August 2, 2024

Come and See

Psalm 66

Paige Fowler
Friday's Devo

August 2, 2024

Friday's Devo

August 2, 2024

Friday's Devo

August 2, 2024

Friday's Devo

August 2, 2024

Big Book Idea

Thinking and feeling God's way.

Key Verse | Psalm 66:5

Come and see what God has done:
he is awesome in his deeds toward the children of man.

Psalm 66

How Awesome Are Your Deeds

To the choirmaster. A Song. A Psalm.

1  Shout for joy to God, all the earth;
2      sing the glory of his name;
    give to him glorious praise!
3  Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds!
    So great is your power that your enemies come cringing to you.
4  All the earth worships you
    and sings praises to you;
    they sing praises to your name.” Selah

5  Come and see what God has done:
    he is awesome in his deeds toward the children of man.
6  He turned the sea into dry land;
    they passed through the river on foot.
There did we rejoice in him,
7      who rules by his might forever,
whose eyes keep watch on the nations—
    let not the rebellious exalt themselves. Selah

8  Bless our God, O peoples;
    let the sound of his praise be heard,
9  who has kept our soul among the living
    and has not let our feet slip.
10  For you, O God, have tested us;
    you have tried us as silver is tried.
11  You brought us into the net;
    you laid a crushing burden on our backs;
12  you let men ride over our heads;
    we went through fire and through water;
yet you have brought us out to a place of abundance.

13  I will come into your house with burnt offerings;
    I will perform my vows to you,
14  that which my lips uttered
    and my mouth promised when I was in trouble.
15  I will offer to you burnt offerings of fattened animals,
    with the smoke of the sacrifice of rams;
I will make an offering of bulls and goats. Selah

16  Come and hear, all you who fear God,
    and I will tell what he has done for my soul.
17  I cried to him with my mouth,
    and high praise was on 1 66:17 Hebrew under my tongue. 2 66:17 Or and he was exalted with my tongue
18  If I had cherished iniquity in my heart,
    the Lord would not have listened.
19  But truly God has listened;
    he has attended to the voice of my prayer.

20  Blessed be God,
    because he has not rejected my prayer
    or removed his steadfast love from me!

Footnotes

[1] 66:17 Hebrew under
[2] 66:17 Or and he was exalted with my tongue
Table of Contents
Introduction to The Psalms

Introduction to The Psalms

Timeline

Author and Date

Individual psalms come from diverse periods of Israel’s history, but at every stage they served as the songbook of God’s people. David wrote about half of the Psalms. His role as king was more than that of a ruler. He was to represent and even embody the people, and their well-being was tied to his faithfulness. David, then, writes as a representative, and the readers must discern whether the emphasis of a psalm is more on his role as ruler or more on his role as ideal Israelite, in which he is an example for all. The historical occasions mentioned in the psalm titles help the reader see how faith applies to real-life situations.

Key Themes

The Psalter is fundamentally the hymnbook of God’s people. It takes the basic themes of OT theology and turns them into song:

  1. Monotheism. The one God, Maker and Ruler of all, will vindicate his goodness and justice in his own time. Everyone must know and love this God, whose purity, power, wisdom, faithfulness, and unceasing love are breathtakingly beautiful.
  2. Creation and fall. Though God made man with dignity and purpose, all people since the fall are beset with sins and weaknesses that only God’s grace can heal.
  3. Election and covenant. The one true God chose a people for himself and bound himself to them by his covenant. This covenant expressed God’s intention to save his people, and through them to bring light to the world.
  4. Covenant membership. In his covenant, God offers grace to his people: forgiveness of their sins, the shaping of their lives to reflect his own glory, and a part to play as light to the Gentiles. Each member of God’s people is responsible to believe God’s promises and to grow in obeying his commands. Those who do this enjoy the full benefits of God’s love and find delight in knowing him. The well-being of God’s people as a whole affects the well-being of each member. Each one shares the joys and sorrows of the others. When believers suffer, they should not seek revenge but should pray. They can be confident that God will make all things right in his own time.
  5. Eschatology. The story of God’s people is headed toward a glorious future, in which all kinds of people will come to know the Lord. The personal faithfulness of God’s people contributes to his ultimate purpose. The Messiah, the ultimate heir of David, will lead his people in the great task of bringing light to the Gentiles.

