Daily Psalm Reading – Psalms 61-65
Today we turn our attention to Psalm 65: a song of thanksgiving, but also one of supplication.
The psalmist begins with a focus on public acknowledgement of sin, something that seems to rarely happen anymore. We think of sin as an individualistic. If I sin it’s my problem, and if you sin it’s your problem. Scripture views sin as effecting everything and everyone. You would offer sacrifices for your sin, I would offer for mine, and corporately the nation would offer sacrifices, seeking forgiveness for the nation as a whole.
When we were overwhelmed by sins,
Psalm 65:3 NIV
you forgave our transgressions.
Can you imagine our political leaders doing something like this? Can you imagine a joint session of congress where political leaders acknowledge the sins of the nation and petition God for forgiveness? I can’t imagine it either, but it is something that truly needs to happen. Until that time comes, we as believers (individual) and the church (corporate) need to intercede for the forgiveness of our nation. In doing so, we draw nearer to God who welcomes us to do so.
Why should we praise God? He answers prayer (v. 2), he forgives (v. 3), he allows us to draw near (v. 4), he sits over creation in power (v. 5-8), and he blesses us with provisions (v. 9-13).
So will we honor him? Will we dedicate our lives to him? Will we give God what he deserves for being so good to the undeserving?
Praise awaits you, our God, in Zion;
Psalm 65:1 NIV
to you our vows will be fulfilled.
Living in the Word 