Psalm 111
Sunday, 4 July 2021
“The works of the LORD are great, sought out by all those who have delight in them.” Psalm 111:2
The Psalmist starts off stating that He will praise and give thanks to the Lord with his whole heart in the council of the upright and in the congregation by extolling the great works of the Lord. Then in Psa 111:2, he states that the works of the Lord are sought out/ pondered over by those who take delight in them.
When we recognize something as being awesome and full of splendor, giving time and careful attention to it becomes easy. We all have marvelled at something or the other at some point in our life and know what it is like to delight in something. We long to hear or see more of it. When our hearts are delighted, the natural response is to seek after the object of our affection. We will devote our time and effort to observe, understand, and evaluate what we are delighted with, in order to either apply or express what we’ve seen or heard.
In the following verses the Psalmist lists all the works of God that he delights in and it takes us back to the mighty deeds of God on behalf of His people.
Psa 111:4 reminds us of God’s grace and mercy (Exodus 34:10).
Psa 111:5 the provision of food in the wilderness wandering (Exodus 16:14-16)
Psa 111:6 takes us to their inheritance in the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 12)
Psa 111:7 His precepts takes us to Sinai (Exodus 20)
Psa 111:9 reminds us of His redemption in Exodus (Exodus 12)
Not only does he speak about the goodness of God in the past but also directs us to the future that is forever.
Psa 111:3 His righteousness which endures forever
Psa 111:5 His covenant which is forever
Psa 111:8 His precepts which are established forever
Psa 111:9 He commands His covenant forever
Psa 111:10 His praise endures forever
Why are these testimonies of God so important to us? Psalm 119:24 says that “Your testimonies are my delight; they are my counselors.” We are to take delight because it teaches us. Psa 111:4 says that God causes His wondrous works to be remembered. It is those who delight in knowing more about the Lord that will seek them out and find them. He has written them in His Word so that we can study them. The Bible, God’s Written Word is given to us through the ages to help keep our feet on the right path through good times and bad. It gives advice to saints (those saved through Christ) and warning to sinners.
Testimonies of how God works in the lives of others often strengthens us. When we go through trials, the report of how God delivered another believer who was in a similar situation, gives us hope to wait upon the Lord. As seen in Psalm 119:49: “Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope.” It is a source of comfort in Psalm 119:52: “I remembered thy judgments of old, O LORD; and have comforted myself.” Delight in the LORD and His works!
Heavenly Father, I humble myself before Your majesty and thank You for the works of Your hands. Pour out your Spirit upon me and open my heart and mind to understand the wondrous truths in Your Word. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.