Read Psalms 88

Highlights:

A cry for deliverance from death; psalmist's praise for God's Covenant and His promises; reminder of the brevity of life; protection for the faithful.

Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound (call to worship): they shall walk, O Lord, in the light of Thy countenance (Ps. 89:15).

The psalmist goes on to say: They rejoice all the day: and in Thy righteousness shall they be exalted. For Thou art the glory of their strength (89:16-17). What a blessing to know that as we join together in worship in our congregations, living for Him in our daily lives, and honoring Him in our homes, that the Heavenly Father has promised and delighteth in his (our) way (37:23).

These are just some of the places in our lives that God wants to bless. God, our Father, is happy to reward us for our obedience to Him. We should feel even more blessed with the knowledge that God is pleased with our actions. And whatsoever we ask, we receive of Him, because we keep His Commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in His sight (I John 3:22). It is important to remember that the life we live as Christians reflects on how people view God. It is much like our judging how good a parent is by the way the child behaves. Therefore, we should walk rightly in the paths our Heavenly Father leads us in. That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God (Col. 1:10).

A joyful sound (Ps. 89:15) of praise spontaneously comes from God's people who are walking in the light of what He has spoken to us. Christ promised this joy for His followers, saying: These things have I spoken unto you, that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full (John 15:11). Whatever Christ promises, you can always be sure it will be fulfilled in His time. The world, your family, or your employer may make empty promises to you. However, we can rejoice that the God we serve is faithful and true. Great and marvellous are Thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are Thy ways, thou King of saints (Rev. 15:3).

We can praise the Lord for His promises with anticipation and truly rejoice each moment in the expectation of His joy. Christ dwells in the praises of His people.

I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you (John 16:22).

Thought for Today:

May our Light not be dimmed nor our testimony hindered by sin in our lives.

Christ Revealed:

By the seed (descendants) of David (Ps. 89:3-4). Concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed (descendants) of David according to the flesh (Rom. 1:3; also Matt. 1:1; Luke 3:31-32).

Word Studies:

88:13 prevent, come before; 89:10 Rahab in this context is a poetic name for Egypt (see 87:4; Is. 51:9); 89:24 horn be exalted, authority shall increase; 89:41 spoil, plunder; 90:13 let it repent thee concerning, change your judgment to compassion on; 91:13 dragon, serpent, a reference to Satan. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years (Rev. 20:2; see also 12:3-4,7,9,13,16-17;13:2,4,11).

Prayer Needs:

Pray for Staff: Karen Hawkins • Government Officials: Rep. Tom McClintock (CA), Rep. Phil Gingrey (GA), and Rep. Russ Carnahan (MO) • Country: Macedonia (2 million) in southeastern Europe • Major languages: Macedonian and Albanian • strongly Orthodox country • 67% Macedonian Orthodox; 23% Muslim; 3% Catholic; 2% Protestant; 5% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Pray that your words and thoughts will be pleasing to the Lord (Ps. 19:14).

Optional Reading: 1 Timothy 1

Memory Verse for the Week: Galatians 6:7