READ | SERMON NOTES
Summary l Psalm 111 is an acrostic Hebrew poem written for easily memorisation, with 22 lines corresponding to the Hebrew alphabet. It is a song of praise focusing on the covenant-keeping God and His works.
1. Praise the Lord Despite Circumstances
Psalm 111, a Hallelujah Psalm, calls us to worship, emphasising that praise is a decision that that God is worthy, regardless of our circumstances. Worship centres on God, not on personal feelings or situations. It invites us to participate in heavenly worship, recognising God’s presence and activity among us.
Personal worship within a community encourages others, creating a heartfelt acknowledgment of God’s greatness. True worship inspires others to worship as well, becoming a testament to God’s work and His presence. It acknowledges God’s greatness beyond our understanding.
Verse 2 emphasises that the appropriate response to God’s greatness is to study His works. In Hebrew, “study” implies a passionate pursuit, an active relationship with God, involving seeking out what God has done and is doing. Reflect on the depth of God’s sovereign work.
AW Tozer’s book, “Pursuit of God”, reminds us that life is an active pursuit of God. Modern science and Christians alike are in danger of losing sight of God amidst His wonders. A full relationship with God requires ongoing, loving engagement. Are we renewing our relationship with God in our minds and hearts? We worship a living, eternal God who reveals Himself through His word, works, and Spirit. His eternal qualities and limitless love and compassion are immeasurable.
Praise happens when we come together despite our circumstances to passionately pursue and worship Him. This pursuit changes our relationship with God, including the study of His works.
2. Praise the Lord for His Covental Works
Psalm 111 invites us to seek and praise the Lord for His covenant works. While “work” and “worship” might seem separate, Christian worship extends beyond church gatherings into our daily lives, including our family and work.
In Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman (John 4:23-24), He emphasised worship’s focus on heart and mind: “God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” True worship involves engaging both our minds and hearts, centring on God and His works of salvation, healing, and restoration.
Psalm 111 teaches us to praise God in all circumstances, highlighting His covenantal works and making them known through our worship. The Psalmist reflects on God’s historical actions, such as the deliverance during Passover, reminding us of His covenant with His people.
God’s great works are celebrated through generations, showing His justice, righteousness, eternal qualities, and commitment to us. Psalm 111 exalts God as a provider, promise keeper, and redeemer, focusing on His covenant and redeeming work through Jesus Christ.
3. Praise the Lord with a Reverent Heart of Worship
a. Call to Obedience (vs 7 & 8) God’s covenant and precepts endure forever, upheld in truth and righteousness. Knowing God comes through His inspired word. Walk in obedience in all areas of life, making the Lord known as provider, promise keeper, and redeemer.
b. Reverence and Wisdom (vs 10) The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, a deep reverence for God and recognition of His majesty. True worship enthrones Him in our lives. Reverence means willing submission, acknowledging God as the ultimate authority. This alignment brings clarity, purpose, and true wisdom.
This prayer invites us to center ourselves and draws us closer to His presence:
“Disturb us, Lord, when we are too pleased with ourselves, when our dreams have come true because we dreamed too little, when we arrived safely because we sailed too close to the shore. Disturb us, Lord, when, with the abundance of things we possess, we have lost our thirst for the waters of life; having fallen in love with life, we have ceased to dream of eternity. Disturb us, Lord, to dare more boldly, to venture on wider seas where storms will show Your mastery: where, losing sight of land, we shall find the stars. Push back the horizons of our hopes; push us into the future with strength, courage, hope, and love. – Rev. Addison H. Groff”
The Psalmist invites us to view work as an integral part of worship. By recognising God’s greatness, His active involvement in our lives, and His eternal covenant, we are called to worship Him daily, regardless of our circumstances. Let us renew our hearts and minds, carrying this truth into the week ahead, and praise the Lord for His covenant work. Remember, the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Strive to follow His precepts in all we do, giving Him our highest praise, not just in song, but with a reverent heart of worship.
(Sermon notes by Alex Choe)
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
Let’s recall, reflect, consider, and commit!
- Recall a time when you felt God’s presence in your workplace. How did it impact your work and interactions with colleagues?
- Reflect on how you can better integrate your faith with your daily work tasks. What changes might you need to make?
- Consider the ways you can exemplify godly character in your workplace. Are there specific situations where you struggle with this?
- Commit to one action this week that will demonstrate excellence and integrity in your work as a testimony to your faith in Christ.
