Bible Study: Giving Praise Always
Giving Praise Always 06.30.08
Hello My Friend/Guest,
It is Monday June 30, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Psalms. Please read Chapters 23-30 in your Bible or Click Here to read. Cut & Paste to browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2023-30&version=9
Today we will read and learn about the Great Shepherd; the King of Glory; a prayer for guidance; a love for God’s House; a prayer for God’s help; and adoration of God’s mighty power. Today’s message focuses on the importance of realizing that giving praise to the Lord, even when we don’t feel like it brings powerful deliverance and joy.
David, the old shepherd-king who saw himself as nothing more than a sheep that needed to be led, was inspired by the Holy Spirit to write, “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.” (Psalm 23). No other livestock requires more attention than sheep. Left alone, they can easily become separated from the flock and lose their way. Of all domesticated animals, sheep are the most defenseless and helpless.
By nature, we are all like sheep. We may blindly follow the same paths that have ruined the lives of others. Or, we can become so caught up in our own affairs that we lose sight of the Great Shepherd and find ourselves separated from Him. The trouble with most of us is that many times we try to be our own shepherd. There is something almost terrifying about the consequences of the destructive, self-willed stubbornness of those who refuse to be led in the paths of righteousness. They are determined to go their own way, even though the path they take will inevitably lead to trouble and death. It is a fact that without the Great Shepherd we are helpless, defenseless sheep. When we recognize this we will fully trust the our Great Shepherd. We are comforted and encouraged by knowing that though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil because You are with me.
After David’s recovery from an affliction which had very nearly proven fatal, he testified, “I will extol thee, O LORD; for thou hast lifted me up, and hast not made my foes to rejoice over me. O LORD my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me. O LORD, thou hast brought up my soul from the grave: thou hast kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit. Sing unto the LORD, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.” (30:1-4). He commenced with praise to God for His goodness and called upon all who, like himself, had known the loving-kindness of Jehovah, to join him in his thanksgiving. Distress of body or mind is common, and sooner or later it comes to almost everyone. Affliction was the instrument that God used to prompt David to write his wonderful Psalm, glorifying our wonderful Lord. He was driven to earnest prayer, and earnest prayer always leads to praise. The Psalmist saw the hand of God in his recovery. We overcome the fears of affliction when we recognize that it is not chance but God that lifted us up.
Whatever else God in mercy and wisdom may have in mind for His children who experience afflictions, there is one thing very clear, the Lord is near all who are suffering. What a comforting word! The Lord is near in all His tenderness and love, in all His power and grace.
In today’s message Jesus Christ is revealed as our Shepherd (Psalm 23). Christ declared: I am the Good Shepherd. (John 10:11).
Today’s Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Jesus, I want to praise You, my great Shepherd, for who You are and for Your acts of kindness seen so many times throughout my day. I should never cease to praise You because You never cease to work on my behalf. Your mercy and love, Your strength and comfort, Your sustaining power and guiding hand are only a tiny fraction of the many reasons that lead me to praise You. Instead of a murmuring and ungrateful attitude, I want to join with the multitude of believers and sing of my Great Shepherd’s praise to everyone, everywhere, all the time. In Jesus’ name…..Amen.
Have a great day and week!
God Bless,
Christina
Visit A Spiritual Guide
aspiritualguide.net