Worship: A Study in PsalmsSample

What does it say?

The man-made idols of the nations were lifeless, but the God of Heaven was Israel’s help and shield. The psalmist praised God’s grace, righteousness, and compassion.

What does it mean?

Israel traditionally sang these psalms at Passover. These passages reminded God’s people that they were different from the surrounding nations because their God was the Creator of Heaven and Earth. All glory belongs to Him now and forever. His love and faithfulness should have motivated them to trust and obey Him completely. Jesus sang Psalm116 along with His disciples at His Last Supper, knowing that the time of His death was near. He lifted up “the cup of salvation,” and a short time later, He graciously and compassionately completed the work God had given Him to do by His willingness to die for the sins of the world on the Cross.

How should I respond?

In current society, there appears to be an all-out effort to remove any traces of God – as revealed in Scripture – from the government, schools, and justice system. You can’t change the world, but God can change you. Believers should be different because our God is Creator, Savior, Lord, and will one day reign on the earth as King. Because of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection, you can be free from the fear of death. In what ways have you responded to Him in trust and obedience? How can you show gratitude for His grace, righteousness, and compassion today?