Today’s reading is Psalm 111.
Praise and thanksgiving
The psalm begins, even before the acrostic poem starts with a declaration: Hallelujah! That is, Praise the Lord! Then as the acrostic starts, “I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart” (ESV). The psalm ends with “His praise endures forever!” (ESV).
Between these bookends, which might even be called an inclusio of praise and thanksgiving, the psalmist extols the magnificent works of the Lord. The works by themselves are delightful, majestic, splendid, powerful, faithful and just. However, the psalmist is unsatisfied merely expressing God did works. In addition to that praise, the psalmist wants us to know the Lord’s works are stable and permanent. They are forever and ever.
Forever and Ever
Yesterday, we recognized the integral aspect of the Lord’s works in Psalm 111. Another anchor of this psalm is permanence. Through two repeated synonyms in the Hebrew, we see the psalmist is not only amazed at the works, but at their forever nature.
In vs. 3, the Lord’s righteousness endures forever (BTW: remember this one when we read Psalm 112). In vs. 5, He remembers His covenant forever.” In vs. 9, He commanded His covenant forever. The entire psalm wraps up claiming God’s praise endures forever. And smack in the middle, the psalmist brings the two synonyms together declaring God’s precepts are established forever and ever.
The Lord’s work is not fickle and changing. The Lord is eternal and His plans are eternal. His covenant lasts. His commitment lasts. His promises stand. Certainly, the psalms as a whole do not allow for a Pollyannaish, mental-positivism approach to life. Sometimes it feels like the mountains are collapsing into the sea (Psalm 18:7; Psalm 46:2-3, etc.). Even then, however, the Lord holds us in His hand. Perhaps especially then. He remembers His covenant forever and ever. He will redeem.
No matter what it feels like at times. No matter how the enemy tries to obscure the Lord’s presence and permanence, the Lord isn’t going anywhere. His promises aren’t diminishing. His covenant isn’t fading. Hang on to Him no matter what. He and His works are forever and ever.
Praise the Lord!!!
Tomorrow’s reading is Psalm 111.
PODCAST!!!
PATHS:
Discuss Today’s Meditation with Your Family
How does Psalm 111 prompt or improve your trust in God?
Read the Bible 