Types of Psalms

The Psalms can be identified according to some basic categories:

Laments, which lay a troubled situation before the Lord, asking him for help. There are community (Psalm 12) and individual (Psalm 13) laments. This category is the largest by far, including up to a third of all Psalms.

Hymns of praise, which call God’s people to admire his great attributes and deeds. Examples include Psalms 8; 93; and 145.

Hymns of thanksgiving. As with laments, there are community (Psalm 9) and individual (Psalm 30) thanksgiving psalms.

Hymns celebrating God’s law (Psalm 119).

Wisdom psalms (Psalms 1; 37), which reflect themes from the Wisdom Books (Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon).

Songs of confidence, which enable worshipers to deepen their trust in God amid difficult circumstances (Psalm 23).

Royal psalms, which present the Davidic monarchy as the vehicle of blessing for God’s people. Some of these are prayers (Psalm 20), some are thanksgivings (Psalm 21). All relate to the Messiah, the ultimate heir of David, either by setting a pattern (Psalms 20–21) or by portraying the king’s reign in such a way that only the Messiah can completely fulfill it (Psalms 2; 72), or by focusing on the future (Psalm 110).

Historical psalms, which take lessons from the history of God’s dealings with his people (Psalm 78).

Prophetic hymns, which echo the Prophets, calling people to covenant faithfulness (Psalm 81).

Structure

The standard Hebrew text divides the Psalms into five “books,” perhaps in imitation of the five books of the Pentateuch.

Book 1 Psalms 1–41 Psalms 1–2 provide an introduction to the Psalms as a whole. Except for Psalms 10 and 33, the remaining psalms of Book 1 are psalms of David. Most of them are prayers of distress. Others are statements of confidence in the God who alone can save (e.g., 9; 11; 16; 18), striking the note that concludes the book (40–41). Reflections on ethics and worship are found in Psalms 1; 14–15; 19; 24; and 26.
Book 2 Psalms 42–72 Book 2 introduces the first group of psalms by the “sons of Korah” (42; 44–49; 50). There are also more psalms of David (51–65; 68–69), including most of the “historical” psalms (51–52; 54; 56–57; 59–60; 63). Once again, lament and distress dominate these prayers, which now also include a communal voice (e.g., 44; compare 67; 68). The lone psalm attributed to Solomon concludes Book 2 with a look at God’s ideal for Israel’s kings—ultimately pointing to Christ as the final great King of God’s people.
Book 3 Psalms 73–89 The tone darkens further in Book 3. The opening Psalm 73 starkly questions the justice of God before seeing light in God’s presence. That light has almost escaped the psalmist in Psalm 88, the bleakest of all psalms. Book 2 ended with the high point of royal aspirations; Book 3 concludes in Psalm 89 with these expectations badly threatened. Sharp rays of hope occasionally pierce the darkness (e.g., 75; 85; 87). The brief third book contains most of the psalms of Asaph (73–83), as well as another set of Korah psalms (84–85; 87–88).
Book 4 Psalms 90–106 Psalm 90 opens the fourth book of the psalms. It may be seen as the first response to the problems raised by Book 3. Psalm 90, attributed to Moses, reminds the worshiper that God was active on Israel’s behalf long before David. This theme is taken up in Psalms 103–106, which summarize God’s dealings with his people before any kings reigned. In between there is a group of psalms (93–100) characterized by the refrain “The LORD reigns.” This truth refutes the doubts of Psalm 89.
Book 5 Psalms 107–150 The structure of Book 5 reflects the closing petition of Book 4 in 106:47. It declares that God does answer prayer (107) and concludes with five Hallelujah psalms (146–150). In between there are several psalms affirming the validity of the promises to David (110; 132; 144), two collections of Davidic psalms (108–110; 138–145); the longest psalm, celebrating the value of God’s law (119); and 15 psalms of ascent for use by pilgrims to Jerusalem (120–134).
The Global Message of The Psalms

The Global Message of The Psalms

The Psalms are a resounding call for all God’s people and for all the world to sing! We are called to sing songs of confession and trust in God; to sing songs of thanksgiving and praise. The Psalms summon the global church to take up the cause of calling the world to join in such global and eternal songs of trust in, delight in, and worship of God for his magnificence—especially his magnificence displayed in his saving mercy.

