Psalms 46-50
FIVE SIMPLE PLEASURES:
Having a hair cut- Seeing my student (with severe learning difficulties) enjoy her work experience so much
- The banter at work
- Choosing an 18th birthday present for my daughter
- An encouraging text from a colleague
PSALM 46: GOD OUR REFUGE
Be still, and know that I am God v10
My favourite of all the Psalms. I had to learn this psalm off by heart for a recitation competition in my teens and it has stuck with me ever since. Through the tough times. Whatever storms are raging, we can be still and know that God is God.
PSALM 47: JOY
Clap your hands, all you nations;
shout to God with cries of joy.
For the Lord Most High is awesome,
the great King over all the earth. v1-2
Where is the joy? If we’re feeling it, we’re not that great at expressing it, are we? How excited are we when we sing songs of praise at church? What are our faces and body language saying? God is awesome – how can we make sure we express that?
PSALM 48: MUCH TO PRAISE ABOUT
For this God is our God for ever and ever;
he will be our guide even to the end. v14
We have much to praise God for. Great is the Lord. We reflect on His unfailing love. God is faithful. This is our God.
PSALM 49: WE WILL ALL DIE
But God will redeem me from the realm of the dead;
he will surely take me to himself. v15
Yes, we will all die. That much is for sure. Whatever kind of life we’ve led. But this is God’s promise to us. New life with Him. In His presence for eternity.
PSALM 50: SACRIFICE
The Mighty One, God, the Lord,
speaks and summons the earth
from the rising of the sun to where it sets. v1
God is God. He doesn’t need our sacrifices. It all belongs to Him anyway. He made it all. What He’s interested in is our attitude of heart. The reason why we’re giving, not what we’re giving. He values sincerity and authentic generosity. Humility in our worship.
