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Psalm 66(Good News Translation)
Tuesday
November 17, 2009
Called to be Free to Give God Thanks and Praise
Introduction
Psalm 66: Today's psalm celebrates the ways in which God challenges people to grow. It commemorates the Israelites' liberation from slavery into freedom and abundance. Then it offers a model for worship, prayer, and praise.
Today's Scripture: Psalm 66:3a
Say to God, "How wonderful are the things you do!"
How is this Scripture passage speaking to me today?
Today's Reading
1Praise God with shouts of joy, all people!2Sing to the glory of his name; offer him glorious praise!3Say to God, How wonderful are the things you do! Your power is so great that your enemies bow down in fear before you.4Everyone on earth worships you; they sing praises to you, they sing praises to your name.5Come and see what God has done, his wonderful acts among people.6He changed the sea into dry land; our ancestors crossed the river on foot. There we rejoiced because of what he did.7He rules forever by his might and keeps his eyes on the nations. Let no rebels rise against him.8Praise our God, all nations; let your praise be heard.9He has kept us alive and has not allowed us to fall.10You have put us to the test, God; as silver is purified by fire, so you have tested us.11You let us fall into a trap and placed heavy burdens on our backs.12You let our enemies trample us; we went through fire and flood, but now you have brought us to a place of safety.13I will bring burnt offerings to your house; I will offer you what I promised.14I will give you what I said I would when I was in trouble.15I will offer sheep to be burned on the altar; I will sacrifice bulls and goats, and the smoke will go up to the sky.16Come and listen, all who honor God, and I will tell you what he has done for me.17I cried to him for help; I praised him with songs.18If I had ignored my sins, the Lord would not have listened to me.19But God has indeed heard me; he has listened to my prayer.20I praise God, because he did not reject my prayer or keep back his constant love from me.Reflect
Reread 66:10-12. To "test" silver or gold means to refine it. Gold and silver were melted in a hot fire, which burned off unwanted impurities such as dust. The events recall the troubles faced by the people in the desert after leaving Egypt and before entering Canaan. Those who survived the testing would be like the pure silver or gold that remains after being refined by fire. What the people experienced as testing resulted in the gift of the promised land. Have you ever felt like God was testing you? How did you experience being "refined" by God?
Pray
Praise God! How wonderful are the things you do, Holy One. You have tested me just as silver is purified by fire, and have brought me back to a place of safety. I praise you and thank you for hearing my prayers and sharing your constant love with me. Amen.
Prayer Concern
Those who feel they are being tested by God
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