August 25: Psalm 33
1 Samuel 17; Romans 15; Lamentations 2; Psalm 33
This Psalm has enough lush truth to hold our attention for years. I can only observe a few:
When God’s people gather, He is worthy to receive praise that is sung with raucous joy (1), excellence in musicianship (2), and creativity in the content and arrangements. Do these come together on Sunday in your church? This is because He is full of everything we desire: uprightness, faithfulness, righteousness, justice, and steadfast love (4-5). This is amazing, because it’s with these qualities that He wields unspeakable power (6-9).
Consider v. 6-9 for a moment, especially in light of 2 Timothy 3:16-17:
2 Timothy 3:16–17 (ESV): 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
The same power that spoke into existence the physical universe God employed to “breathe” into existence the Word of God. The Bible you hold in your hand is no less a miracle than the Rocky Mountains or the stars. And He employs that awesome power in steadfast love.
Thus the Psalmist ends by resting in the eye of God, which rests on him, not for wrath, but for good (18-19). We thus glorify Him by waiting on Him, relying upon Him, and being glad in Him, for His name - all His character traits - is so, so good, to us (20-21). And thus the Psalmist can only pray what He knows God already does - to continue His steadfast love, upon His people (22).