Suggested Bible Reading: Psalm 65-67; 69-70
Devotional Thought:
Title: “A Harvest Hymn”
My dad loves to farm and there is no secret that the reward and climax of farming is harvest time. Harvest is the time when all the hard work is displayed and rewarded. In Psalm 65 we find a psalm or hymn dedicated to harvest. The Psalmist celebrates God’s necessary part in the joys of harvest; however, there is much more included than just the thanksgiving for the blessings of harvest. This psalm sings praise to God for the general display of His mighty power in nature. The seas and the mountains, the rising and the setting of the sun at morning and evening, are all tokens of His greatness and this is recognized to the ends of the earth. The delightful crown of the psalm, although, is the picture of gratitude in the closing stanza. It is thanksgiving for the provision of refreshing rain for pastures and flocks, for fields and gullies, for hills and valleys. The description is of a glorious harvest scene. Much like my dad, the Psalmist looks over the cornfields and his heart is filled with joy. The Psalmist starts the psalm with a beautiful picture of praise that is confident and content. The literal interpretation of the opening phrase is “praise that waiteth in silence for Thee…” It is a meditation of the heart that is overwhelmed with awe and confidence in this One who hears my prayers. The thought of God brought the Psalmist contentment in God’s Person, provisions, and protection. David is ever conscious of sin. He accuses himself and he knows that the one great obstacle to approach to God is sin. His iniquities are like a chronicle of charges against him. They prevail against him and they are too strong for him. But this is precisely the reason why he must look for forgiveness to God alone. Only He can purge his transgressions and grant the necessary pardon. He is a blessed man who is chosen by God to draw near to Him. It is an inestimable privilege to be allowed to dwell in the courts of the Lord. Goodness and holiness are the grand characteristics of His house, and it is not to be wondered at that men so blessed should say, “We shall be satisfied …” The “terrible things” of which David speaks are acts of God which cause astonishment and awe. They are things which inspire godly fear and reverence, and which demand respect and honor. In such a way God moves in defense of His people and in answer to their prayers. He always answers in righteousness too, for that is the very foundation of His moral government. God always does what is right and what is best. He will deliver His people and vanquish their enemies, and will do it all with fairness. He was to Israel, the “God of our salvation”, and in that coming day He will be the confidence of Christians, the trust of men from the ends of the earth and from the far distant seas. He closes with this thought… “Look around you and see the goodness and greatness of God… and rejoice!”
Personal Prayer Requests:
- Lord, please help me to praise you for your provision. Please help me to never take credit for your grace or forget to praise you for your goodness.
- Lord, please help me to model a life of thankfulness. I want to demonstrate a heart that is overwhelmed with how big and how good my God is to me.
- Lord, thank you for your constant provision, protection, and promises to me.