S) "15 How blessed are the people who know the joyful sound!
O Lord, they walk in the light of Your countenance.
16 In Your name they rejoice all the day,
And by Your righteousness they are exalted."
Psalm 89:15-16 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Psalm 89
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Psalm 89
O) This was written by Ethan the Ezrahite, who seems to have been part of Solomon's court, and served as one of David's singers in the temple. His wisdom was apparently noteworthy (see 1 Kings 4:31), and the words of this psalm reflect insight. It is unclear exactly what motivated this song (that is, there is no mention of a particular event), but it seems from context, that we see David on the throne. There was plenty of upheaval near the end of David's life, especially concerning his succession, so it may be something along those lines. In this particular passage, Ethan reflected on the goodness of corporate worship, which is something David revived. The "joyful sound" seems to be a reference to music and singing, according to the footnotes. The reference to the light of God's face, is a term of favor the people had with God. What is especially noteworthy, is the sense of corporate worship, being blessed with favor, and then it goes immediately into the impact it has, which is rejoicing all day long. Having the righteousness of God on their side, they themselves were even exalted.
A) This passage clearly conveys the grace of God upon His people. These same principles certainly carry over to me today. When I am worshiping God, especially in a corporate setting, and I am really putting my mind on Him, and worshiping in spirit and in truth as Jesus described (see John 4:24), it really does set my whole day in the right direction. I am able to carry that same joy with me straight out of the church building, and I rejoice the rest of my day. When I am putting my mind on His goodness, His strength, His provision, His peace, His work, His grace, His mercy, and His love, then I am full of zeal to rejoice all day! The last line of this verse, reminds me that this is by grace. His righteousness brought me reconciliation. That is the reason I am exalted, while I exalt Him.
P) Father, it is such a joy to worship You, but I confess that I don't do it nearly enough. I suppose I'm not sure I could worship You enough, but I know there are clearly many missed opportunities to really focus my energy, time, thoughts, and strength into worshiping You. I need to make it more of a priority. Setting aside for a moment, all of the reasons You simply deserve to have my worship first, there are the grace-filled benefits You give me when I worship You. I am full of joy and peace, I am just plain happy, when I start my day with worshiping You. Help me to remember that You give such a blessing, when my priorities are straight. Back to the root of it, though, You are worthy of my first worship. You are worthy of my full attention. You deserve all of my devotion. Thank You for redeeming me, and bringing me back into a right relationship with You, Father. Help me not waste time, and not miss opportunities. Help me to start my day in worship, more often than not, until I start every day worshiping You for eternity. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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