Songs of Honest Lament

There is a surprising degree of honesty found in the prayers and songs of the Psalms. We find honest lament to God, with frequent repetition of questions such as “Why?” and “How long?” The psalmist asks in Psalm 42:9, “Why have you forgotten me?” Another psalm wonders, “Why, O LORD, do you stand far away? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?” (10:1; see also 88:14). “How long, O LORD?” is a frequent cry to God in the Psalms (see 6:3; 13:1; 79:5; 89:46).

Such prayers flow from desperately challenging situations, in which life feels overwhelming. Yet they also reflect the confident expectations of our honest cries to our compassionate and faithful God. The Lord invites his people worldwide to be boldly transparent before him—no masks, no pretense—even when the heart is breaking. He promises never to abandon those who belong to him.

Songs of Repentance and Trust

Songs of repentance are scattered throughout the Psalms. In such songs there are confessions of corporate sin—“Both we and our fathers have sinned; we have committed iniquity; we have done wickedness” (Ps. 106:6)—and individual songs of penitence (Psalms 6; 25; 32; 38; 51; 130; 143). These are not hopeless laments, but cries to a God who is a gracious deliverer (6:4), who deals with us according to his great love and mercy (51:1), and whose forgiveness flows from his goodness and not ours (130:3–4).

There is abundant reason to trust such a God for every good thing and in every situation (Psalm 23). To such a God we turn in times of great trouble, when we are at an utter loss in this fallen world. When enemies surround us and there is no one to help, God is our hope for deliverance (Psalm 22). Whether the desperate individual (Psalm 13) or the destitute community (Psalm 12) is in view, God is faithful to his promises. His steadfast love endures. He is worthy of our songs!

Songs of Thanksgiving and Praise

The Psalms are a divinely orchestrated hymnbook of thanksgiving and praise for God’s people. The covenant people of God return thanks to God for his wonderful deeds of deliverance, justice, and defense (Psalm 9), and for his favor and mercies (30:5, 7, 8, 10). All of this moves his people to burst into songs of joy and glad dancing (30:11–12).

In the Psalms, the people of God rejoice in all that God is and all that he has done. These songs of praise exalt God for his unsearchable greatness, his glorious splendor, and his awesome deeds (Ps. 145:3–6). He is worshiped as the King over all creation (93:1),the eternal King (10:16), the King of glory (24:8, 10), the King of all the earth (47:7), and the great King above all gods (95:3).

The Global Message of the Psalms

For all God’s people. The global message of the Psalms is that in light of God’s unfailing love and faithfulness there is a song to be sung by all God’s people everywhere—whatever their circumstances, whatever their emotions, whatever their adversity. The song to be sung will be of varied themes: lament, confession, repentance, thanksgiving, or praise to God. All of these, however, are songs of worship, expressing the universal experiences of God’s people. This is worship of God by the individual and the community, local and global, young and old (Ps. 148:12), now and forever (89:52). For a lost world filled with rebellion and sorrow, there is no greater remedy than a song that brings those who sing it to take refuge in God himself: a song for the oppressed, the hungry, the prisoner, the sojourner, the widow, and the fatherless (146:7–9).

A new song. The message of the Psalms is a call to the whole world to “Sing a new song!” “Oh sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth!” (Ps. 96:1). This is not a song of empty promises, but a song full of hope, a song exulting in the salvation of a covenant keeping and merciful God; not a song that fades, but an enduring, eternal song; a song of a God who lifts us out of mud and mire (69:2, 14).

Celebrating salvation. The book of Psalms opens with a picture of the two ways of life—the blessed and fruitful life of the one who delights in God, and the fleeting life of the wicked who (apart from God) stand condemned (Psalm 1). The world is called to set aside folly and to join in the life and song of the Redeemer, celebrating the salvation that is rooted in the sacrifice of the Savior (Psalm 22). This new song has been sung down through the ages; it continues today throughout the world; and it will one day be sung in the very throne room of God (Rev. 14:3).

