Today's Reading:

Psalm 111
Psalm 112
Psalm 113
Psalm 114
Psalm 115
Psalm 116
Psalm 117
Psalm 118

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants.
Psalm 116:15

Stop, take a breath, and let these words fill your heart.

The God who spoke the universe into existence does not view your life, or your death, as insignificant. In a world that can make us feel forgotten, this verse declares just the opposite with care and love: your life matters so deeply to Him that even the moment it ends is precious in His sight.

Not cheap. Not random. Not forgotten. Precious, like a rare stone, a treasured keepsake, something He holds with care and grief and holy love.

This is pure grace. We do not earn this value. You do not keep it by being strong enough, successful enough, or spiritual enough. It comes simply because we belong to Him. Your entire story, every breath, every struggle, every quiet act of faithfulness, it is seen, known, and cherished. Even the hardest part (the ending) is not overlooked by God, your Father. He is near. He thinks it is precious. He walks with you all the way through the valley.

So, if you need rest, if you face illness, loss, or the fear of what comes next, rest in this: Your life has never been cheap in God’s eyes. You are deeply loved, deeply seen, and deeply held, from your very first breath to your very last. You matter more than you will ever truly understand. And one day, the same Lord who calls your death precious will call you home. That is the grace you can live on. The psalmist cried out in distress, felt abandoned, and then chose to praise God publicly. Where in your own story have you seen God turn pain into praise?

 

 

This was quite the list of psalms! They are connected as the “Egyptian Hallel,” meaning “praise psalms”, mostly Psalms 113-118. These were sung during the Passover and other Jewish festivals to remember God’s mighty works and Israel’s deliverance from Egypt. Jesus and His disciples likely would have sung them at the Last Supper (Mark 14:26). Psalms #111 and 112 were written as acrostic poems (each section began with the successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet).

Psalm 111
This was a call to be all-in and wholehearted worship. Celebrating God’s great works of Creation, Redemption, Provision, and His Covenant. Each of these are worth studying as well as His righteous character. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom”, a deep awe. It is the ultimate “fear” that actually brings peace and understanding (not like fearing your Monday morning to-do list).

Psalm 112
Blessed is the one who fears the Lord and delights in His commands. This was similar to Psalm 111 but looks at the person who actually fears God and finds joy in following His commands and ways. Blessings come in the form of family legacy, light in darkness, generosity, security, and a good reputation. Fear, plus delight, equals blessing. Your generosity pays off in your reputation. Trust in the Lord beats personal anxiety. The wicked people’s envy will eventually destroy them. Living righteously is not easy, but it is better than the alternative.

Psalm 113
Praise His name forever, from the east of the rising sun to the sunsets in the west, non-stop. No one compares to God, who looks down from heaven and lifts up the lowly. This is a true Cinderella story: the poor from dust to sitting with royalty, and from barrenness to motherhood. God is the Ultimate Life Coach who actually delivers.

Psalm 114
This psalm celebrates and reflects the Exodus with imagery from nature reacting dramatically. Note, in the first two verses, “Israel”, “Jacob,” and “Judah” were used. They denote a unified nation covering Israel from North to South. The land of Judah (S) became God’s sanctuary and Israel (N) His dominion or kingdom. The psalm went from the time of slavery to where God’s holy place of rule was. The Red Sea, Jordan River, mountains, and hills all saw God’s presence. In verses 5-6, the psalmist rhetorically asked, “Why” not for effect, but because these things do not happen naturally, it was surprising! Seas do not normally run away, but the Red Sea parted (Exodus 14). Rivers do not turn back, but the Jordan River stopped so all of Israel could cross (Joshua 3). The mountains skipped when Mount Sinai trembled with the law of commands given (Exodus 19). There is one reason for nature’s response, verses 7-8 respond, because the Lord is present! The God of Jacob makes creation itself tremble, obey, and rejoice.

Psalm 115
The psalmist looked at the difference between those who give glory to God versus those who trust Pagan idols. The other nations taunt those whose trust is in the Lord, but their idols are lifeless. The idols cannot talk, see, hear, walk, or make a peep. It is like having a fancy car with no engine.

Then the psalmist went on to record that those who make the idols become just as lifeless. The psalm called for all the Israelites, the house of Aaron (priests), and all who fear the Lord to put trust in Him alone. Those same groups of Israelites, priests, and God-fearers who put trust in Him will all be remembered and blessed by the Lord. While the highest heavens are exclusive to God, the earth is where humans are dominant under His rule and care. The dead cannot praise the Lord, so let us praise Him now, while we are alive!

Psalm 116
This was a plea for protection. The psalmist cried to God in distress and was heard. He was surrounded by the cords of death and overcome by his sufferings, but God showed mercy and saved him. He could now rest from the tears and distress. We have all had a moment where we think everyone is against us and no one cares, but then God shows up. The psalmist admitted in his panic that they were only false accusers. Woe is me, he cried out. Emotions are normal, and it is okay to bring those feelings to God. God is not like most people; He is completely faithful, even when others fail. Due to the grace and mercy God gave, he will give back to God with public praise and thankful offerings.

Psalm 117
This is the shortest psalm, and also the shortest chapter in the Bible. It is only two verses! The psalmist invites everyone from the Israelites to the Gentiles, all nations to praise the Lord for His great love and faithfulness. Note that in 1530 AD, Martin Luther wrote a 36-page commentary on this tiny psalm! In the New Testament, Paul also quoted it in Romans 15:11, showing that God had always planned to save the Gentiles from the very beginning.

Psalm 118
This was the last of the Hallel psalms, sung by the pilgrims as they entered the Temple. It opened and closed with the verse, “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.” Notice how verses 2-4 repeat from Psalm 116, “Let Israel say… Let the house of Aaron say… Let those who fear the Lord say…” The psalmist wrote: “I will not be afraid, what can mere mortals do to me?” Enemies surrounded him like bees (numerous, angry and painful). Yet three times he said, “In the name of the Lord, I cut them down.” The name of the Lord is referred to by all authority, power and His character. Think of it like a police officer saying, “stop, in the name of the law!” In verse 118:22, the psalm

also contained the famous Messianic verse that was quoted by Jesus about Himself: “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone” (Matthew 21:42).

Fun Facts

• Psalm 117 is the shortest Psalm and shortest Chapter in the Bible (2 verses)
• Psalm 118 is the very middle of the Bible
• Psalm 119 is the longest Psalm and longest Chapter in the Bible (176 verses)
• There are 594 chapters before Psalm 118
• There are 594 chapters after Psalm 118
• The sum of all chapters is 1188 + Psalm 118
• Psalm 118:8 “It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in humans”- this is often the “center verse” of the Bible. Trust in God above all!

Today's Discussion question: 

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