Thought for the Week

Concluding the Song of Ascents, Psalm 134 is believed to be sung by the pilgrims arriving at Jerusalem. Finally coming before the Temple, they are called upon to bless the Lord. The main focus of this psalm is the theme of blessing, referred to in every verse. In the first line the servants standing in the house of the Lord are all called upon to bless Him. At the time, this was the role of the Levites to stand every morning to thank and praise Yahweh, and then again in the evenings. Likewise, the singers were also employed in their work, day and night (1 Chronicles 23v30).

We too have been called to bless God. But what does this mean? We must praise His name in thanks, morning and night, not being ashamed to do so in front of others or embarrassed at bringing it up. Our thankfulness and praise to God should be flowing out of us. In the future we (the saints!) will be those standing in His court, serving the King, day and night (Rev 7v15).

Verse two calls for them to lift up their hands, a humble posture of praise. It is a position of awe and absolute meekness. In verse three, the blessing is used in a different way. Instead of us blessing God, it is a call for God to bless us. There is a big contrast here, for God does not bless us by praising us for our works as we would to Him, but to show us His love by providing our daily needs, offering love and forgiveness.

Our blessing is far unequal to anything we can give God. He has blessed us. He has loved us. He has given us everything. Let us use everything to praise Him in all that we do. All of our works should bring glory and praise to His name. We are His representation. Our lives should bless Him.

Thought for the Week

Psalm 133 is a short but powerful psalm that speaks to the importance of unity and brotherhood among God’s people. The psalm begins with the words, “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!” This verse highlights the positive impact that unity can have on our lives. When we are united with our fellow believers, we experience a sense of joy and peace that is truly remarkable.

The psalm goes on to use two powerful images to illustrate the beauty of unity. The first is the image of oil running down Aaron’s beard and onto his robe. This image refers to the anointing oil that was poured over the head of Aaron, the first high priest of Israel. The oil was a symbol of God’s blessing and anointing, and it was meant to set Aaron apart for a special purpose. In the same way, when we are united with our brothers and sisters in Christ, we experience a sense of God’s anointing and blessing. We are set apart for a special purpose, and we are empowered to carry out God’s work in the world.

The second image used in the psalm is that of dew falling on Mount Hermon. Mount Hermon was the tallest mountain in Israel, and it was known for its lush vegetation and abundant water supply. The dew that fell on the mountain was a symbol of God’s provision and blessing. In the same way, when we are united with our brothers and sisters in Christ, we experience God’s provision and blessing in our lives. We are strengthened and refreshed by our fellowship with one another, and we are better equipped to face the challenges that life throws our way.

So what is the key life lesson that we can learn from Psalm 133? Simply put, it is that we were not meant to do life alone. We were created to be in community with one another, and when we are united with our fellow believers, we experience the fullness of God’s blessings and anointing. Whether we are facing trials and difficulties, or we are rejoicing in the good times, we are always better off when we are connected to our brothers and sisters in Christ. So let us strive to live in unity with one another, knowing that God’s blessings and provision will flow freely when we do.

Thought for the Week

Psalm 132 is a reminder about promises.

The first promise in the Psalm is from David in verses 2-5, where he swears to God that he will not rest until he has found a dwelling place for the Lord. David’s level of effort and commitment is commendable. He is willing to deny his own physical needs, such as sleep, until he can be assured that a dwelling place had been provided for God.

The second promise, in verses 11-18, takes the reader back to God’s promises to David, in 2 Samuel 7. The verses reiterate how God has chosen to dwell in Zion, and how God will bless and provide for the people if they follow him. The Psalm also alludes to Christ’s future role as King.

Looking at our own lives, there are two similar promises that we should consider. If we are baptised, we have made a commitment – a promise – to serve and obey God. How much attention and effort are we giving to this promise in our everyday lives?

The other promise we should consider is God’s promise to us. He has given us an oath that He will send his Son to reign on earth, and reward those who diligently follow Him. We are blessed, as we can be reassured that our hope is a promise.

“This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast…” Heb 6:19 (NKJV)

Thought for the Week

In this Psalm, we see the freedom and peace we can have from consciously choosing humility and following God.

