Tag Archives: the book of Psalms

August 26
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“Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord, you his servants; 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.” (Psalm 113:1-3, NIV)

Today’s psalm reminds us that there is not a moment, nor a situation, within the day where God’s praise is out of place. 

To “praise,” as we often hear in today’s vernacular, is to give “props” (which is derived from “proper respect”) to someone.  When we praise the Lord, we are rendering the honor, glory, gratitude, respect, authority that He is due. 

In the course of a day, we can — as Oswald Chambers often wrote — be a “practical atheist.” We receive a blessing, but we act as if it is a random occurrence instead of a gift from God. We reflect on our successes, despite obstacles and resistance from others, and we conclude that it is due to our own intelligence, persistence, and creativity. 

Today, as you see the hand of God, give Him praise for His assistance.  As you see the work of God in others, give Him praise for His faithfulness. As you see the grace of God in difficult circumstances, give Him praise for His mercy. 

“Let the name of the Lord be praised, both now and forevermore.” – Luther

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August 25
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“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.” (Psalm 111:10, NIV)

How many times have we have heard (or said) the lament, “I wish I knew then what I know now“?

Knowledge alone will not keep us from foolishness. On the contrary, for many people, a discovery becomes a kind of “dare.” We do a new thing, not because we ought; but because we can.  

Knowledge plus “experience” over time develops wisdom, but there is a short-cut: The abiding fear of the Lord.

Many of us reject the idea that we ought to “fear” God. The problem here isn’t the concept, but our view of the word “fear.” 

I fear God the same way I “fear” electricity: I don’t completely understand electricity, but I do rely on it to light my nights, to power the devices I need to do my daily work, and I depend on it in a hundred other ways. I am quite comfortable having electricity in my life. 

I also know (from admonitions, not from first-hand experience) that no matter how comfortable I may become with electricity, if I stick a knife into a live circuit, I will learn why electricity — because of its nature — ought to be feared, and treated with reverence.

When we have “fear” or “reverence” of the Lord, His word becomes the highest authority in our life. When we allow God to inform our thinking, to guide our actions, and to challenge our planning, we have both the knowledge of today; the wisdom of the ages; and a lot fewer instances of, “I wish I knew then what I know now.” – Luther 

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August 23
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“Let the one who is wise heed these things and ponder the loving deeds of the Lord.” (Psalm 107:43, NIV)

The verses preceding today’s scripture are a recollection of the many gracious deeds of the Lord toward His “redeemed” ones. 

It is worth noting that the list is both personal and corporate; as recent as today and as distant as long ago; both dramatic and mundane. 

We need not personally experience every gracious deed of the Lord God in order to add our “amen.” The testimony of all of the saints of God is also our testimony when we identify with our heavenly Father’s purposes, and affirm in our living our heavenly Father’s will.  

Heeding the wisdom of the Lord, and pondering all of His loving deeds will keep your relationship fresh, and your vision clear.  – Luther

Reminder: Daily Encouragement will be taking its customary Sunday break on tomorrow.  Lord willing, see you again on Monday!

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