One interesting note about this Psalm is it’s an acrostic poem – meaning, each line starts with a consecutive letter of the Hebrew alphabet (but it doesn’t translate that way into English, unfortunately).
“Praise the Lord! I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation. Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them. Full of splendor and majesty is his work, and his righteousness endures forever. He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered; the Lord is gracious and merciful. He provides food for those who fear him; he remembers his covenant forever. He has shown his people the power of his works, in giving them the inheritance of the nations. The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy; they are established forever and ever, to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness. He sent redemption to his people; he has commanded his covenant forever. Holy and awesome is his name! The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!” (v1-10)
This Psalm pretty much covers the bases when describing the character and power of God – great are His works, full of splendor and majesty, righteous, everlasting, gracious, merciful, provider, generous Father, faithful, just, trustworthy, redeemer, promise keeper, holy, and awesome. That’s a pretty good list.
The author also covers his bases by stating his posture toward God – praises God, gives thanks with his whole heart, worships corporately, remembers God’s works, gladly receives the gifts of God, honors and respects (fears) God, practices knowing God in order to have fuller understanding and greater wisdom.
What does this mean for us today? I suggest praying something like this Psalm every day – it’s ten verses and would only take a few minutes to read it out loud before God. Over time, the more we repeat words like these, the more true they become, and the more honor and respect we will have for God.
In my experience, the more I focus on God, the less worry, frustration, and fear will affect me. By anchoring myself in truths like these, I’m far less likely to drift into the weeds of distractions and fear – two things which this world has in abundance.
Let’s start this day off right, clinging to the truth of who God is and what He has done for us. Then let’s do the same thing tomorrow, and the day after. Even though our boats still rock in the waves, they will not drift and will not sink because God is our firm anchor point, and Jesus is in the boat with us, helping calm us during storms of life.
Father God, all praise be to You. We give thanks to You with our entire being. Great, majestic and full of splendor is Your work, for Your righteousness is everlasting. Thank you for being gracious and merciful, remembering Your covenant forever. Thank you for all You provide, including our daily food and our eternal inheritance. You are faithful, just and trustworthy – You have our honor and respect. We praise Your holy and awesome name forever and ever. Amen.
~ Conqueror in Training