July 19

Psalms 144

Highlights In Today's Reading:

We open with one of David's battle songs sung by his men as he marches forth to war (144). The second (145) may have been sung by David's soldiers after victory in battle. The last five psalms are a grand outburst of Hallelujah songs to the majesty of our Lord. God reigns; Let all Creation praise the One True Triune God; Let the angels praise God; Let the saints Praise God.

The psalmist declared that no man, not even the most powerful or the smartest, has power to save himself or others. His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish (146:4). When their breathing stops, they (the body) return to the earth.

All that anyone, the poorest person, a president, or a millionaire will eventually have will be his grave. They (We all) die, and return to their (our) dust (104:29). When death comes, all that is material or physical comes to an end. Christians can rejoice knowing that all that is spiritual is eternal and is in the loving hands of the Almighty God and destined for eternal life with our Lord. But all who have rejected Christ as their Savior face eternal death to be cast into outer darkness and in the torment of hell. Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God (146:5). All of our plans, popularity, and power which relate to this world will be cut off by death. Too quickly the achievements and the influence of one age is forgotten in the next. Today's heroes and those who are the masters of the world's intellect and influence at this point in time will be ignored tomorrow. Therefore: Cursed be the man that trusteth in man (mere humans) . . . and whose heart departeth from the Lord (Jer. 17:5).

This means, first of all, at the beginning of each day we should yield ourselves for Christ's holy presence to freely work in and through us. It means a voluntary, intentional and wholehearted turning away from the world to wait on God to make Himself known to our inner man (Eph. 3:16). It means giving time, and all our heart and strength, to allow God to reveal Himself. It is impossible to expect the abiding presence of Christ to be outwardly evident throughout our day unless there is a definite daily exercise of childlike trust in His Word and willful submission to His leading on our part.

King David is our example, for his trust was only in God and he sought the Lord's guidance throughout most of his reign. David often called upon God in prayer and he had the assurance of the nearness of God. The secret to this assurance was that he loved the Word of God and prayed according to His will.

The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain (empty, profitless). Therefore let no man glory in men (I Cor. 3:20-21).

Thought for Today:

Thy Word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee (Ps. 119:11).

Christ Revealed:

As the One who gives sight to the blind (Ps. 146:8). Jesus Christ opened blind eyes. Then touched He their eyes . . . . And their eyes were opened (Matt. 9:27-30; Mark 10:46-52; John 9:1-41).

Word Studies:

144:7 rid = rescue; 144:13 garners = grain storehouses; 145:3 unsearchable = beyond our understanding; 147:4 telleth = counts; 148:7 dragons = large sea animals.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for Radio Sri Lanka Broadcasts sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. Walter G. Clark • Government Official: Rep. John Campbell (CA) • Country: Tibet (province of China) (4.6 million, from 1990 census) in eastern Asia • Major language: Tibetan • The Chinese government is still committed to promoting atheism, while at the same time, officially permitting Lamaism (a form of Buddhism) • 97% Tibetan Buddhist; 1% Muslim; 1% Bon; 1% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Bow before the Lord in a godly reverence as you pray and worship (Ex. 34:8).

Optional Reading: 2 Timothy 4

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 9:37