Summoning the Nations

To the ends of the earth. The global church has a message for the world: join in this song! It is a celebration that will generate further praise—globally, generationally, and eternally. The church is to “declare his glory among the nations!” (Ps. 96:3). From Israel to the Christian church today to the global kingdom that will one day be known to the very ends of the earth, the redeemed of the Lord will come from every nation, tribe, people, and language, giving God thanks and celebrating his grace (Rev. 7:9).

For all nations. There is a message for the nations: “Praise the LORD, all nations! Extol him, all peoples!” (Ps. 117:1). The Lord humbles the nations (9:5, 19, 20), but he extends to all an offer of mercy and grace. One day, the nations will become Christ’s inheritance (2:8). This song begins with us but it must not end with us. There is a glorious globalization of the worship of God that we are privileged to help advance. In Christ we have found fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore (16:11). In turn we call the nations as well to be glad and sing for joy in him (67:4).

Fulfilled in Jesus. The love and mercy of God that forms the heart of the Psalms explodes onto history with the coming of Christ. It is in and through him that believers worldwide see God’s covenant faithfulness right before their eyes.

Spreading God’s glory. That glorious, global worship of God through Jesus Christ is not yet fully known or complete. Generating it is therefore our glad mission while on this earth. We will not rest till God’s glorious name is blessed forever and the whole earth is filled with his glory (Ps. 72:19).

Psalms Fact #3: How are the Psalms divided?

Fact: How are the Psalms divided?

How are the Psalms divided? The Psalms are divided into five books: 1–41; 42–72; 73–89; 90–106; 107–150. Each book ends with a “doxology,” a hymn of praise to God.

Psalms Fact #4: What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God?

Fact: What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God?

What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God? The Psalms were the songbook of the people of God when they gathered for worship.

Psalms Fact #6: What is a psalm of lament?

Fact: What is a psalm of lament?

What is a psalm of lament? The main purpose of a psalm of lament is to tell the Lord about a difficult situation, to ask him for his help, and to praise him for helping. Some laments are community, congregational psalms. Others are individual, personal laments. One third of all the Psalms are psalms of lament.

Psalms Fact #7: How many of the Psalms were written by David?

Fact: How many of the Psalms were written by David?

How many of the Psalms were written by David? David is the author of about half of the Psalms. Other authors include Asaph, Solomon, Moses, and the sons of Korah.

Psalms Fact #9: What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel?

Fact: What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel?

What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel? The “enemies” mentioned in the Psalms (e.g., 18:17) were people hostile to the faith of God’s people. Sometimes they expressed their hatred by physically attacking the people of Israel, while other times they merely rejoiced when Israel faced misfortunes.

Psalms Fact #10: Are the Psalms poetry?

Fact: Are the Psalms poetry?

Are the Psalms poetry? The Psalms often reflect the feelings or emotions of the person who wrote the psalm. The book of Psalms includes poetry that covers all kinds of emotional feelings and experiences, from anguish and sorrow to great joy and thanksgiving.

Psalms Fact #12: How often does the NT quote from the Psalms?

Fact: How often does the NT quote from the Psalms?

How often does the NT quote from the Psalms? Of all the OT books, the Psalms and Isaiah are by far the two most widely quoted in the NT.

Psalms Fact #13: Selah

Fact: Selah

What does Selah mean? Although the word Selah is found 39 times in the book of Psalms, its exact meaning is uncertain. Most scholars believe it is a musical term or a term to be used by a worship leader, possibly to mark a pause.

Psalms Fact #20: Snares

Fact: Snares

Snares (38:12) were traps used to catch birds and animals. Some snares used ropes or nets that would be triggered as soon as the bait was touched. Pits disguised with sticks and leaves were also used as snares. In the Psalms, snares serve as symbols of danger or death at the hands of the wicked.

Psalms Fact #27: A helpful guide

Fact: A helpful guide

A helpful guide. The writers of the Psalms understood the importance of constant communication with God. They knew that God would hear their prayers, and they trusted him to act on their behalf. Believers today can benefit greatly by patterning their prayers after specific psalms.

