Wednesday, June 7, 2017
Daily reading assignment – Psalms 66-68
Of the three psalms assigned for our scripture reading today, the best known is probably the first, Psalm 66; a psalm of praise and adoration inviting the nations of the earth to “Make a joyful noise unto God” (Psalm 66:1).
Lest someone is tempted to draw a parallel between today’s style of worship music and singing with the phrase “joyful noise” (66:1), I hasten to educate you that the “noise” is the sound of trumpets and shouts of victory and triumph. David exhorts all people to praise the God of heaven in songs that honor His name (66:2) and invites “All the earth” to worship and sing praises to the LORD (66:4).
The focus of Psalm 66 moves from an invitation to all people to worship the LORD to God’s chosen people, Israel, praising Him (66:8-12). David’s praise recalls how the LORD had preserved His people and brought them through times of trial and trouble (66:9-12).
Beginning with Psalm 66:13, David’s focus becomes personal: “I will go into thy house with burnt offerings: I will pay thee my vows” (Psalm 66:13).
The psalm concludes with David inviting the people to hear his adoration of the LORD and “what He hath done for my soul” (66:16). David writes of the LORD’s mercies, grace and willingness to hear his prayers and forgive his sin.
Psalm 66:17-20 17 I cried unto Him [the LORD] with my mouth, and he was extolled [exalted] with my tongue.
18 If I regard [see; perceive; observe] iniquity [sin; wickedness] in my heart, the Lord will not hear [hearken; listen] me:
19 But verily [surely] God hath heard [hearken; listen] me; he hath attended [hear] to the voice [sound] of my prayer.
20 Blessed be God, which hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy [loving-kindness; love; grace] from me.
David’s life and testimony remind us the LORD is longsuffering, patient and willing to forgive our sins if we will confess and forsake them. The king had experienced the silence of heaven and the fate of men who “regard iniquity” and continued in sin (66:18). With praise and confidence, David rejoiced in God hearing his prayer and extending to him His grace (66:19-20).
Some reading this brief devotional might find they are where David was–bearing a weight of sin that has left your soul listless and your heart despondent. You are too aware of the sorrows and consequences that accompany sin. Friend, please don’t stay there and risk a seared conscience and a calloused heart.
The apostle John promises, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).
Copyright 2017 – Travis D. Smith