1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
HIS LOVE ENDURES FOREVER. Psalm 118, author unknown
The writer begins by declaring the goodness of God in the midst of difficulties. Problems confirm our existence here in this world. Of course no one wants them but they’re a part of life for a season.
2 Let Israel say:
“HIS LOVE ENDURES FOREVER.”
3 Let the house of Aaron say:
“HIS LOVE ENDURES FOREVER.”
4 Let those who fear the Lord say:
“HIS LOVE ENDURES FOREVER.”
The psalmist doesn’t only acknowledge God’s Love, he tells us to SPEAK IT OUT AND DECLARE HIS LOVE! When we’re in desperate situations it’s good to declare God’s Love and remind ourselves He’s with us. Our Praise and Declarations are powerful weapons.
5 When hard pressed, I cried to the Lord;
and he answered me and set me free.
6 The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid.
What can man do to me?
7 The Lord is with me; he is my helper.
I look in triumph on my enemies.
Time and again the psalmist turns to the Lord and Declared God’s Deliverance over his situation.
8 It is better to take refuge in the Lord
than to trust in man.
9 It is better to take refuge in the Lord
than to trust in princes.
I’ve written in this old Bible where someone said that Psalm 118:8 is the central verse of the Bible. I’m not sure if that’s absolutely correct, but it must be close to the centre. A remarkable coincidence or one of those God things, that the centre of God’s Word tells us to Trust in Him, not in man or even princes/rulers.
The next three verses, Psalm 118:10-12, tell of the psalmist, perhaps David, being surrounded by enemies. Yet in each verse he repeats, ‘in the Name of the Lord I cut them off’. He knew victory in adversary.
13 I was pushed back and about to fall,
but the Lord helped me.
14 The Lord is my strength and my song;
he has become my salvation.
His Hope was almost gone, but then God came to help him and he sang of God’s goodness.
15 SHOUTS OF JOY AND VICTORY
resound in the tents of the righteous:
“THE LORD’S RIGHT HAND has done mighty things!
16 THE LORD’S RIGHT HAND is lifted high;
THE LORD’S RIGHT HAND has done mighty things!”
Another triple phrase, regarding the Lord’s Right Hand – His Strength. The prophet Isaiah also speaks of God’s Right Hand;
10 So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with MY RIGHTEOUS RIGHT HAND. Isaiah 41:10
The psalmist and the mighty prophet Isaiah both understood that God’s powerful Right Hand was raised to help us, His people.
17 I will not die but live,
and will proclaim what the Lord has done.
18 The Lord has chastened me severely,
but he has not given me over to death. Psalm 118
Verse 17 is a good declaration for people attacked by sickness, speaking Life and rejecting death over our situation.
God bless and keep you today.