Psalms 135 - 139

Click HERE to read the passage.

David, or whoever has written this particular Psalm, continues in praise to the Lord as he compares God's greatness to those of idols.  In this chapter, he reminds the reader of all the great and wonderful things God has done for the nation of Israel in terms of defeating other nations. Then, he compares it to the gods of other nations. Listen to how he mocks them:

"The idols of the nations are merely things of silver and gold, shaped by human hands. They have mouths but cannot speak, and eyes but cannot see. They have ears but cannot hear, and mouths but cannot breathe. And those who make idols are just like them, as are all who trust in them." 

He not only mocks these so-called gods as being ridiculous, but mocks those who make them as well. How blind they are!

This reminds me of a great story in Acts 19 of how Paul's preaching led many to Christ. In fact, the Bible says in Acts 19:19 -"A number of them who had been practicing sorcery brought their incantation books and burned them at a public bonfire. The value of the books was several million dollars."

These people in Ephesus saw first hand how the power of God was real. As such, they got rid of their idols. So many of these idol worshippers were converted to Christianity that it caused a huge financial loss to the craftsmen who made them. In turn, these enraged craftsmen called a meeting in the town's theater hall. Thousands of people showed up to hear their charges against Paul and his missionary companions. As they chanted "Great is Diana of the Ephesians" for 2 long hours, the leading authorities were worried a riot would soon break out that they rushed into the theater to dismiss the crowd. After that event, Paul departed for another city. Nevertheless, God did a mightly work in Ephesus and started a great gathering of new believers in Jesus Christ!

As we look at Psalms 136, we can see the one thing the song writer would like to get across - God's faithful love (or mercy) endures forever!  Aren't you glad it does?

Psalms 137 seems strange as you read it as though it's of a different time period...and it is. We don't know who the writer is, but it's someone who was captured many years later after King David had died and was taken as an exile into Babylon. He writes a song as a tribute to the city of Jerusalem and all that God has done there. 

As we move through chapter 138 and into chapter 139, we find one of the greatest Psalms of all. It tells us so much about God. Listen to what the writer says about God:

- He knows what's in our heart - which means He knows our motives!
- He sees ALL that we do - there isn't anything God hasn't seen you do!
- He knows our thoughts!  Wow! Think about that for a moment. 
- There's nothing that can hide you from God's view - not even darkness!

Even while we were being made in the womb, God was watching!  This statement is the reality that you're NOT an accident. You are purposefully made just as God wanted you to be!

My grandson is autistic and will never be able to live on his own. However, God in His infinite wisdom chose to allow him to be born this way. And, he's is such a blessing to all of us. Is it tough on his parents the things they have to do to work with him and help him along? Yes, of course. But God would have never entrusted my daughter and her husband with the task unless He was going to give them the strength to endure it and an underlying purpose for allowing him to be autistic. They love him so deeply, and he's such a blessing to us all!

As the chapter closes, I love how the writer urges God to search his heart, to see if there is any wicked thing in it, and to reveal it to him. I find that amazing!  Can you do the same?

Are you willing to ask God right now - "Look into  my heart God. If you see anything that isn't right, any unforgiveness, any sin, any bad thoughts or wrong motives, show them to me. Then, let me repent. Help me to get rid of everything in my life that offends you. Let me live for you under the control of your Holy Spirit and be a pleasure to you in every way." ?