Learning How to Worship God 3

In our last study, we examined the second of the five books within the Book of Psalms, that included Ps. 42 – 72, which focus on how much God loves us and how we should respond in kind. (See Learning How to Worship God 2)

Book three: (Psalms 73 – 89)

            This group deals with how we must react to the holiness of Jehovah in our worship of Him.

We thank you, O God! We give thanks because you are near. People everywhere tell of your wonderful deeds. God says, “At the time I have planned, I will bring justice against the wicked. When the earth quakes and its people live in turmoil, I am the one who keeps its foundations firm.

“I warned the proud, ‘Stop your boasting!’ I told the wicked, ‘Don’t raise your fists! Don’t raise your fists in defiance at the heavens or speak with such arrogance.’” For no one on earth—from east or west, or even from the wilderness— should raise a defiant fist.

It is God alone who judges; he decides who will rise and who will fall. For the Lord holds a cup in his hand that is full of foaming wine mixed with spices. He pours out the wine in judgment, and all the wicked must drink it, draining it to the dregs.

But as for me, I will always proclaim what God has done; I will sing praises to the God of Jacob. For God says, “I will break the strength of the wicked, but I will increase the power of the godly.” Ps. 75 NLT

            God is a holy God. And thus, must be approached in kind. We have no excuse to act unholy, as He has already made clear how we must not breach that holiness.[1] Now, we have just seen a piece of His immense seriousness with which He handles those who act in defiance.

                  In addition, we also understand that Jehovah exalts those who do their best to emulate Him.

            God also stands majestically powerful against all who oppose Him or His children:

The stouthearted have been stripped of their spoil, they have slept the sleep [of death]; and none of the warriors could use his hands. At Your rebuke, O God of Jacob, both rider and horse were cast into a dead sleep [of death].

You, even You, are to be feared [with the submissive wonder of reverence]; who may stand in Your presence when once You are angry? You caused judgment to be heard from heaven; the earth feared and was quiet.

When God arose to [establish] judgment, to save all the humble of the earth. Ps. 76:5 – 9. AMP

            Sometimes it may seem that God’s hand in your life has been scarce. But Jehovah is always there; and He chronicles some of the ways that He intervenes so that you may bolster your faith:

…I recall all you have done, O Lord; I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago. They are constantly in my thoughts. I cannot stop thinking about your mighty works. O God, your ways are holy. Is there any god as mighty as you? You are the God of great wonders!

You demonstrate your awesome power among the nations. By your strong arm, you redeemed your people…  Ps. 77:11 – 15. NLT

            And to help others learn how to fall into the cradling arms of Jehovah, we’ve got to tell them what a great God He is to His children:

…we will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the Lord, about his power and his mighty wonders. For he issued his laws to Jacob; he gave his instructions to Israel. He commanded our ancestors to teach them to their children, so the next generation might know them— even the children not yet born— and they in turn will teach their own children. So each generation should set its hope anew on God, not forgetting his glorious miracles and obeying his commands. Ps. 78:4 – 7. NLT

            As with anything concerning our Creator, should you wish to receive His abundances, you must be sincere in your faith. The road for posers, is an endless trail to suffering:

Those who hate the Lord would pretend obedience to Him and cringe before Him, and their time of punishment would be forever. Ps. 81:15 AMP

            If you’re for real, God will cover you in a multitude of ways:

How lovely are Your dwelling places, O Lord of hosts! My soul (my life, my inner self) longs for and greatly desires the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh sing for joy to the living God. Ps. 84:1, 2. AMP

How lovely are Your dwelling places, O Lord of hosts! My soul (my life, my inner self) longs for and greatly desires the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh sing for joy to the living God. Ps. 84:4 AMP

A single day in your courts is better than a thousand anywhere else! I would rather be a gatekeeper in the house of my God than live the good life in the homes of the wicked.

For the Lord God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. The Lord will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right. O Lord of Heaven’s Armies,
what joy for those who trust in you. Ps. 84:10 – 12. NLT

            But what happens if we mess up? (sin) Is God no longer available?

O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help…I will call to you whenever I’m in trouble, and you will answer me. Ps. 86:5 & 7. NLT

For you are great and perform wonderful deeds. You alone are God. Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may live according to your truth! Grant me purity of heart, so that I may honor you.

With all my heart I will praise you, O Lord my God. I will give glory to your name forever, for your love for me is very great. You have rescued me from the depths of death. Ps. 86:10 – 13. NLT

…you, O Lord, are a God of compassion and mercy, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness. Ps. 86:15 NLT

            Let’s conclude this study by revisiting the true majesty of Jehovah God, who stands by you and for you:

Your unfailing love will last forever. Your faithfulness is as enduring as the heavens. Ps. 89:2 NLT

You rule the oceans. You subdue their storm-tossed waves. You crushed the great sea monster.

You scattered your enemies with your mighty arm. The heavens are yours, and the earth is yours; everything in the world is yours—you created it all. Ps. 89:9 – 11. NLT

Powerful is your arm! Strong is your hand! Your right hand is lifted high in glorious strength. Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne. Unfailing love and truth walk before you as attendants.

Happy are those who hear the joyful call to worship, for they will walk in the light of your presence, Lord. Ps.89:13 – 15. NLT

It pleases you to make us strong. Yes, our protection comes from the Lord… Ps. 89:17, 18. NLT

Stay tuned!

Goodnight and God Bless.

A sincere apology to my readers for my recent erratic posting of content:

            A handful of my readers know that God has delivered me from 3 cancers over the last 8 years. On June 1, 2023, I was declared cancer-free!

                  Some of you may know I moved from California to Alabama in March of this year – no sorrow there!

                  Shortly thereafter, another cancer reared its ugly heat in the colon, near the site of my last cancer surgery. Because the surgery requires operating on a ‘previously operated’ site, it is a challenge to most surgeons, who refuse to do it. In answered prayer, Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville (one of the best hospitals in the nation) will take me on. I have a consult with the hospital this Thursday. Hoping to have the surgery in early September. Please remember me in prayer.  What I’m saying, is that with doctors, tests, and the ailment itself has eaten up a lot of my free time. Hopefully, I will be back on track within a month. My sincere apologies…

[1] Lv. 19:2