Thursday August 19, 2021

Today’s Reading: Psalm 108

My heart is confident, God; I will sing; I will sing praises with the whole of my being.

Psalm 108:1

Reflection: King David’s psalm is not a new song, but it is one of heartfelt praise to God which never loses its freshness and vibrancy. His heart is confident in the LORD. Therefore, he is prompted to sing and give praise with his whole self. Aside from a voice which boldly declares the LORD’s faithfulness, imagine eyes that look up longingly to the heavens to see Him. Imagine hands that clap for joy and feet that dance with joy. Imagine a heart which yearns for God and a mind consumed with thoughts of Him. Imagine a soul that has clung to Him, which refuses all that might pull him away from his LORD. The whole being which longs to serve God must first turn its complete attention to the God Himself.

In praising the LORD for all that He has done, we remember that we ourselves are but servants to a masterful and marvelous King. “I will triumph,” God says, and surely His work does not need anything added to it. The LORD alone is the One Who tramples foes and goes before His people in battle. He does not need for us to act on His behalf, although He allows us to do so. As we serve our God, our nearness to Him first ensures that we are doing all that He desires. Our nearness to Him first ensures that He is pleased.

Which parts of ourselves could we still give over to the LORD in praise for all that He has done? Are they the actions and deeds of our bodies that could bear witness to His glory? Are they the inner workings of our hearts and minds that could be transformed by Him? In seeking to praise God, let us do so with our whole selves.

Prayer: Almighty God, to You be all power and glory. I give You praise because of all that You have done for me. You have brought eternal victory, LORD, and I am saved because of Your great faithfulness and love. Please, LORD, teach me how to give You praise with my whole being. Help me to trust in all the work that You have done. Help me to remain focused on giving You glory. All these things I pray in the Name of Jesus Christ my Lord, AMEN.

Bible-in-a-Year Reading Plan (credit: Bible, studytools.com): Revelation 17; Isaiah 1-2; Psalm 108