The Lord is our Strength and Shelter
Psalm 59:16 “But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.”
This psalmist sings of his reliance on God and his strength. As fallible humans, we may crumble in the face of times of trouble. When this happens, remember to turn to our Lord God for strength and shelter.
His strength is immeasurable, his love everlasting. He will be our refuge and will give us the strength we need to push through times of weakness.
Devotion to God
“I love the Lord, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live.” Psalms 116:1-2 NIV.
The psalmist begins his song with a declaration of love, simply announcing to all who listen that he loves the Lord, as should be our attitude in our lives, boldly proclaiming our love for Him. The next 2 verses describe what God has done for us to deserve this devotion.
“He heard my cry” and “He turned his ear to me”. Our loving Father in heaven listens to our prayers, thanksgiving and lamentations. Our Love is shown in return when we turn to him at all times in our lives be it highs or lows, and we are to call on him for as long as we live.
Marvel at the Lord’s doing
“This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.” Psalms 118:23, ESV.
We affirmed the words of the psalmist as those who are redeemed by the Lord and whose life and future is built upon the cornerstone. We rejoice in God’s marvelous work, despite the rejection of the builders.
Who are those who rejected him? Religious leaders, Roman leaders, Jewish multitudes. In a modern context, he is still rejected by various human authorities. As those who follow Christ, we are to marvel and rejoice despite this, because God’s work is good, and indeed his love endures forever. Psalm 118:29, “Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!”
Shalom.
Gratitude for his blessings
Similar to Psalm 107 last week, Psalm 102:2 is one of gratitude towards God, for everything that we have through Him.
Psalm 102:3-5 details our blessings
“Who forgives all your iniquity,
who heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit,
who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
who satisfies you with good
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”
The ultimate blessing is God’s love to His people, and this Psalm serves as a reminder for us to sing praise wholeheartedly to Him for all of our days.
Praise does not exclusively mean singing songs of worship. We can praise God by passing on His blessings to those around us too. Recent news has reminded us all about the fallen nature of man and the ever-present need for forgiveness and redemption. Do recall this verse when you or those around you feel angry or disappointed, and be reminded that God’s love is truly worthy of our praise.
Give Thanks
Today’s verse is a simple instruction: Give thanks to God. Contextually, the Israelites have been brought together after decades in exile and suffering. Psalm 107 recounted much of what they went through, including being lost in a desert, dwelling in darkness, illness and being caught in a storm. Whether these descriptions are literal or illustrations of their suffering, the end result is the same; God loves them and has redeemed them.
The verse and psalm by extension is a reminder for us to continually give thanks to God, to remember His love for us. Not just thanks for what He has done for us previously, but continual, ever-present gratitude, mimicking His everlasting love for us.
“Forever, God is faithful
Forever, God is strong
Forever, God is with us”
Chris Tomlin – “Forever”
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