Psalm_92

Scripture  Psalm 92:1-2  It is good to give thanks to the Lord and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High;  To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning and Your faithfulness by night, Observation-What does it say?  A song of celebration for the Lord’s faithfulness.  This psalm may have been written by the king of Israel.  It is the first in a cluster of psalms centered around the Joy of God’s love and faithfulness.  Within this particular psalm, the outcome of choosing righteousness is placed in contrast to the result of choosing wickedness.  We are reminded of the everlasting joy that comes from choosing to live a righteous life and follow after God’s righteousness.   Understanding-What does it mean?  Almost four hundred years ago, the passengers of the Mayflower braved a treacherous journey across the Atlantic Ocean, suffered a fatal winter, and began the frameworks of a new world.  At the core of their journey was a desire to seek after the righteousness of God, without the constraints government. Of the first acts of a new found community, which included the native people, the practice of thanksgiving was the first. It’s not surprising that thanksgiving is the attitude which preceded God’s provision in this particular psalm.  It is a common statement that “pride comes before the fall,” simple wisdom that is timeless and warns everyone of the pitfalls associated with pride.  Conversely, it should be a common statement that “humility precedes prosperity.” It can be confusing in today’s world, which is filled with people who are constantly singing their own praises and we are taught that this is the path to success.  But God’s word paints us a different picture. Our measure of success, however, can’t be measured on FICO and bank roll.  We measure our success on the true blessings of faith in God and our redemption through Christ’s death.  Matthew 5 and Luke 6 give us a contrast to the world’s view of success in what are traditionally referred to as the beatitudes.  The word beatitude means “the greatest blessing.”   “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.  Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:3-10 So as we gather through the holidays, let us not look to our phones, toys, and bank accounts to measure our blessing.  Rather, let us look to the blessings that separate us from the rest of the world, and the ways that God draws us closer to Him. Life application  Jesus, thank you for your provision.  Thank you for the tough times that help me rely on your faithfulness.  Thank you for the true joy, which is only found through the cross. Thank you for family, who shows us the true meaning of patience.  Thank you for your love.   -Tyler Galloway