Post by Les on Aug 12, 2023 11:38:14 GMT -5
Forever Faithful God By: Xochitl Dixon
Click here for the Audio Message
The word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does.
Psalm 33:4
Today's Scripture & Insight:
Psalm 33:1–11
When Xavier was in primary school, I drove him to and from school. One day, things didn’t go according to plan. I was late to pick him up. I parked the car, praying frantically as I ran towards his classroom. I found him hugging his backpack as he sat on a bench next to a teacher. “I’m so sorry, Mijo. Are you okay?” He sighed. “I’m fine, but I’m mad at you for being late.” How could I blame him? I was mad at me too. I loved my son, but I knew there would be many times when I’d disappoint him. I also knew he might feel disappointed with God one day. So I worked hard to teach him that God never has—and never will—break a promise.
Psalm 33 encourages us to celebrate God’s faithfulness with joyful praises (vv. 1–3) because “the word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does” (v. 4). Using the world God created as tangible proof of His power and dependability (vv. 5–7), the psalmist calls on the “people of the world” to worship God (v. 8).
When plans fail or people let us down, we can be tempted to be disappointed in God. However, we can rely on God’s trustworthiness because His plans “stand firm forever” (v. 11). We can praise God, even when things go wrong because our loving Creator sustains everything and everyone. God is forever faithful.
Reflect & Pray
Why is it hard to praise God when your plans fail or people disappoint you? How has God used the world He created to prove His enduring trustworthiness?
Dear God, please remind me of Your past faithfulness as I walk by faith today.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Psalm 33 is an anonymous psalm that praises God and calls listeners to join in the praise (vv. 1–3). Specifically, we’re to praise Him for His matchless character (vv. 4–5), for His acts of creation and deliverance, and for His power and love (vv. 6–19). The song concludes with an affirmation of trust in God and an appeal to Him for ongoing expressions of His lovingkindness ( vv. 20–22). This structure, as one commentator wrote, “clarifies the movement of the psalm from praise to hope, which when fulfilled leads into a new chorus of similar praise.” Take a few moments and reflect on how you’ve experienced God’s character, creation, and love, and give Him praise for all His “unfailing love” (v. 22). As the old gospel song says, “Count your many blessings, name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord has done!”
Bill Crowder
Psalm 33:1-11
King James Version
33 Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright.
2 Praise the Lord with harp: sing unto him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings.
3 Sing unto him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise.
4 For the word of the Lord is right; and all his works are done in truth.
5 He loveth righteousness and judgment: the earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.
6 By the word of the Lord were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.
7 He gathereth the waters of the sea together as an heap: he layeth up the depth in storehouses.
8 Let all the earth fear the Lord: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him.
9 For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast.
10 The Lord bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: he maketh the devices of the people of none effect.
11 The counsel of the Lord standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.
Click here for the Audio Message
The word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does.
Psalm 33:4
Today's Scripture & Insight:
Psalm 33:1–11
When Xavier was in primary school, I drove him to and from school. One day, things didn’t go according to plan. I was late to pick him up. I parked the car, praying frantically as I ran towards his classroom. I found him hugging his backpack as he sat on a bench next to a teacher. “I’m so sorry, Mijo. Are you okay?” He sighed. “I’m fine, but I’m mad at you for being late.” How could I blame him? I was mad at me too. I loved my son, but I knew there would be many times when I’d disappoint him. I also knew he might feel disappointed with God one day. So I worked hard to teach him that God never has—and never will—break a promise.
Psalm 33 encourages us to celebrate God’s faithfulness with joyful praises (vv. 1–3) because “the word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does” (v. 4). Using the world God created as tangible proof of His power and dependability (vv. 5–7), the psalmist calls on the “people of the world” to worship God (v. 8).
When plans fail or people let us down, we can be tempted to be disappointed in God. However, we can rely on God’s trustworthiness because His plans “stand firm forever” (v. 11). We can praise God, even when things go wrong because our loving Creator sustains everything and everyone. God is forever faithful.
Reflect & Pray
Why is it hard to praise God when your plans fail or people disappoint you? How has God used the world He created to prove His enduring trustworthiness?
Dear God, please remind me of Your past faithfulness as I walk by faith today.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Psalm 33 is an anonymous psalm that praises God and calls listeners to join in the praise (vv. 1–3). Specifically, we’re to praise Him for His matchless character (vv. 4–5), for His acts of creation and deliverance, and for His power and love (vv. 6–19). The song concludes with an affirmation of trust in God and an appeal to Him for ongoing expressions of His lovingkindness ( vv. 20–22). This structure, as one commentator wrote, “clarifies the movement of the psalm from praise to hope, which when fulfilled leads into a new chorus of similar praise.” Take a few moments and reflect on how you’ve experienced God’s character, creation, and love, and give Him praise for all His “unfailing love” (v. 22). As the old gospel song says, “Count your many blessings, name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord has done!”
Bill Crowder
Psalm 33:1-11
King James Version
33 Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright.
2 Praise the Lord with harp: sing unto him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings.
3 Sing unto him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise.
4 For the word of the Lord is right; and all his works are done in truth.
5 He loveth righteousness and judgment: the earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.
6 By the word of the Lord were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.
7 He gathereth the waters of the sea together as an heap: he layeth up the depth in storehouses.
8 Let all the earth fear the Lord: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him.
9 For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast.
10 The Lord bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: he maketh the devices of the people of none effect.
11 The counsel of the Lord standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.