Psalm 113 | What's The Good Word?

photo by Seminary staff

“Praise the Lord!

Praise, O servants of the Lord,

praise the name of the Lord!

Blessed be the name of the Lord

from this time forth and forevermore!

From the rising of the sun to its setting,

the name of the Lord is to be praised!

The Lord is high above all nations,

and his glory above the heavens!

Who is like the Lord our God,

who is seated on high,

who looks down

on the heavens and the earth?

He raises the poor from the dust

and lifts the needy from the ash heap,

and makes them sit with princes,

with the princes of his people.

He gives the barren woman a home,

making her the joyous mother of children.

Praise the Lord!

Last night was graduation from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis. I stood with my fellow graduates thankful for God’s faithfulness to all of us for seeing us through our seminary training–for me as a deaconess and the rest as future pastors. We serve the Lord our God who does the impossible for the poor, the needy and the barren. Just as we have been raised up and made to bear fruit by the power of the living God through the Holy Spirit we give thanks and praise to the Lord our God. Who is like Him?

No one even comes close!

Lord God, thank you for the privilege of being called your servant. Have mercy on me and grant me grace to faithfully serve and love others in Your most Holy Name. For Jesus’ sake I pray, Amen.

1 Samuel 20:1-21:15; John 9:1-41; Psalm 113:1-114:8; Proverbs 15:15-17

Why me?

I’ve asked that question not a few times in my life. You probably have too. Maybe you’re asking that question right now–why me?

Most of the time we ask it when life has it’s downturns, but the same question can be asked at times of great joy–why me?

In any case…Jesus answers that question with His words, “..that the works of God might be displayed (in him).'” John 9:3

Jesus spoke these words in regards to a man born blind to the disciples who were wondering “why.” Jesus gave sight to this man who had never seen anything before in his life. The man’ blindness was the opportunity for Jesus to show and tell the greatness of His Father in Heaven. Getting “new” eyes wasn’t the only change in the man born blind. When he saw the light–he also saw his Savior.

Having success in your job right now? Give the glory to God! Why not you?

Experiencing family peace and harmony? Give God the glory! Why not you?

Coping with cancer? Why not you? God’s works will be displayed in you–He will work mercy, love, and peace that passes all understanding in your heart.

Still looking for a job? Why not you? Trust God to provide for your daily needs and give Him thanks and praise. He knows what you need. He will never leave you nor forsake you!

In good times and bad, as believers we have the answer to the “why me?”

Lord God, open our eyes to see our circumstances whether good or bad as opportunities to give you glory and honor, and to share with those around us that you are very real–that we are loved and cared for by you–that you never fail. Forgive us when we wallow in self pity and get stuck on “Why me?” Jesus could have asked, ‘Why me?’ as he hung on the cross, but those words didn’t cross his lips. Let us live our lives in faith and be bold to say, “why not me?” and give God the Glory. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

“The Lord is exalted over all the nations, his glory above the heavens. Who is like the Lord our God, the one who sits enthroned on high, who stoops down to look on the heavens and the earth?” Psalm 113:4-6