Psalm 118 🔊 1O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever. 2Let Israel now say, that his mercy endureth for ever. 3Let the house of Aaron now say, that his mercy endureth for ever. 4Let them now that fear the LORD say, that his mercy endureth for ever. 5I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, and set me in a large place. 6The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me? 7The LORD taketh my part with them that help me: therefore shall I see my desire upon them that hate me. 8It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. 9It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes. 10All nations compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD will I destroy them. 11They compassed me about; yea, they compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD I will destroy them. 12They compassed me about like bees: they are quenched as the fire of thorns: for in the name of the LORD I will destroy them. 13Thou hast thrust sore at me that I might fall: but the LORD helped me. 14The LORD is my strength and song, and is become my salvation. 15The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tabernacles of the righteous: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly. 16The right hand of the LORD is exalted: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly. 17I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD. 18The LORD hath chastened me sore: but he hath not given me over unto death. 19Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the LORD: 20This gate of the LORD, into which the righteous shall enter. 21I will praise thee: for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation. 22The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner. 23This is the LORD's doing; it is marvellous in our eyes. 24This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. 25Save now, I beseech thee, O LORD: O LORD, I beseech thee, send now prosperity. 26Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the LORD: we have blessed you out of the house of the LORD. 27God is the LORD, which hath shewed us light: bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of the altar. 28Thou art my God, and I will praise thee: thou art my God, I will exalt thee. 29O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
Today's Scripture Meaning It is good to trust in the Lord. (1-18) The coming of Christ in his kingdom. (19-29) Verses 1-18: The account the psalmist here gives of his troubles is very applicable to Christ: many hated him without a cause; nay, the Lord himself chastened him sorely, bruised him, and put him to grief, that by his stripes we might be healed. God is sometimes the strength of his people, when he is not their song; they have spiritual supports, though they want spiritual delights. Whether the believer traces back his comfort to the everlasting goodness and mercy of God, or whether he looks forward to the blessing secured to him, he will find abundant cause for joy and praise. Every answer to our prayers is an evidence that the Lord is on our side; and then we need not fear what man can do unto us; we should conscientiously do our duty to all, and trust in him alone to accept and bless us. Let us seek to live to declare the works of God, and to encourage others to serve him and trust in him. Such were the triumphs of the Son of David, in the assurance that the good pleasure of the Lord should prosper in his hand. Verses 19-29: Those who saw Christ's day at so great a distance, saw cause to praise God for the prospect. The prophecy, ver. (22,23), may refer to David's preferment; but principally to Christ. 1. His humiliation; he is the Stone which the builders refused: they would go on in their building without him. This proved the ruin of those who thus made light of him. Rejecters of Christ are rejected of God. 2. His exaltation; he is the chief Cornerstone in the foundation. He is the chief Top-stone, in whom the building is completed, who must, in all things, have the pre-eminence. Christ's name is Wonderful; and the redemption he wrought out is the most amazing of all God's wondrous works. We will rejoice and be glad in the Lord's day; not only that such a day is appointed, but in the occasion of it, Christ's becoming the Head. Sabbath days ought to be rejoicing days, then they are to us as the days of heaven. Let this Saviour be my Saviour, my Ruler. Let my soul prosper and be in health, in that peace and righteousness which his government brings. Let me have victory over the lusts that war against my soul; and let Divine grace subdue my heart. The duty which the Lord has made, brings light with it, true light. The duty this privilege calls for, is here set forth; the sacrifices we are to offer to God in gratitude for redeeming love, are ourselves; not to be slain upon the altar, but living sacrifices, to be bound to the altar; spiritual sacrifices of prayer and praise, in which our hearts must be engaged. The psalmist praises God, and calls upon all about him to give thanks to God for the glad tidings of great joy to all people, that there is a Redeemer, even Christ the Lord. In him the covenant of grace is made sure and everlasting.
Today's Scripture Application Each day we walk through the Bible chapter by chapter making an application of our text to help us grow in the Lord. Many applications can be made from each day's text. Today we continue in the Book of Psalm with Chapter 118. In our text today we see theme of giving thanks to our God for His unchanging love in the midst of a changing world. In making application we see that the Lord is our foundation to walk in this world with confidence and boldness to do His Work and His Will in a lost and dying world. Today more than ever we can raise the blood stained banner of our Lord and proclaim that "Jesus Saves" and He is the way to a joyful, fulfilling life both on earth and eternity to come. How about you? Are you giving thanks? Let us learn from our Psalm and text today to Give Thanks for He is worthy, He loves us, He is our rock and foundation, He is our salvation, He is our joy, and He is our life, so we should give thanks.
Thank You for Reading Today's Devotional
Contact Me with any Questions or Comments
By Email info@USBibleSociety.com
By Text/Phone (770) 361-3841
Sincerely, Dr. Dave Burnette Director, The United States Bible Society, Inc.