June 27 A READ PSALMS 135–139
The God Who Is There
OVERVIEW
From the heights of joy to the depths of sorrow, today’s reading spans a wide range of emotions. In recalling past dealings with God—both in creation and in the redemption of God’s people—the psalmist breaks forth in glad songs of praise (Psalms 135–136). Reliving the desperate days of exile, the psalmist expresses deep sorrow (137). But even times of trouble can be met with acclamation (138) by remembering God’s infinite knowledge and inescapable presence (139).
MY DAILY WALK
Three of God’s attributes are beautifully depicted in Psalm 139: his omniscience (he knows everything, including everything about you), his omnipresence (he is everywhere, including anywhere you are), and his omnipotence (he is infinitely powerful, enough to meet your every need).
The question arises, “If all that is true, then why should I pray?" There are many good reasons to pray, but here are just three:
Pray because God has commanded it (Jeremiah 33:3).
Pray because God delights in giving good gifts to those who ask (Matthew 7:7-11).
Pray because prayer changes things . . . but mostly, prayer changes people, and that means prayer changes you.
Notice in Psalm 139 how David’s attitude changes. In the opening verses David is cautious, almost fearful, at the thought that his life is an open book before God. But by the end, he is humble and eager to please God—even in the secret compartments of his life. Do you need to pray David’s prayer today (vv. 23-24)?
PRAYER IS A SHIELD TO THE SOUL, A SACRIFICE TO GOD, AND A SCOURGE FOR SATAN.
INSIGHT
Mercy, Mercy, Mercy | Ps. 136:1-26
Before you read Psalm 136, reflect on a few of the many ways in which translators have captured the refrain “His faithful love endures forever” (repeated twenty-six times in the psalm):
• “His kindness never fails” (Moffatt).
• “His steadfast love endures for ever” (Revised Standard Version).
• “His mercy endures forever” (New King James Version).
INSIGHT
Nowhere to Hide | Ps. 139:7
Adam and Eve tried to hide from God (Genesis 3:8). So did Jonah (Jonah 1:3). And so will the rulers on earth when the last judgment comes (Revelation 6:15-17). But the Bible repeatedly says it can’t be done (Psalm 139:7; Amos 9:2-4), and the New Testament says we don’t need to (Romans 8:38-39; Hebrews 4:16). Ask yourself if you are trying to hide anything from the Lord. Then read Hebrews 4:16 and ask yourself why.
1Praise the LORD!
Praise the name of the LORD!
Praise him, you who serve the LORD,
2you who serve in the house of the LORD,
in the courts of the house of our God.
3Praise the LORD, for the LORD is good;
celebrate his lovely name with music.
4For the LORD has chosen Jacob for himself,
Israel for his own special treasure.
5I know the greatness of the LORD—
that our Lord is greater than any other god.
6The LORD does whatever pleases him
throughout all heaven and earth,
and on the seas and in their depths.
7He causes the clouds to rise over the whole earth.
He sends the lightning with the rain
and releases the wind from his storehouses.
8He destroyed the firstborn in each Egyptian home,
both people and animals.
9He performed miraculous signs and wonders in Egypt
against Pharaoh and all his people.
10He struck down great nations
and slaughtered mighty kings—
11Sihon king of the Amorites,
Og king of Bashan,
and all the kings of Canaan.
12He gave their land as an inheritance,
a special possession to his people Israel.
13Your name, O LORD, endures forever;
your fame, O LORD, is known to every generation.
14For the LORD will give justice to his people
and have compassion on his servants.
15The idols of the nations are merely things of silver and gold,
shaped by human hands.
16They have mouths but cannot speak,
and eyes but cannot see.
17They have ears but cannot hear,
and mouths but cannot breathe.
18And those who make idols are just like them,
as are all who trust in them.
19O Israel, praise the LORD!
O priests—descendants of Aaron—praise the LORD!
20O Levites, praise the LORD!
All you who fear the LORD, praise the LORD!
21The LORD be praised from Zion,
for he lives here in Jerusalem.
Praise the LORD!