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R³ Devotional - Day 120

R³ Devotional - Day 120 Psalm 102 

This psalm is unique in that no author is listed, and there are no historical or liturgical notes that accompany it. It is believed that early Christians used this penitential prayer in worship.  The psalm’s superscription reads, “A prayer of an afflicted man. When he is faint and pours out his lament (Hebrew- complaint) before the Lord.” NIV version.

Verses one through two are a prayer. The individual is pouring his heart out to the Lord, begging for him to hear, listen, and act.

In verses three through 11, the person describes his distress. He explains that he can’t eat, he’s withering away, he can’t sleep, he’s alone, and he has enemies that taunt him and use his name as a curse. He also tells God that his life is like this because of the Lord’s wrath.

Restoration of Zion and assurance that YHWH, heaven’s eternal king, will hear the pleas of the destitute are seen in verses 12 through 17. The man then starts to name some attributes of God and to praise HIM. He talks about how Jerusalem will be restored, and all the nations will revere and fear the Lord. The LORD will also respond to prayers and will not despise the pleas of the petitioners.

Verses 18 through 22 contain a prophecy and promise regarding Jerusalem and a future generation. Verses 19-20 state, “The Lord looked down from his heavenly sanctuary on high, from heaven he viewed the earth, to hear the groans of the prisoners and release those condemned to death.” We know this is referring to Jesus and what he would do for us on the cross. It also is describing what will happen in the millennial kingdom when all nations will come to Zion to worship the Lord.

Twenty-three & twenty-four discuss the shortening of life in contrast to the Promises soon to be fulfilled in the thousand year reign. The concluding verses 25-28 state, “In the beginning you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you remain. They will all wear out like a garment. Like clothing, you will change them, and they will be discarded. But you remain the same, and your years will never end. The children of your servants will live in your presence; their descendants will be established before you.”

Real Life Principles: Prayerful petitions are heard by God. Suffering happens to everyone. Life is not always pleasant. The LORD is holy.

Relevant Life Applications:  Pour your heart out to God. Like the psalmist, tell Him everything, good and bad. PRAISE and acknowledge HIM for who HE is.

Ready Life Actions:  Because the Lord acts, we should too. We should pray and praise, and we should tell people about the great things the Lord has done & will do.

Real Life Principles:  Listen to this song.

Relevant Life Applications:  Read Psalm 103.

Ready Life Actions:  Sing the song to the LORD.

                          PSALM 104

The use of vivid imagery regarding God and his creation is extensive in this biblical poetic narrative. Don’t skip reading Psalm 104.

Verses 1-4 speak of the Lord’s majesty, how he’s wrapped in light, how the clouds are his chariot, and how he rides on the wings of the wind. Verse 4 states, “He makes winds his messengers, flames of fire his servants.“ Ponder this! 

Verses 5-9 discuss how God set the earth on its foundations and directed the waters to uncover mountains & to go to the places & boundaries HE set. Amazing!

Verses 10-18 show how God uses his creation to nourish people, animals, & plants.
Part of verse 13 states “the earth is satisfied by the fruit of HIS work.” Think about that!

Verses 19-23 talk about the moon, the evening darkness, and the setting & rising of the sun, how the animals come out at night & men go to work. Reflect on this!

Verses 24-26 discusses the sea & all the animals large & small that dwell there. “How many are your works, O Lord!” So cool!

Verses 27-30 show that because of God’s benevolent care, the zoology flourishes. They also perish & return to the dust when he determines it. Part of verse 30 exclaims that God “renews the face of the earth”, proof that climate change is a lie. Just sayin…..Contemplate this!

Verses 31-32, “May the glory of the Lord endure forever; may the Lord rejoice in his works—He who looks at the earth, and it trembles, who touches the mountains, and they smoke.” Wondrous!

Verses 33-35 call for singing, praising, meditating, rejoicing, & praying to the LORD.
All ACTIONS we can base our PRINCIPLES on & to LIVE by!

REAL, RELEVANT, & READY to be the Christians God has called us to be.

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