Thursday, July 8, 2010

"The Lord Is Good…To Each Generation"


Scripture Passage



Scripture Focus

For the LORD is good.
     His unfailing love continues forever,
     and his faithfulness continues to each generation.
                                     (Psalm 100:5 NLT)

Observation

(Today’s observation is a bit different. Psalm 100 caught my eye, but I’ve chosen to simply outline it for my own meditation.)

Psalm 100 provides three directives and one reason—three actions to take, and one reason to do so.

Verses 1 and 2 challenge us to worship passionately the Lord of All…

Shout with joy to the LORD, all the earth!
     Worship the LORD with gladness.
     Come before him, singing with joy.
                         (Psalm 100:1-2 NLT)

Verse 3 challenges us to acknowledge freely the Maker of All…

Acknowledge that the LORD is God!
     He made us, and we are his.
     We are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
                           (Psalm 100:3 NLT)

Verse 4 challenges us to celebrate thankfully the Redeemer of All…

Enter his gates with thanksgiving;
     go into his courts with praise.
     Give thanks to him and praise his name.
                           (Psalm 100:4 NLT)

("The Redeemer of All" you say? Where do you see that? I deduce it from the place where praise was to be offered—“His courts”. “His courts” were the grounds surrounding the Temple—the place where sacrifices were offered.)

Verse 5 provides the reason for it all:

For the LORD is good.
     His unfailing love continues forever,
     and his faithfulness continues to each generation.
                            (Psalm 100:5 NLT)

In uncertain times, one thing is certain. Every new generation has the opportunity to discover what previous generations found true: The Lord is good! He always has been, and always will be, and therefore is forever worthy of passionate worship, generous acknowledgement, and thankful celebration. I think I’ll give that a shot today!

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2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Praise expresses our love and devotion. It brings glory and honor to God and also does something deep within us. It is good to give thanks and praise in all circumstances.

Anonymous said...

Agree with you, Val. It is amazing how praise and thanking our lord God Jehovah (thanks for the passage yesterday Pastor) can bless us and Him, especially in the worst circumstances. I want that deep appreciation for the love that He has for me and I have for him to manifest in those times too. It is in those hard times that I can truly exercise my faith and see the hand of God and what he is doing for me in the midst of my storms. Sometimes I've no other option but to break down and love on the Lord. What else should I do?I've often mistaken this reaction to my life's storms by acting 'perfect' or putting on a fake smile or facade...not so, it's what's going on in my inner man that's important.