Good morning,
“This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24)
The Bible tells us to rejoice in the Lord. How do we do that in this present world? The news is filled with all sorts of evil. Wars, conflicts, massacres, are daily occurrences.
Read Psalm 118 and you will be encouraged by God’s mercy, deliverance, protection, strength, and salvation.
God’s mercy (1-4)
O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever.2 Let Israel now say, that his mercy endureth for ever.3 Let the house of Aaron now say, that his mercy endureth for ever.4 Let them now that fear the Lord say, that his mercy endureth for ever.
God’s protection (5-7)
I called upon the Lord in distress: the Lord answered me, and set me in a large place.6 The Lord is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?7 The Lord taketh my part with them that help me: therefore shall I see my desire upon them that hate me.
God’s trustworthiness (8-9)
It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.9 It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes.
God’s helpfulness (10-13)
All nations compassed me about: but in the name of the Lord will I destroy them.11 They compassed me about; yea, they compassed me about: but in the name of the Lord I will destroy them.12 They compassed me about like bees: they are quenched as the fire of thorns: for in the name of the Lord I will destroy them.13 Thou hast thrust sore at me that I might fall: but the Lord helped me.
God’s strength and salvation (14-16)
The Lord is my strength and song, and is become my salvation.15 The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tabernacles of the righteous: the right hand of the Lord doeth valiantly.16 The right hand of the Lord is exalted: the right hand of the Lord doeth valiantly.
What does the Psalmist do? (17)
I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord.
If you find yourself in a place of despair, Psalm 118 will encourage and challenge you. Knowing who our God is, what He has done, and His mercy and concern for us, we should rejoice and praise the Lord.
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001
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