Psalms Fact #28: Memorizing the Psalms

Fact: Memorizing the Psalms

Memorizing the Psalms. The poetic style of the Psalms make them easy to memorize. Throughout the centuries, many believers have memorized all 150 Psalms.

Psalms Fact #40: How long?

Fact: How long?

How long? This question (79:5) occurs nearly twenty times in the Psalms, more than any other question. It is almost always associated with a psalm of lament, such as Psalm 79.

Structure of Psalms

Structure of Psalms

The standard Hebrew text divides the Psalms into five “books,” perhaps in imitation of the five books of the Pentateuch.

Book 1 Psalms 1–41 Psalms 1–2 provide an introduction to the Psalms as a whole. Except for Psalms 10 and 33, the remaining psalms of Book 1 are psalms of David. Most of them are prayers of distress. Others are statements of confidence in the God who alone can save (e.g., 9; 11; 16; 18), striking the note that concludes the book (40–41). Reflections on ethics and worship are found in Psalms 1; 14–15; 19; 24; and 26.
Book 2 Psalms 42–72 Book 2 introduces the first group of psalms by the “sons of Korah” (42; 44–49; 50). There are also more psalms of David (51–65; 68–69), including most of the “historical” psalms (51–52; 54; 56–57; 59–60; 63). Once again, lament and distress dominate these prayers, which now also include a communal voice (e.g., 44; compare 67; 68). The lone psalm attributed to Solomon concludes Book 2 with a look at God’s ideal for Israel’s kings—ultimately pointing to Christ as the final great King of God’s people.
Book 3 Psalms 73–89 The tone darkens further in Book 3. The opening Psalm 73 starkly questions the justice of God before seeing light in God’s presence. That light has almost escaped the psalmist in Psalm 88, the bleakest of all psalms. Book 2 ended with the high point of royal aspirations; Book 3 concludes in Psalm 89 with these expectations badly threatened. Sharp rays of hope occasionally pierce the darkness (e.g., 75; 85; 87). The brief third book contains most of the psalms of Asaph (73–83), as well as another set of Korah psalms (84–85; 87–88).
Book 4 Psalms 90–106 Psalm 90 opens the fourth book of the psalms. It may be seen as the first response to the problems raised by Book 3. Psalm 90, attributed to Moses, reminds the worshiper that God was active on Israel’s behalf long before David. This theme is taken up in Psalms 103–106, which summarize God’s dealings with his people before any kings reigned. In between there is a group of psalms (93–100) characterized by the refrain “The LORD reigns.” This truth refutes the doubts of Psalm 89.
Book 5 Psalms 107–150 The structure of Book 5 reflects the closing petition of Book 4 in 106:47. It declares that God does answer prayer (107) and concludes with five Hallelujah psalms (146–150). In between there are several psalms affirming the validity of the promises to David (110; 132; 144), two collections of Davidic psalms (108–110; 138–145); the longest psalm, celebrating the value of God’s law (119); and 15 psalms of ascent for use by pilgrims to Jerusalem (120–134).
OT Testimony that All Are under Sin (3:9)

OT Testimony that All Are under Sin (3:9)

Romans 3 OT Reference
Sinful Condition
v. 10, none is righteous Ps. 14:3/53:3; Eccles. 7:20
v. 11a, no one understands Ps. 14:2/53:2
v. 11b, no one seeks for God Ps. 14:2/53:2
v. 12, all have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one Ps. 14:3/53:3
Sinful Speech (note progression from throat to tongue to lips)
v. 13a, b, their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive Ps. 5:10, Septuagint (English, 5:9)
v. 13c, the venom of asps is under their lips Ps. 140:3
v. 14, their mouth is full of curses and bitterness Ps. 10:7
Sinful Action
v. 15, their feet are swift to shed blood Prov. 1:16/Isa. 59:7
v. 16, in their paths are ruin and misery Isa. 59:7
v. 17, and the way of peace they have not known Isa. 59:8
Summary Statement
v. 18, there is no fear of God before their eyes Ps. 36:1
Study Notes

Ps. 66:1–4 These opening verses begin with a universal call (Shout for joy to God, all the earth) and end by declaring how all the earth worships the true God. Nature honors its Creator (see 19:1–6), and the OT often expresses the hope that one day all mankind will do so as well (e.g., 117:1).

