God Speaks
The LORD God Hears the Prayer of the Downcast, Laid the Foundations of the Earth and Provides for All of His Creation; Sing Him Praise
Verse of the Day: “In the beginning You laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands. They will perish, but You remain; they will all wear out like a garment. Like clothing You will change them and they will be discarded. But You remain the same, and Your years will never end.” (Psalm 102: 25-27 NIV 2011)
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Watch TBR Day 120
We Respond
Reflection
Consider the following questions regarding Psalms 102-104
> 1. What does this chapter tell me about God?
> 2. What does this chapter tell me about the human beings He created?
Here is one possible answer to each of these questions. Ask the Holy Spirit if there are any others for you personally to ponder.
Psalms 102
1. God listens to the prayers of those who cry out to Him in desperation. At the appointed time, He will rebuild Zion and the kings of the earth will revere His glory.
2. Eventually, all the people groups and nations of the earth will assemble to worship the LORD.
Psalms 103
1. Our Holy God forgives sins, heals diseases, redeems lives, pours out love and compassion, satisfies desires and renews youthfulness.
2. People are to fear God, demonstrate righteousness to their children, keep God’s covenant, obey His precepts, and praise the LORD.
Psalms 104
1. God is clothed with splendor and majesty, created and superintends the earth and everything on it.
2. People are to sing praises to God and meditate on His greatness.
Prayer
> 3. How might I pray regarding Psalms 102-104?
Thank You, O LORD. that You do hear every one of my prayers. You always answer with either “Yes,” “No,” “Wait, it’s not the right time yet,” or “I’m waiting on you to do what I’ve told you.” Thank You, Jesus, that because You were born, lived, and died as a human being, You know what it is like to experience difficulties that disturb a person in the ways Psalm 102 depicts. Because You knew the Scriptures and the Father, I’m sure that You did just as this psalmist did and looked to Him whenever You were troubled. Please, Holy Spirit, help me to do the same. By Your grace I will. Dear LORD God, I do instruct my soul to praise You and Your holy name. You have forgiven all my sins and healed my diseases. You have rescued me from both physical and spiritual death. You do show me loving compassion and satisfy all my needs and many of my wants. You have often given me what I don’t deserve and far more than I could have imagined. When You must, You do not discipline me in anger or as my sinful rebellion deserves. Your unending love toward me and others who fear You has completely removed the weight of our sin. Your compassion never fails. You know how fragile and fallible humans are; after all, You made us from the dust of the earth. We are as finite as the flowers. It is only by Your lovingkindness and righteousness that we exist to trust and obey You. O LORD, remember Your promise to have compassion on Zion, she so desperately needs for You to look with favor to rebuild her and appear in Your glory. Please help Your people to remember Your precepts and to be faithful to fulfill them. Your sovereignty is established in Heaven. Let all that I am praise You, LORD God, the great I AM. All honor and power belong to You. You created the vast heavenly bodies, both the clouds and winds encompassing the earth and the far-flung galaxies. You established the very foundation of the earth and clothed it with mountains and river valleys, with oceans and meadows. You created vast varieties of animals on the land, each with their own habitat and food chain. You created birds and other flying creatures as well as fish in the various bodies of water. You set up the cycle of life for each one and continue to provide for them. The vast variety of Your creation and the extent of Your wisdom is beyond human comprehension. You supply all that we need whether we are animals or humans. You are the source of all life. Your glory will continue forever! May You take pleasure in all You have made! May I sing (or speak) to and for You, LORD, until my last breath. Let all that He has made praise the LORD! AMEN
Action (Ask God, the Holy Spirit, if He wants you to work on one of the suggestions below or something else more personal that He points out.)
> 4. What action does the LORD want me to take in response to Psalms 102-104?
With the help of God’s Holy Spirit:
- I will read Psalm 102 aloud the next time I am depressed or suffer from insomnia.
- I will write out how God has worked in my life similar to Psalm 102 so that I can remember and pass it on to others, especially the next generation.
- I will make a list of ways God has shown me who He is: compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness.
- I will watch a documentary that displays God’s great creation and discuss it with the next generation, praising God for His mighty power and wisdom.
Share
I plan to share what I’ve learned with __________.