Pride, arrogance, selfish ambition, and focusing on things that are beyond us are characteristics that we see all around us – in corrupt politicians seeking to get to the top by any means and creators who only put out content full of hate and self-importance.
These traits are also super obvious in Pharaoh and his attitude towards God’s people in Exodus.
But it may be common to see these things in ourselves too, whether towards friends, at work, or even just battling against God to have some kind of “control” over our own lives.

Living with these characteristics only leads to more pain, stress, insecurity, and ultimately an unhappy life.

This Psalm shows us that we can have a way better life. We can be comfortable knowing God has got it all under control. We can choose to rely fully on God and reach for His love, just like a little kid.

God is the one guiding our plans (Proverbs 16:9) and He’s working everything out for our good (Romans 8:28). All that pride and self-importance and control seems so unnecessary when we build our relationship with God and remind ourselves of these things on a daily basis.

Verse 3 reminds us to “hope in the LORD” now and forever! It was through “the joy set before him” that Jesus overcame the massive trial of his crucifixion (Hebrews 12:2), and it’s through our connection with God and the hope of the Kingdom that we can get through our trials and live a super peaceful, fulfilled, and joyful life.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
– Philippians 4:6-7

Thought for the Week

Lord please forgive me!

Psalm 130 begins with the Psalmist in the depths, pleading with God to hear him and to be attentive to his request. He reflects on how if God numbered our sins, no one would ever have a chance at salvation. Instead he knows that with God there is always forgiveness; that God hears and understands and will respond to every cry of pain.

This Psalm is so relatable, we all have felt at some stage in the depths; whether it be grief, depression, illness or anxiety, at some stage we have all felt a sense of desperation and guilt. But we can reflect on this Psalm to help us regain confidence that there is no end to God’s forgiveness or mercy and we can expectantly wait on him as the Psalmist does, as with him there is plenteous redemption (v7)!

We can ‘Stand in Wonder’ at Gods endless desire to continually forgive and use this Psalm as a reminder to show this same love, compassion and mercy to all those around us.

“As fas as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.”
Psalm 103:12

Thought for the Week

Psalm 129 starts by reflecting on Israel’s history and the how they have been continuously afflicted from the time that they were a young nation and beyond. The Psalmist describes it as being as if the nation had been ploughed upon their back, causing immense pain. Yet they have not prevailed against the people of Israel. They have an always be God’s people and he has a plan and a purpose with them. God has ensured that they have remained throughout history all the way until now where we see the nation of Israel in the 21st century for this purpose. Truly God and his purpose are righteous, and he cuts the wicked asunder. God will confound the and turn those away that hate Zion and stand against the people of Israel. They will fade away like the grass and be unfruitful, and they will not receive the blessings of the Lord.

It is truly comforting to be able to see the hand of God with the people of Israel throughout history. It gives us confidence that God will fulfil his promises and bring about his plan and purpose with the earth, with his people Israel, and with us. As we continue our preparations for conference, may we look for the hand of God in our lives as he was with the people of Israel.

Thought for the Week

Psalm 128. The blessings of God’s love.

When I read Psalm 128, two questions spring to mind.

1. What makes us blessed?
2. And what motivates us to ‘walk in his ways’?

The first thing to acknowledge is this word: ‘fear’ (v1 & 4). It doesn’t mean we are terrified; rather it means to be in awe, to respect and honour something. Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge.

We don’t know who wrote Psalm 128. But perhaps the author had Job in mind. Note the similarity in Psalm 128 v 1 to Job 1v1.

Job 1:1 There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job, and that man was blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil.

And yet sadly, Job still suffered. You see the trap that befell Job was the idea that he was saved because he was blameless and upright and because he turned away evil. Job had to endure suffering and pain and loss to learn that all have sinned and that no one can save them self. It is only through the mercy of God that we can be saved. A truly humbling experience.

In life, many things don’t go to plan. There is sickness, suffering, death and sadness. Even for those who like Job and like in this psalm ‘fear the Lord and walk in his ways’.

James 5:11 Behold, we count them happy which endure.

God does not like suffering and pain, but he often permits it in our lives to help mould and shape us. We don’t know why, other than the understanding that God is in control and to trust him.

The true blessing is God’s mercy and love, the gift of life and hope through Jesus. All blessings come from God.

In God’s eyes, the way that we fear (honour) him and walk in his ways, is to first understand that nothing that we can do will save ourselves, and understand that it is only through Christ that we can be saved.

