Psalms 101-105
FIVE SIMPLE PLEASURES:
Being back at church- A pub roast dinner
- Sorting through some of my Dad’s old letters and photos
- A beautiful run on the Quayside with the girls
- Watching ‘The Night Manager’
PSALM 101: DELIVER ME FROM EVIL
I will conduct the affairs of my house
with a blameless heart.
I will not look with approval
on anything that is vile. v2-3
We rub shoulders with all sorts of people. That’s life. That can’t be helped. We can shine as stars on the darkest of nights. But this is about who we choose to spend time with. We can choose to spend time with those we know drag us down – those who encourage us to get involved in things we shouldn’t be involved in; those who undermine God’s work in our lives. Or we can choose to spend time with those who are a positive influence for good and for God in our lives.
PSALM 102: UNCHANGING GOD
Let this be written for a future generation,
that a people not yet created may praise the Lord v18
That’s us! God is unchanging. God remains the same. God’s years will never end.
PSALM 103: GOD OF LOVE AND COMPASSION
For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his love for those who fear him;
as far as the east is from the west,
so far has he removed our transgressions from us. v11-12
One of the better known psalms. I encourage you to read the whole thing if you’re in need of uplifting this morning. We must never ‘forget all His benefits’.
PSALM 104: WONDERS
When you hide your face,
they are terrified;
when you take away their breath,
they die and return to the dust.
When you send your Spirit,
they are created,
and you renew the face of the ground. v29-30
A great psalm packed with the wonders of God’s creation. Including the hyrax! We used to enjoy watching them at Colchester Zoo when Luke was a little boy. And including this thought: all breath comes from God. Some things we cannot control and will never be able to control – like the moment we start breathing and the moment we stop breathing. It is breath that brings life. It is the breath of God’s spirit that brings spiritual life. Both are inextricably linked.
PSALM 105: THE STORY
Look to the Lord and his strength;
seek his face always. v4
It is in remembering the story that we will find strength. The story of Joseph and Moses and Aaron and all God’s people throughout the centuries. Of all that God has done for and through His people. He has not let them down. He will not let us down.