Study Notes

Ps. 66:5–7 Since Israel exists to bring God’s light to the world (Ex. 19:5–6), what God has done for Israel he has done for all peoples—he is awesome in his deeds toward the children of man. Verses 8–12 of Psalm 66 continue to develop this thought as it calls all peoples to bless Israel’s God.

Study Notes

Ps. 66:13–15 The focus now shifts from Israel as a whole to a particular worshiper (I). A person in Israel (including sojourners) could make a vow to the Lord in a time of need. He could fulfill the vow with burnt offerings or vow offerings (perform my vows); see Lev. 22:18 and Num. 15:3. The psalm presents such offerings as joyful occasions.

Study Notes

Psalm Ps. 66. This is a thanksgiving for God’s answer to the prayer of one particular member of God’s people. The first half (vv. 1–12) describes God’s deeds for that particular person in the context of his commitment to the people as a whole.

Ps. 66:16–20 The OT insists that each person must individually profess faith in God. Thus each one would have some report of what God has done for his soul (and not just for the people as a whole). To have cherished iniquity in my heart is to long for what is vile and abhorrent to God. In this context it means actually praying for God’s help to commit sin. Therefore the psalm does not imply that absolute sinlessness is a condition for answered prayer.

S3:151 Psalm 66

Listen Now

Dive Deeper | Psalm 66

For me, asking God for things comes easier than worshiping Him and witnessing the great things He has done for us. In this passage, the psalmist not only praises God for His attributes, but he also reminds others of God's awesome deeds and the importance of repentance.

In Psalm 66:5, the psalmist invites his community to come and praise the Lord and to remember what God has done for them. Then, the psalmist gives specific examples of God's deeds. He takes time to recall the miracle of God parting the Red Sea. He also reminds everyone listening that, although the Lord puts us through tests and trials, He uses those challenges to refine us.

Throughout this chapter, the psalmist switches on and off between worship and witness, which are both key parts of praise. The psalmist explains that God has brought us through hardships and into a place of abundance and that's why we should praise Him. He praises the Lord for specific attributes of His character and thanks Him for being omniscient, miraculous, and our protector. These attributes of God remind me that He is in control, even in the midst of our pain and suffering. The psalmist also talks about how worship isn't just about surrendering with our lips (singing and shouting praises to God), but also about sacrifice.

Lastly, the psalmist uses his personal experiences to teach others about the love of God (Psalm 66:17-19). He teaches them about confession and how the Lord will always forgive you if you repent. This stuck out to me because when I feel convicted of something I've done, I sense a barrier between me, the person I have wronged, and the Lord. Similar to the psalmist in verses 17-20, when I repent and ask for forgiveness, I feel free and loved, knowing that the Lord has forgiven me.

This month's memory verse

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

– Joshua 1:9

Discussion Questions

1. In Psalm 66, the psalmist praises God for specific attributes. Which attributes can you praise God for today?

2. Like the psalmist recalls the parting of the Red Sea, what has God done in your community that you can remind others of?

3. As the psalmist mentions, unconfessed sin blocks fellowship with the Lord. What sin in your life that is affecting your fellowship with Christ can you confess today?

Respond to Today's Passage

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MS

Michael Scaman

Samuel Morse, who also co-developed Morse code. Morse sent the first telegraphic message—“What hath God wrought?”—from Washington, D.C. to Baltimore in 1844. https://www.history.com/news/first-transatlantic-telegraph-cable A more than transatlantic invitation sent out for all nation sent through David to come and see what God has done focusing first on God’s power then his omniscience and justice then his love. If this was a telegraph message it might real like so: Psalm 66:5 “Come and see what God has done: for the children of men”. Stop. By children of men he means Israel . Stop. if you listen you can be included. Stop. There are troubles but worth it. Stop. God is watching and if you ignore Him there could be worse troubles. So stop. God is also watching your heart. Step. But has a heart for his own. Stop. This is a universal call to come and observe. Then use some words. “God’s works are great!” Even your enemies know it and cringe. They tremble. Everyone should have a healthy fear of God. God is watching. The world may watch the Olympics with interest every four years, God watches the world with interest all day every day. What God has done focuses on what he has done for some of the children of men who he chose as his people. They had their share of trouble but. There is a purpose to our pain Psalm 66:10 For you, O God, have tested us; you have tried us as silver is tried. On a personal level, come and see what the LORD has done for me, focusing on God’s mercy, care and love. Psalm 66:16 Come and hear what God has done for me. There is a significant turn from God’s power to God’s love. There was a warning God is watching to nations and now a personal warning that God watches hearts and wrong treasures can hinder prayer. Psalm 66:18 If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened. I did not and God has heard me. God's loyal loving kindness "toward me", his love is the main thing I treasure.
GJ