When we understand this, we:

1. Will want to serve God. We will hunger and thirst for righteousness. Walking in his ways and following the example of Christ will come naturally. And sure, we may fall short of that perfect example but thanks be to God that through Christ we can be saved.
2. Can’t help but be happy and have a sense of comfort in this truth. v2 ‘happy thou shalt be’. Even in trials and suffering we can be comforted.
3. Understand: The gift of God, The greatest blessing, The answer to the questions above.

And this blessing is available to all. ‘Blessed is every one’.

Let us rejoice in God for his abundant mercy, love and blessings. Let us trust in God that he will save us. Let us find happiness and comfort that God is guiding us, working with us and moulding us for his work and for life in his Kingdom.

Thought for the Week

Trust and Hope in the LORD

Psalm 127 is at the heart of the Songs of Ascent from chapters 120 to 134 and was believed to be sung by Hebrxew pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem and is one of many Psalms that demonstrate prayer and trust (compare, ch’s 121, 124, 130, and 133). Psalm 127 is linked by the overarching theme of God’s authority, as it says in verse 1, “Unless the LORD guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.” The work we conduct in our lives, whether we protect, provide, or strengthen others around us, God is the greater power, guarding us and our efforts. In the first two verses, we are reminded three times that our works are in “vain” unless they are protected by the LORD, however, does this mean that no matter what we do, our works are meaningless?

Matthew 5 verse 16 gives us our answer, “let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” This tells us that works are a critical part of living in the truth, but the key part of this verse is to “give glory” in what we do. The point Solomon was making was that we shouldn’t put our trust in the “guards” or man, we are to give glory to God in our works and put our hope in Him alone.

No matter what we do, or where we are, the LORD is the one who makes things come to pass. We can praise him in Songs of Ascent as He holds every aspect of our lives in His hands!

Thought for the Week

We, like in this chapter, are still in a captive state within the world around us. They are constantly bribing and trying to get us to conform to the ways of the world. This chapter shows us our need to trust in God and turn to Him in all our trials and tribulations.

This is shown in v5-6 where it talks about trusting in God sowing the seed, being His Will and Purpose, through our sorrows and sadness, where we will reap in joy and in weeping we shall rejoice. And in a joyous effort bring along those who have been bundled together like sheaves with us to the kingdom

Then, when we reach that longed for goal of the kingdom, we will be like those in v2-3 who when Christ returns will be filled with laughter and tongues will sing praise to Yahweh for all the great things He has done for us.

We can in this upcoming week at conference, as a beginning to the things we look forward to in the kingdom, being with others of like-mind trusting in God together through our sorrows, and using our laughter and praise to Yahweh to bond together on our walks towards the Kingdom.

Thought for the Week

If you’re ever in a season of wondering what God brings you, this psalm has the answer.
Have you ever put your trust in something, only for it to be broken? Maybe it was a piece of news you read that later turned out to be false. Maybe you got the sugar free cookies because you thought they were healthier, but then found out they had some weird chemical in them. Maybe you trusted a friend, but they stood aside and let you take the blame. Being let down doesn’t feel great. Broken trust isn’t fun.
This is the opposite of what it is to trust in God. Trust given to God never falls short, because when God speaks, it happens. When you place the weight of your trust in Him, His word stands strong. God is the source of truth, so He can be trusted with everything.
God brings us stability. His word is a firm foundation for us to build on, and building on this foundation brings stability in our lives. Everyday troubles don’t worry us, and even chaotic world events don’t leave us shaken.
As the writer of this psalm sat at his desk to contemplate God and his ways, he looked out at Jerusalem’s surroundings.
And what did he see? Mountains: immovable, sturdy, strong.
This is what surrounds us: God’s care, love and protection. We don’t have to fear, because nothing gets past God’s defences. Nothing man can imagine, nothing thrown at us, not even our own sin can get past the God that protects us.
God brings us protection and comfort.
Today, take some time to pause and dwell on something that brings your mind to God—it could be a certain view, like the mountains. It could be a song, or time spent in silent prayer.
Whatever it is that reminds you of God’s care, make a commitment to seek it out over the following week.
Pause and consider what God brings you. Stability in the madness of life, unending love, and ultimate protection and comfort.