From Love God Greatly’s, The Greatest Gift Given
Read: Psalm 147; SOAP: Psalm 147:1
When we feel like the pressure of the holidays is too much, take some time to think on things that are good and worthy of praise.
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Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you!
During a time David spent in the wilderness he wrote that God’s love is unfailing and better than life! With those two declarations He was moved to praise Him.
I remember the first time I read this verse, or actually heard it read during a Sunday night service – shortly after I had lost a baby and nearly my life through a ruptured tubal pregnancy. The words were like a soothing balm then and continue to be a calming source of comfort and joy every time I read or hear them.
I hope they are a blessing to you as well – as you picture His love flowing deep and wide all around you – whether life is filled with joys or full of heartache and despair – God’s love never fails and it truly is better than life itself! You’ll find the whole passage below to give you a fuller picture of David’s thoughts (and mine that first time I heard them) –
O God, You are my God; I earnestly search for You. My soul thirsts for You; my whole body longs for You in this parched and weary land where there is no water. I have seen You in Your sanctuary and gazed upon Your power and glory. Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you! I will praise You as long as I live, lifting up my hands to You in prayer. You satisfy me more than the richest feast. I will praise You with songs of joy. I lie awake thinking of You, meditating on You through the night. Because You are my helper, I sing for joy in the shadow of Your wings. I cling to You; Your strong right hand holds me securely.
Psalm 63:1-8 (NLT)
Whether I am in a “wilderness experience” or rejoicing on a mountain-top I have learned – it is good to stop and remember the height and depth, and length and width of God’s love and give Him praise!
Me from the Insideout –
Question of the Day: In verse 3 the Psalmist says that God gave Him a reason to sing a new song – a song of praise. Has God given you a reason to praise Him?
Today’s Scripture: Psalm 40:1-10 (S.O.A.P. Psalm 40:1-2)
I relied completely[b] on the Lord,
and he turned toward me
and heard my cry for help.
2 He lifted me out of the watery pit,[c]
out of the slimy mud.[d]
He placed my feet on a rock
and gave me secure footing.[e]
3 He gave me reason to sing a new song,[f]
praising our God.[g]
May many see what God has done,
so that they might swear allegiance to him and trust in the Lord.[h]
4 How blessed[i] is the one[j] who trusts in the Lord[k]
and does not seek help from[l] the proud or from liars.[m]
5 O Lord, my God, you have accomplished many things;
you have done amazing things and carried out your purposes for us.[n]
No one can thwart you.[o]
I want to declare your deeds and talk about them,
but they are too numerous to recount.[p]
6 Receiving sacrifices and offerings are not your primary concern.[q]
You make that quite clear to me.[r]
You do not ask for burnt sacrifices and sin offerings.
7 Then I say,
“Look, I come!
What is written in the scroll pertains to me.[s]
8 I want to do what pleases you,[t] my God.
Your law dominates my thoughts.”[u]
9 I have told the great assembly[v] about your justice.[w]
Look, I spare no words.[x]
O Lord, you know this is true.
10 I have not failed to tell about your justice;[y]
I spoke about your reliability and deliverance.
I have not neglected to tell the great assembly about your loyal love and faithfulness.[z]
