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1 Praise the Lord! I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation. 2 Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them. 3 Full of honor and majesty is his work, and his righteousness endures forever. 4 He has gained renown by his wonderful deeds; the Lord is gracious and merciful. 5 He provides food for those who fear him; he is ever mindful of his covenant. 6 He has shown his people the power of his works, in giving them the heritage of the nations. 7 The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy. 8 They are established forever and ever, to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness. 9 He sent redemption to his people; he has commanded his covenant forever. Holy and awesome is his name. 10 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 NRSV Bible)
This psalm reminded me of the joy and excitement during the first days of youth camp back in the day. Friends from all over Texas and New Mexico would reconnect, hug, giggle, laugh and talk. Others would automatically head for the camp piano and start playing "Heart and Soul," in a joyful manner. The summer Chicago ruined it was their "Color My World," which was the song of the camp. Looking back being with fellow believers it was truly a celebration of God. Every act was an act of praise; the giggles, the laughter, the hugs, and yes, even the out-of-tune camp piano playing; all lifting up high the joy of knowing God and praising Him.
David was faithful in his daily praise of God, and this psalm is one of the many he wrote, a hymn of praise and instruction. David knew the greatness and faithfulness of the Lord,and through these verses invites all to praise God with a whole heart that recognizing God's works in the community of believers. David lists the deeds of God with greatness, honor, and enduring rigtheousness. Here are those: God's handiworks are truly great works of majesty calling us to study them and admire them. God's majesty and righteousness are written on all of them, and they are timeless and reliable.
God's actions are marked by His grace and mercy. God provides for those who fear Him and remain faithful to His covenant, showing that His care is both generous and constant. God provides! God's works are also dependable and just, and His commands are to be followed with faithfulness. This speaks to the stablility and reliability as God guides.
The psalm also speaks of God's redemption and covenant; God's provision of redemption and His etneral covenant are central to His relationship with us. God's name is holy and awesome and it embodies the depth of reverence and respect that God deserves.
The psalm concludes with a profound truth: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. This awe of reverence leads to true understanding and the practice of wisdom in our lives.
As we reflect on this psalm, we are invited to recognize and celebrate God’s greatness and faithfulness in our own lives. Our response should be one of gratitude, reverence, and praise for the One who guides and sustains us. Let's start now! You go to the piano and play heart and soul. You over there hug the person closest to you. And you, tell that joke that will make everyone giggle!
PRAYER: Loving God, we come before You with hearts full of gratitude and awe. Thank You for Your great works and for the majesty and righteousness that define Your nature. We praise You for Your grace, mercy, and the faithful provision You offer to those who revere You. Help us to see Your works with clarity and to recognize the depth of Your covenant and redemption. As we honor Your name, fill us with wisdom and understanding, guiding us to live with faithfulness and uprightness. May our lives reflect the reverence we have for You and the praise that endures forever. This we pray in Christ Jesus' strong name, amen.
Have and great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Write down at least three examples of how you have experienced His provision, grace, or guidance. Share these reflections with a friend or family member, and encourage them to recognize and praise God’s works in their own lives. Let your conversation and actions today be a testament to the wisdom and understanding that come from revering the Lord, and find opportunities to express your gratitude and praise throughout the day.
I love you and I thank God for you!
Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.
