Wednesday August 4, 2021

Today’s Reading: Psalm 98

Shout to the Lord, all the earth; be jubilant, shout for joy, and sing.

Psalm 98:4

Reflection: In their relationship with the LORD, God’s people are constantly urged to remember Him and all that He has done. They are told to recall God’s mighty works, to meditate on His Law and statues given to them, to bind His Word on their heads and their hands as signs to point to His goodness upon them. From the beginning, we’ve needed reminders to think about the LORD, promptings to recall Him, and practices to consider His handiwork. Humans are always forgetting, even those who desire to follow the LORD. But the heavens and the earth need no prompting to proclaim the glory of God in all that they do. Perhaps we as believers should take note of their constant praise to God.

The sea and all that fills it resounds praise to the LORD. In their comings and goings, the animals of the sea behave exactly as they have been directed by Him. From the great call of the blue whale to the gentle sway of ocean kelp, all that lives in the sea is a testament to God’s wisdom and beauty. The mightiest creatures and vast seascapes boast His might and strength. The tiniest creatures showcase His attention to detail, the extent of the LORD’s intricate design of the universe. The rivers resound a roaring applause as their waters crash upon rocks downstream. Gentle gurgles bubble from brooks to express joy and delight at our God. The mountains amplify praise to God. Even the ram’s horn is crafted in such a way that it can bring forth a triumphant sound to announce the LORD’s holy Presence.

Just as each living and non-living part of creation praises God, each part of us is also designed for this purpose: our hands to do His work, our feet to follow after Him, our eyes to witness His glory and remember, our lips to sing and shout His glory. We are designed with the potential to praise God with all of our being, and are equipped to love the LORD with all of our hearts, souls, minds, and strength. Be jubilant, then, giving total praise to God! Every ounce of what we have been given we can use to glorify Him.

Prayer: Loving God, I praise You. I exalt You upon Your holy throne. I remember today Your wonderful works and give You glory for Your goodness. You have granted me joy by Your power and might. You have granted me hope by Your mercy and faithfulness. You have granted me the assurance of salvation by Your wisdom and loving sacrifice. Thank You, LORD, for all You have done for me. Help me to think, say, and do all I can to praise You. Fill my mind with thoughts of You. Fill my lips with only Your praises and Your truth. Move my hands and feet to testify of Your goodness. Please, LORD, train me to live a life that displays my love for You. I pray this all in Jesus’ mighty Name, AMEN.

Bible-in-a-Year Reading Plan (credit: Bible, studytools.com): Revelation 3; Nehemiah 4; Psalm 98