Friday August 27, 2021

Today’s Reading: Psalm 115

It is not the dead who praise the Lord, nor any of those descending into the silence of death.

Psalm 115:17

Reflection: The LORD God is God of the living. He has given them life and sustains them for eternity. In return, the people have risen to worship and exalt Him for all He has done. It is not the dead who praise the LORD, for they cannot give praises. They have no breath within them to utter words of worship to God. They are as silent as the things made by human hands. Idols fashioned by people may remotely resemble what God has made, but are crude depictions of true life which only the LORD can bring forth. The dead do not carry within them the strength of God to move and speak. They are empty, and void of the Breath of Life. Those headed for death are also incapable of praising the LORD. While they may know His blessings, they are unwilling to follow Him into life everlasting. But the living must give total praise to God, and cannot keep silent about His faithful love and His sound truth.

The LORD’s Kingdom is filled with living, breathing, souls who have willingly drawn near to Him. They have tasted and seen that their LORD is good, that His mercy endures forever. They have heard and received the old story of God’s faithful love at Calvary and inhaled the sweet fragrance of His joy and peace. They have felt the touch of the Holy Spirit and are being transformed from the inside out for His purpose. The LORD’s people know Him and walk with Him gladly wherever He leads. Because of all that God has done, the universe resounds His praises and will never cease to glorify Him. Praise to God does not cease, but is everlasting. The song of praise to God is as alive and well as His Beloved people. Yes, indeed, the LORD is the God of the living.

Prayer: LORD my God, the heavens and the earth resound Your praises. All of Creation proclaims that You are Sovereign. Thank You for Your breath of life which has sustained me here on earth, and Your Salvation which keeps me Yours forever. You are truly good, LORD. I pray, Father, that You help me to remember Your goodness. Remind me today, LORD, of the great blessing it is to observe You eveyday, and to have eyes, ears, a mouth, hands, and feet that can be used to honor You. Help me to follow You closely LORD, in all aspects of my life. Please show me how to glorify You with all that You have given. I lift this prayer up to You in Jesus’ Name, AMEN.

Bible-in-a-Year Reading Plan (credit: Bible, studytools.com): 1 Thessalonians 4; Isaiah 20-22; Psalm 115