greg jones

Good morning Paige. Thought this was the perfect beginning to your deeper dive. “In this passage, the psalmist not only praises God for His attributes, but he also reminds others of God's awesome deeds and the importance of repentance.” He turned the sea into dry land Psalm 66:6a is Exodus 14. They passed through the river on foot Psalm 66b is Joshua 3&4. There did we rejoice in him, who rules by his might forever, whose eyes keep watch on the nations—let not the rebellious exalt themselves Psalm 66:6c-7. For the sea crossing Exodus 15 the song of Moses and Miriam. “I will sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider[a] he has thrown into the sea. The Lord is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him. The Lord is a man of war; the Lord is his name. The first three verses of Moses song. On the other side of the river a stone alter is erected and the men of war circumcised Joshua 4&5. Israel’s early view of themselves and their relationship with Yahweh. By the time of Cyrus, Isaiah 45, and the rebuilding of the second temple that view has evolved. The testing/experience in the wilderness develops the first view. The testing/experience of exile develops a broader evolved view.
MS

Michael Scaman

Charles Spurgeon: "The deliverance of Israel from Egypt was an eminent type of our redemption by Christ, and therefore, it is not strange if there be some expressions in this Psalm which are borrowed from that history, which yet are to be applied to the great work of our salvation by Jesus Christ."
SB

Sue Bohlin

Super devo, Paige! Thank you for leading us to God's word today. When I was your age I had ZERO clue about anything spiritual (other than the catechism I was taught, which had zero effect on me). Love that you have a head start in life this way! "If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened." He would have HEARD, being omnipotent, but the word for listen means to hear and respond or answer or obey. I am reminded of my husband Ray's testimony of coming to faith in Christ. His best friend and college roommate was in crisis and asked a couple of guys to circle up and pray for him. Ray, who had graduated from a preparatory seminary because he originally planned to become a priest, thought that if anyone could pray effectively, it would be him. But instead, he had a strong sense of his prayers hitting a bronze ceiling and bouncing back. He was devastated. And that lingering awareness of disconnection from God prepared him to reach out in response when some guys from Campus Crusade for Christ offered him a booklet, "How to Be Sure You're a Christian." Because suddenly he was aware something was very wrong. And reading the gospel in that little booklet, he trusted Christ and changed his eternity forever. By the way, a few months after he became a Christian, I did, and then the Lord brought us together, and tomorrow we celebrate 50 years of marriage. One of the biggest ways I know GOD IS SOOOOOO GOOD!!!
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Dale Taliaferro

Paige, an awesome job. You have encouraged me today. This is a wonderful Psalm. It reminds me a little of Ps. 30:5: "... weeping my last for the night, but a shout of joy comes in the morning!" God is so good and becomes that to the one walking by faith and not by feelings.
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Amy Lowther

1. God’s strength that He shares with everyone everyday is worth praise. 2. It is good to remember God helps people be kind to themselves and to one another. 3. I do not have a sin to confess at this time. Paige Thank you for sharing your ideas. You make a great point in saying, “The psalmist explains that God has brought us through hardships and into a place of abundance and that's why we should praise Him. He praises the Lord for specific attributes of His character and thanks Him for being omniscient, miraculous, and our protector”. Awesome!
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Lindsey Driscoll

Paige, great devo, specially the last paragraph where you remind us that confession and repentance is a way of connecting with God when we feel far from him. I am thankful that God is not far from us, our sin makes us feel that way. I’m thankful we have a God that “surely listen(s) “(66:19) to our prayers.