Psalm 134; Nehemiah 12:31-47; Psalms 104, 107, 111 – 118; 135 and 136

 

Israel struggled with remembering the goodness of the LORD. There are many, many psalms recounting the story of Yahweh’s lovingkindness toward them and His divine deliverance of them from their enemies and captors. Remembrance soon gave way to forgetfulness or indifference of the mighty deeds of Elohim Shaddai. Psalm 136 is one such psalm recounting the story of deliverance from Egypt, and it ends with this timeless truth about the nature of God.

 

It is he who remembered us in our low estate, for his steadfast love endures forever; and rescued us from our foes, for his steadfast love endures forever; he who gives food to all flesh, for his steadfast love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of heaven, for his steadfast love endures forever.

Psalm 136:23-26

 

On the far shore of the Red Sea engulfed in the ecstasy of His wondrous works is a time when the memory is fresh and remembrance comes much more easily. As time passes, the memory fades even though the power of God is unfading. Why?

 

Perhaps this is why God desires His children to remember the death and resurrection of Jesus each and every Lord’s Day. I’ve heard so many say that observing the supper so frequently “cheapens “ it or allows us to trivialize it. Folks, if we can cheapen or trivialize the sacrificial, substitutionary death of our Redeemer and allow that precious memory to grow cold in our hearts, then we are just like the Hebrews sent into captivity.

 

Likewise, remembering the wonders of The Almighty only in good times is troubling for the relationship of the redeemed with the Redeemer. The ebb and flow in the covenant relationship between God and His children is always a function of the fickleness of the people, not our God. He is constant and unchanging.

 

Perhaps, this is the beauty of Psalm 111. Coming out of captivity that came at the hands of Yahweh, it is easy for bitterness to sprout from the wrongful blaming of God for the catastrophe. Instead, Psalm 111 praises the unchanging qualities of God and gives a glimpse into the true nature of Yahweh Elohim.

 

Praise the LORD! I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation.

Psalm 111:1

 

Almighty God is praiseworthy, and in His praise His children are unified. Notice, too, that it is the “upright” joined in praise. Those with a healthy perspective on God – in all circumstances – never stop praising Him!

 

Great are the works of the LORD, studied by all who delight in them.

Psalm 111:2

 

The parting of the Red Sea was the mighty work of the same God Who removed His hand from Jerusalem and ushered in the armies of the Chaldeans. The discerning child of the living God delights in His handiwork whether the consequences are reliving or painful to us. This depth of discernment come to those willing to study and meditate upon the work of The Almighty.

 

Full of splendor and majesty is his work, and his righteousness endures forever.

Psalm 111:3

 

The overriding quality in all that God does is righteousness. His works are not evil, nor are they unjust. His consistency is majestic and His constancy is full of splendor.

 

He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered; the LORD is gracious and merciful.

Psalm 111:4

 

We have no excuse when we fail to remember what He has done and Who He truly is. Grace and mercy are the hallmarks of the God of love. A close daily walk with Him allows me to see clearly His nature. How can I help but remember?

 

He provides food for those who fear him; he remembers his covenant forever.

Psalm 111:5

 

Yahweh is a covenant-maker and a covenant-keeper. Daily bread, rain and bountiful harvests are the result of faithfulness among the Hebrews. People who keep covenant with Him do so out of respect for His majesty and a desire to be close to Him.

 

He has shown his people the power of his works, in giving them the inheritance of the nations.

Psalm 111:6

 

His nature as a covenant-keeper is grounded in His nature as a trustworthy keeper of His word. God has always DONE exactly as He promised. Observing this, we can expect Him to always DO as he has promised.

 

The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy;

Psalm 111:7

 

There is power in God’s word, not only for what He has done, but in His expectation for His children. We can trust the guidance he gives in His precepts and we can trust that He will accomplish in us wonderful works when we are faithful to His guidance.

 

they are established forever and ever, to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness.

Psalm 111:8

 

The symbiotic relationship of divine covenant is truly a wonder to behold. God does not expect blind faith, rather He has revealed Himself so completely He rightly demands obedient faith. The divine guidance of God is built upon His trustworthiness and is carried out by those who lovingly desire to please Him in uprightness.

 

He sent redemption to his people; he has commanded his covenant forever. Holy and awesome is his name!

Psalm 111:9

 

Whether the redemption was from famine through Joseph, from captivity through Moses or from sin through Jesus, the remarkable consistency and trustworthiness of Yahweh Elohim is abounding in glory.

 

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!

Psalm 111:10

 

A healthy respect for the person of God opens our mind and our heart to greater understanding of the way of God for our lives. A healthy relationship with Him though His divine guidance of our lives and our willing submission to His will opens our eyes to see Him clearly.

 

Only when we choose to see His true nature can our voices rise in unison with the same, consistent praise – in days of blessing and in days of chastisement.

 

 

Consider His nature.  Consider His ways.  Strive to love Him more!