Who Is Like You?

August 6

Nehemiah 10-11

Psalm 89:8-18

Proverbs 19:26-27

I Corinthians 14:26-40

Who is Like You?

“Who is like You, Lord God Almighty?  You, Lord, are mighty, and Your faithfulness surrounds You.  The heavens are Yours, and Yours also the Earth; You founded the world and all that is in it.  You created the north and the south; Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; love and faithfulness go before You.  Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim You, to walk in the light of Your presence, Lord.  They rejoice in Your name all day long; they celebrate Your righteousness.  For You are their glory and strength.”  Psalm 89:8,11,12,14-17 NIV

Psalm 89 is a wonderful reminder for us of the majesty and glory of God.  It is easy to take these things for granted.  In the world of technological advancements and indulgent consumerism it is important to recognize that it is God who founded the world and ALL that is in it.  He created everything from nothing.  He set it all in motion and it is Him who sustains it.  The heavens belong to Him, and the Earth is His as well.  It is comforting to know that He did not just set it all in motion and leave it alone.  He is not just watching from Heaven to see how things go.  Thankfully, our loving Heavenly Father is intimately involved in His creation.  His love and faithfulness compel Him to intervene in our lives, to help us, to deliver us, and to be our constant companion.  Throughout the Bible we find God’s promise to never leave us or forsake us.  No matter how far we stray from Him, He is always waiting to take us back.  He is always there. 

Verses 15-17 highlight the benefits of a life that recognizes these truths.  “Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim You, to walk in the light of Your presence.”  The use of the word “acclaim” is interesting.  We tend to think of a movie star, politician, or athletic champion when we think of this word.  The Free Dictionary defines it as “to praise enthusiastically and publicly, with applause and cheering.”12 This verse tells us that those who praise God enthusiastically and publicly with applause and cheering are blessed.  Do I take advantage of all the opportunities I have to praise Him publicly or am I afraid that people will mock me or laugh at me?  Do I give Him the glory for the things He does for me?  We had this discussion in my prayer group this week.  We decided that we need to be more deliberate about acknowledging God’s faithfulness and His intervention.  It is easy to overlook the opportunities to point out God’s work to our kids, our coworkers, family members and friends.  We can choose to disregard His presence in our lives or just acknowledge Him when we need something.  There is something very different about people who walk in the light of His presence all the time.  Their countenance is different.  No matter what is happening around them, or whatever circumstances they may be facing, they have a peace and strength that is noticeable.   They can rejoice in His name and celebrate His righteousness during difficulty and heartache.  He is their glory and strength.  I am writing this passage on an index card to keep on my desk as a reminder to acclaim Him every opportunity I get.