WordLive - Year OneSample

Prepare: While Psalm 33 is Hebrew scripture and addressed to the God of Israel, try reading it as if everything were actually addressed to Jesus, the second Person of the Trinity.

Celebrating God
This psalm celebrates God himself – what he is like and what he has done; his provision and protection of those who belong to him; and finally his relationship to the whole of creation.

First, God himself: the psalmist rehearses many of the crucial characteristics of God. He is faithful, right and true (v 4). He loves justice and is full of love (v 5). His plans succeed (v 11).

Trusting in God
Next, see how the psalmist looks to God for help (vs 16–19). The standard forces of protection are very fallible and frequently don’t stand up when put to the test. Many riders in past centuries had horses shot from beneath them! In contrast the psalmist puts his trust in God for protection and provision (vs 20–22).

Creator God
Finally, note how God’s act of creation is such an inspiration for the writer (vs 6,7). Not only did God create all things, he sustains his creation and keeps watch over all nations, especially his chosen people (vs 8–15). He is all-knowing and all-powerful.

These characteristics are also to be found in Jesus – keep them in mind as we look at Mark’s Gospel in the coming week.

Respond: Turn now to prayer and worship. Take one of the three categories mentioned above and turn what you have observed into expressions of praise and thanksgiving to God.

http://www.wordlive.org/Session/Classic/2012-09-09