Building Better Americans 166
Learning How to Worship God 2
Last time, we covered the first of the five subdivisions (books) of the Book of Psalms, which included Ps. 1 – 41. (See Learning How to Worship God). This was a group of psalms primarily concerned about being in obedience with our Creator, the rewards for doing so, and the punishments for not.
Book two: (Ps. 42 – 72)
This series of psalms concerns itself with the depth of our Heavenly Father’s care for us, how we need it, and how we should respond with gratitude.
O my God, my soul is in despair within me [the burden more than I can bear] … Yet the Lord will command His lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night His song will be with me, a prayer to the God of my life. Ps. 42:6 & 8. AMP
Declare me innocent, O God! Defend me against these ungodly people. Rescue me from these unjust liars. For you are God, my only safe haven…. Send out your light and your truth…Let them lead me to your holy mountain, to the place where you live. There I will go to the altar of God, to God—the source of all my joy. I will praise you with my harp, O God, my God! Ps. 43:1 – 4. NLT
You are my King and my God. You command victories for Israel. Only by your power can we push back our enemies; only in your name can we trample our foes…O God, we give glory to you all day long and constantly praise your name. Ps. 44:4, 5 & 8. NLT
As you can see, Jehovah stands up for His children, defends them from satanic followers, and pours His love all over them – backed by an unassailable strength and power. Out of that, we get a further glimpse into His very nature:
God is our refuge and strength [mighty and impenetrable], a very present and well-proved help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change
and though the mountains be shaken and slip into the heart of the seas, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its roaring. Ps.46:1 – 4. AMP
The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold [our refuge, our high tower]. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy dwelling places of the Most High. Ps. 46:7 AMP
And then God shows us how to repay Him:
“Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.” Ps. 46:10 NLT
Come, everyone! Clap your hands! Shout to God with joyful praise! For the Lord Most High is awesome. He is the great King of all the earth. He subdues the nations before us, putting our enemies beneath our feet. Ps. 47:1 – 3. NLT
Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises! For God is the King over all the earth. Praise him with a psalm. Ps. 47:6, 7. NLT
O God, we meditate on your unfailing love as we worship in your Temple. As your name deserves, O God, you will be praised to the ends of the earth. Your strong right hand is filled with victory. Ps. 48:9, 10. NLT
He is our God forever and ever, and he will guide us until we die. Ps. 48:14 NLT
Let’s looks at more of what God does for His children:
Why should I fear when trouble comes, when enemies surround me? They trust in their wealth and boast of great riches. Yet they cannot redeem themselves from death… Ps. 49:5 – 7. NLT
The grave is their eternal home, where they will stay forever. Ps. 49:11 NLT
But as for me, God will redeem my life. He will snatch me from the power of the grave. Ps. 49:15 NLT
At the end, everyone must stand before the judgment seat. Money cannot move God; and those who counted on buying their way in, will unfortunately enter through ‘door number two’ – an eternity of agony.
What is the right course of action?
Make thankfulness your sacrifice to God, and keep the vows you made to the Most High. Then call on me when you are in trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give me glory.” Ps. 50:14 & 15. NLT
“Repent, all of you who forget me, or I will tear you apart, and no one will help you.
But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me. If you keep to my path, I will reveal to you the salvation of God.” Ps. 50:22, 23. NLT
And that should stir up faith in those who cling to Jehovah:
In God, whose word I praise; in God I have put my trust; I shall not fear. What can mere man do to me? Ps. 56:4 AMP
You have taken account of my wanderings; put my tears in Your bottle. Are they not recorded in Your book? Ps. 56:8 AMP
For You have rescued my soul from death, yes, and my feet from stumbling, so that I may walk before God in the light of life. Ps. 56:13 AMP
I will cry to God Most High, Who accomplishes all things on my behalf [for He completes my purpose in His plan]. Ps. 57:2 AMP
I will praise and give thanks to You, O Lord, among the people; I will sing praises to You among the nations. For Your faithfulness and lovingkindness are great, reaching to the heavens, and Your truth to the clouds. Ps. 57:9, 10. AMP
For God alone my soul waits in silence and quietly submits to Him, for my hope is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation; My fortress and my defense, I will not be shaken or discouraged. Ps. 62:5, 6. AMP
When we are filled with faith, we cannot help but live a joyous and satisfying life:
Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you! I will praise you as long as I live, lifting up my hands to you in prayer. You satisfy me more than the richest feast. I will praise you with songs of joy. Ps. 63:3 – 5. NLT
Because you are my helper, I sing for joy in the shadow of your wings. I cling to you;
your strong right hand holds me securely. Ps. 63:7, 8. NLT
We will fulfill our vows to you, for you answer our prayers. All of us must come to you.
Though we are overwhelmed by our sins, you forgive them all. Ps. 65:2, 3. NLT
O God our savior. You are the hope of everyone on earth…you inspire shouts of joy. Ps. 65:5 & 8. NLT
Come and see what our God has done, what awesome miracles he performs for people! Ps. 66:5 NLT
You have tested us, O God; you have purified us like silver…but you brought us to a place of great abundance. Ps. 66:10 & 12. NLT
His name is the Lord—rejoice in his presence! Father to the fatherless, defender of widows—this is God, whose dwelling is holy. God places the lonely in families; he sets the prisoners free and gives them joy. Ps. 68:4 – 6. NLT
Praise the Lord; praise God our savior! For each day he carries us in his arms. Our God is a God who saves! The Sovereign Lord rescues us from death. Ps. 68:19, 20. NLT
Let all who seek God’s help be encouraged. For the Lord hears the cries of the needy… Ps. 69:33 NLT
God is so good to us. Let’s let Him know that we recognize His love in our lives:
Praise the Lord God, the God of Israel, who alone does such wonderful things. Praise his glorious name forever! Let the whole earth be filled with his glory. Amen and amen! Ps. 72:18, 19. NLT
Goodnight and God bless.
