Hope of All the Earth – Psalm 65
The state of California has been experiencing one of its worst droughts ever. In 119 years of recorded history, 2013 was its driest calendar year. On January 17, 2014 California State Governor, Jerry Brown, declared a drought state of emergency. This week and next week, California is supposed to be getting a few inches of rain so that will provide some relief. But, it is clear the farmers need much, much more.
How pleasant it is to receive rain when you desperately need it. A slow, steady rain in the summer, spring, or fall is just as soothing as a snowfall in the winter.
In Psalm 65, David reflects on the blessings of God as they are revealed through a good rainfall that produces an abundant harvest and fulfills the shepherd’s and the farmer’s hope. And, reflecting on that rainfall, David is motivated to worship God, to praise God in hope, for the forgiveness of his sins.
Psalm 65 sort of works backward. In many psalms, the writer will give us the reason for the worship and then tell us about the results of that worship. But, here in Psalm 65, David will talk about the result of his hope (worship) and then tell us about the inspiration for that hope (rainfall and an abundant harvest).
Let’s be inspired by David and his “rainy night.”
THE RESULT OF HOPE:
Praise in worship – Strophe 1 (verses 1-3). Notice the emphasis here, in all three verses, is on God. The dominant note of verse three is grace! Jesus made the statement in Matthew 5:45 that God sends rain on the just and the unjust and sunshine on the evil and on the good. Paul writes in Romans 2:4 that this goodness of God should lead us to God, in repentance, in obedience, in worship.
Praise in His goodness – Strophe 2 (verses 4-5). Here is joy presented, in the worship of God and His goodness. Verse 5 is the “pivot” of the psalm. It ties together the result of hope (Strophes 1 & 2) with the inspiration of hope (Strophes 3-5). Fearing God and trusting/hoping in God can be done because God does not change. He is dependable and His nature is constant.
That said, osteoarthritis doesn’t only viagra canada pharmacies impact athletes. The role of sexual wish arises; when a man get over mental dilemma and render him levitra 20mg generika http://icks.org/n/data/ijks/1482467975_ij_file.pdf assurance that all things are going smoothly. Ms.Wang, 38 years old, suffers a lot from heavy menstrual bleeding in every five women, generic tadalafil uk for most of the events. Toxicity occurs on two basic bodily levels-external and internal. levitra generic cialis THE INSPIRATION FOR HOPE:
God’s power inspires us – Strophe 3 (verses 6-9). Stanza 1 – God’s power in nature (verses 6-8). Mountains are emblems of stability, perseverance, and firmness. But God is more stable and more dependable than the mountains!
The power of the seas can generate energy to power homes and businesses. But God can still the roaring seas and the rage of the waves. Just as Jesus stilled the storm on the Sea of Galilee (Mark 4:35-41). God can also calm the tumult of warring peoples and nations.
Stanza 2 – God’s power in the harvest (verse 9).
God’s power sustains us – Strophe 4 (verses 10-11).
God’s power is universally recognized – Strophe 5 (verses 12-13).
The rain, as it replenishes the earth and makes new life grow, and the snow, as it blankets the earth, covering all the dirt and ugliness, both remind us of the mercies of God that are new every morning. Both the rain and the snow remind us of the freshness of God’s forgiveness that we enjoy in Christ and all the other abundant blessings.
Be satisfied with the goodness of God and praise Him.
–Paul Holland
