Psalm 147: Look to the Birds

Today’s reading is Psalm 147.

Consider the Ravens

In Psalm 147:7, the Psalmist kicks off a second stanza of praise by inviting the reader to “sing to the LORD with thanksgiving” (ESV). He claims God is worthy of praise because of the order of creation. Not just the power of creation itself, but how the creation order provides for the creatures within it.

He covers the heavens with clouds;
he prepares rain for the earth;
he makes grass grow on the hills.
He gives to the beasts their food,
and to the young ravens that cry.
–Psalm 147:8-9(ESV)

God brought this point to mind when challenging Job to consider his own weakness and God’s might.

Can you hunt the prey for the lion,
or satisfy the appetite of the young lions,
when they crouch in their dens
or lie in wait in their thicket?
Who provides for the raven its prey,
when its young ones cry to God for help,
and wander about for lack of food?
–Job 38:39-41 (ESV)

But even more than that, Jesus calls this imagery to mind in Luke 12:22-31.

And he said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! (ESV)

When we read the psalm, we should have the same mindset Paul did in 1 Corinthians 9:9. He quotes the Law, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain” (Deuteronomy 25:4). Then he asks, “Is it for oxen that God is concerned? Does he not certainly speak for our sake?” (ESV). Of course He is more concerned about us. The same is true about the beasts and their food and the ravens that cry. Is it for beasts and birds that God is concerned? Is the psalm not written for our sake? Of course it is.

And so we recall God’s promise. “Seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you” (Luke 12:31, ESV). God cares. God provides. He knows what we need before we ask Him. He wants to bless us. Let’s trust Him to. Let’s seek His kingdom and His righteousness and let Him provide for us as we do.

Praise the Lord!

Tomorrow’s reading is Psalm 147.

PODCAST!!!

Click here to take about 15 minutes to listen to the Text Talk conversation between Andrew Roberts and Edwin Crozier.

PATHS:
Discuss Today’s Meditation with Your Family

How does Psalm 147 prompt or improve your trust in God?

Psalm 57: Lying Among Lions

Today’s reading is Psalm 57.

Daniel could have written this psalm. He knew life among lions, both figuratively and literally. Though David did not get tossed into a lions’ den, lions roamed the Judean wilderness. When David explained his willingness to face Goliath to Saul in 1 Samuel 17:34-36, he recalled lion attacks on his flocks. His flight to and refuge in Adullam reminded him of those attacks.

These lions, fiery beasts, or children of men had teeth as spears and arrows and tongues as sharp as swords. David used that imagery several times in this series of Miktams. In Psalm 55:21, his companion had speech as smooth as butter, but actually his words “were drawn swords.” In Psalm 59:7, the “dogs” prowl about the city “bellowing with their mouths with swords in their lips.” The words and slander of David’s enemies did as much damage to him as their weapons.

What a glorious picture. David lies down among lions and fiery beasts. This picture presents David ending his day in danger, going to bed with Damocles’ sword hanging by even less than a thread above his head. However, notice vs. 8-9. Despite the night’s treacherous threats, David will awake the dawn with thanksgiving and praise to God. Rather than the dawning sunlight waking David, David will cause the sun to rise with his thanksgiving and praise. God carried David through the dangerous night.

Though written centuries before, this does sound like Daniel. When Darius rose early the morning after tossing Daniel into the lions’ den, he found Daniel alive and well. He awoke the dawn, if you will. Darius cast down Daniel’s accusers into the pit and trap they had set for Daniel. Then he wrote a letter of praise “to all the peoples, nations, and languages that dwell in all the earth” (Daniel 6:25), just as David will give thanks among the peoples and sing praises among the nations.

God’s love extends above the heavens, His faithfulness beyond the clouds. His love and faithfulness can be seen by all. Therefore, David will praise God in the presence of all.

Have you ever had to lie among lions? Trust God. He will wake you in the morning to bring Him praise and glory.

Praise the Lord!

Tomorrow’s reading is Psalm 57.

PODCAST!!!

Click here to take about 15 minutes to listen to the Text Talk conversation between Andrew Roberts and Edwin Crozier sparked by this post.

PATHS:
Discuss Today’s Meditation with Your Family

How does Psalm 57 admonish you?