Psalms 114 - 118

Click HERE to read the passage.

David begins this series of songs reminding the reader of what God did in parting the Red Sea as the Israelites left Egypt on their way to Mount Sinai to worship God and form a new nation. Of all the miracles displaying the greatness of God's power against Egypt, the opening of the Red Sea (to the Jews and to the rest of the world) was the most incredible thing they'd seen and heard.

This is "why" David shamefully blasts the idols and the makers of idols which had become very prominent in his day. What could simple wood and stone do to compare to the might and power of the only God of the universe?  They might have hands, but they don't work. They might have eyes, but can't see. Or ears, but can't hear. There is nothing that compares to our God...no matter the feeble attempts man makes in an attempt to find other powers.

As a result, David reminds the people of Israel, its priests, and all who fear God,

"Trust in the Lord! He is your Helper and your Shield." (115:9,10,11)

David provides some great lessons for us today in the remaining chapters:

1) God is a prayer-hearing God!  Notice what David said in Psalms 116:1,

"I love the Lord because he hears my voice and my prayer for mercy. Because he bends down to listen.."

David tells us of a time where he thought death was his only option. However, after much prayer, God delivers him! As a result, David feels obligated to offer continuous praise to God!

What about YOU?  Has God every heard your prayer and answered?  Don't you think He deserves your continual praise?

2) God blesses those with child-like faith!  Psalms 116:6

"The Lord protects those of childlike faith; I was facing death, and he saved me."

What is child-like faith?  It's the kind of faith your child has/or had when you carried him or her. They never once doubted your strength to carry them. It was simple.

3) The Lord cares deeply when one of His followers dies!  Psalms 116:15

"The Lord cares deeply when his loved ones die."
"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints." (KJV)

When your loved ones die...God deeply cares! You may not understand it. It may be at the worst time. It may have been a tragic death. Either way, God cares deeply. More deeply than you could imagine. He created your loved one. He loves them dearly as one of His creations. Regardless of the circumstance, this is when we need child-like faith and trust in the fact that God does care deeply when our loved ones die!

4) God's mercy endures forever!  It endures through any sin or situation.  Psalms 118:2-3

5) When God is one your side, there's no need to fear man!  Psalms 118:6

This is why David said it's better put your trust in God, rather than any man or leader.

6) Jesus is the Chief Cornerstone of the Church!  Psalms 118:22

Remember how Jesus quoted this verse?  This prophecy was fulfilled while on the cross. He was rejected by the Jews, but has become the foundation for the Christian faith.

7) Since God made this day...rejoice in it!  Psalms 118:24

Every day is a gift from God...right?  If so, rejoice in it!






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