I’m working on a new approach to my blog series this year and using the Psalms to do so. The Psalms have brought tremendous comfort and guidance to so many for so long. Join me in taking a fresh look at each Psalm. As you read through them, I urge you to reflect, pray, and apply these devotional bits of encouragement to your own life. Today, we study and reflect on Psalms 46, 47, and 48.
Reflection 1
Life can be very loud, noisy, and disconcerting. Our heads can pound, and our hearts can quake with anxiety. So many messages and thoughts fill our hearts and minds. They scream, “There is no light at the end of this tunnel.” At these times, I need to quiet my heart and still my mind, remembering what is true. God is with me, and God is for me. He will walk with me and carry me through my troubles. Of this, I can be certain. My problems are real, but so is my God. He is stronger, wiser, and bigger than my problems.
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea…The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.’” — Psalms 46:1-2, 7, 10
Reflection 2
What’s the point of giving praise to God, besides Scripture imploring us to do so? I’ll tell you what it means to me. It means living life “in order” and not out of order. It means recognizing God as the Lord of all creation, the King of my life, and affirming that He is sovereign and almighty. He is wonderful and wise, and there is no one like Him. Giving praise reminds me that He loves me, is with me, is for me, and is preparing Heaven for all who place their hope in Him. Praise prioritizes the position of God in my life. We would do well to praise Him more each day. He is worthy. He is faithful. He is your loving Lord!
“Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy. For the Lord Most High is awesome, the great King over all the earth. Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises. For God is the King of all the earth; sing him a psalm of praise. God reigns over the nations; God is seated on his holy throne.” — Psalms 47:1-2, 6-8
Reflection 3
We do not worship persons, positions, or politicians. Politics or political parties are not our god. Sadly, for many, the lines between political ambition and Jesus have been blurred. There is only One God, and Jesus has called us to live and love like Him.
“For this God is our God forever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end.” — Psalms 48:14