Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Psalms 113:1-9
Ps 113:1-9
Praise the LORD. Praise, O servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD. Let the name of the LORD be praised, both now and forevermore. From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the LORD is to be praised. The LORD is exalted over all the nations, his glory above the heavens. Who is like the LORD our God, the one who sits enthroned on high, who stoops down to look on the heavens and the earth? He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; he seats them with princes, with the princes of their people. He settles the barren woman in her home as a happy mother of children. Praise the LORD.
Eph 3:20-21
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
I like happy Psalms. I like happy songs, happy people, happy books, and most anything else that is happy. Happy things make me happy. Even in times of trials or sorrow, there is a place for happiness. But this is not a surprise because Jesus said that we are what we think. God wants us to be happy, so Paul said we are to think about things that are good, wholesome, lovely and of good report.
Nothing makes us any happier than when we praise the Lord. When we think about his goodness, when we dwell on his love, when we let his grace fill our minds, when we sing about his plans for us in eternity, we are filled with joy and his peace overwhelms us. All of these are a part of praising him and all of these are a part of rejoicing in the Lord. We serve a risen Savior who loves us!
Jesus lived on earth for us and then he was killed because of our transgressions. He gave up his life willingly because he wanted to do the will of the Father, but also because he loves us dearly and wants us to live with him in eternity. Of all the blessings in Christ, none is greater than the promise of living forever and being in the glorious presence of God on his throne and being with Jesus our Lord. This is possible because he has risen and because he lives forever. Jesus is Lord!
O Lord God, Mighty Creator, and source of all good things, I come to you with a humble heart but with the assurance that in Jesus Christ you will hear my prayer and will answer my requests. I thank you for your love and for your grace. Thank you for the many Christian friends you have put in my life and for the joy they have given to me over the years. I praise you for my physical family and also for my spiritual family in Jesus. Use me to encourage those who are hurting or who are struggling in any way. Fill me with love. I pray in the name of Jesus.
Robert
