Thursday, May 8, 2014

Psalms 128

Psalm 128:

Before writing a few thoughts on today’s scripture I want to apologize my blog devotionals have been so on and off recently. I am trying to work full-time, but the medications I am taking after my hospital visit are very harsh. I am needing close to 15 hours of sleep a day—I know it is a burden, but I take it on gladlyJ. Actually, I hate being so tired and can’t wait to finish this regiment in less than a week. On a side, note my biopsy did not work yesterday as they could not get into the tumor. The Dr. will decide Monday whether to proceed with surgery or wait eight weeks and try the biopsy again. We may try the biopsy part again next week as well so we will see. The point is this blog may stay inconsistent for a few more weeks. The good news is I am 100% confident I will live to see "my children's children," and this health issue is just a temporary slowdown. I will keep you up-to-date as so many of you have sent messages wanting to know what is going on. 

Now to the subject at hand—Psalm 128! Often Psalms build around one key verse. I usually read a Psalm until I spot a key verse and then enjoy seeing all the side points that come from the verse. This Psalm has two verses that create a cause and effect relationship. Most of the rest of the Psalm continues to develop the cause and effect. Read verse 1 looking for cause. Read verse 2 look for the "effect."

Psalm 128 builds from verses 1-2 and simply shows examples of verse two's effects until the last of the Psalm when King David prays for you---"Yes, he prayed for us!" In the last two verses hear a special blessing pronounced on you as the reader by King David as you “fear the Lord.” By the way don’t underestimate the importance of David’s prayer for you. God described him as a man “after God’s own heart.” David prayed for his readers about 3,000 years ago, but God is eternal and every time we read David’s prayer it still is valid! Reading David's prayer initiates the blessing, because he was praying for his readers and God keeps his promises and listened to David--enjoy a blessing today!

After reading this Psalm consider my final thoughts that I write on “What does it mean to fear the Lord?”
Psalm 128
A song of ascents.
Blessed are all who fear the Lord,
who walk in obedience to him.
You will eat the fruit of your labor;
blessings and prosperity will be yours.
Your wife will be like a fruitful vine
within your house;
your children will be like olive shoots
around your table.
Yes, this will be the blessing
for the man who fears the Lord.
May the Lord bless you from Zion;
may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem
all the days of your life.
May you live to see your children’s children—

In some contexts fear does not mean being “scared of someone” which is how in the modern world we think of the word.  Instead "fear" can mean having great respect for someone and even giving allegiance and obedience to the person we respect. In other words, in the bible “fear” often is a statement of obedience out of complete trust for God. The promise of this Psalm is that if we place this kind of trust in God he will bless us—ourchildren and our family.


Tell God you desire to serve him today—ask him to help you “fear him” and enjoy his blessing!

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