his precepts are trustworthy;
8 they are established forever and ever,
    to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness.
9 He sent redemption to his people;
    he has commanded his covenant forever.
    Holy and awesome is his name!
10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom;
    all those who practice it have a good understanding.
    His praise endures forever!

Footnotes

[1] 111:1 This psalm is an acrostic poem, each line beginning with the successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet

All my life, I’ve been a smarty pants. Both of my parents refused to speak down to me, so I had an extraordinary vocabulary before I ever entered school. Can I take credit for that vocabulary? Did I research words as a toddler? Even though I’d like to sing my own praises, the truth is I owe it all to my parents’ love and devotion.
For the same reasons, this psalm sings God’s praises. God is the one who has done, is doing, and will do marvelous things. He shows His compassion, mercy, and strength to us by the way He provides for our needs. I often think I know what is best for my life, relying on my own wisdom and strength, but all that wisdom and strength comes from the gifts God has given me. Just as Paul said, “But may I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Galatians 6:14a), we also have to realize that God is the source of all of our blessings.

Knowing that every good thing is a gift from God gives us the chance to see our lives as opportunities to praise Him. Likewise, even though we endure struggles and suffering, we can know that God will care for us. Many times, it’s easier for me to be angry with God for my suffering than to praise Him for the ways He helps me through those hard times. Nothing gives glory to God like praising Him at all times, in suffering or in splendor. Our God is with us, come rain or shine.

Psalm 111 is an acrostic poem; the psalm begins with the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet, and every other line starts with the succeeding letters of the alphabet, just as the sentences of this devotional do in English!

1. Do you find yourself turning to God more during the good times or in the hard times?

2. What are some of the unique gifts God has given you that you might be tempted to take the credit for?

3. How can you turn today into an opportunity to praise God?