Let Heaven And Earth Praise The Lord!
BRD REFLECTIONS:
John 18 and Psalm 69:19-36 (NIV)
(Grace Tham, BRD Core Team)
READ:
Psalm 69:19-36 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
David wrote this psalm as his life was being threatened, so it is not surprising that the psalm contains lamentations and desperate cries to God for help. What struck me was the authentic way in which David did so – he laid the facts squarely before God about how he was “scorned, disgraced and shamed” (v19) and how he was “afflicted and in pain” (v29). Yet, instead of plotting to fight back and take matters in his own hands, David sought God’s help to deal with the enemies (v22-28).
The psalm then ends with David’s commitment to praising God (v30) and an exhortation for all heaven and earth to do the same (v34), as well as his declaration that God would save Zion and rebuild Judah’s cities (v35).
APPLY:
What I have learnt from David is, firstly, that I can be real with God in pouring out my woes to Him; I don’t need to put up a front. God knows everything and He knows exactly what I think, feel and need. Yet sometimes I don’t dare to be real with God for fear that He would be angry with me for lamenting.
I’ve also gained a deeper insight about praise from the way David did so – he called upon heaven and earth to praise God. To me, this is the most crucial part of the psalm as it accords Almighty God the honour that He alone deserves. That’s why David had every confidence in the all-powerful God to deal with his enemies. I am reminded to have a broader perspective when praising God – the One who made the universe and who sustains it is the same God who is with me in all my trials and will help me through them. I only need to surrender my challenges, and praise and glorify Him in thanksgiving (v30). Truly, God deserves His creation’s praise!
DO:
I will:
- be real with God in my struggles and give thanks even when things don’t go my way.
- start my prayers by praising God and giving Him all the glory He deserves.
PRAY:
Almighty God, let all heaven and earth praise You because You alone deserve the highest praise. May my life always reflect praise and thanksgiving to You!
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
