Praiseful Pondering

SYNOPSIS: God wants you, on a regular basis, to call up from your memory banks the things that he has done. He wants you to delight in his sovereign acts and stand in awe of the mighty works of his hand. God didn’t perform them only to have them written in the history books and then to be forgotten. They are to be remembered, pondered, delighted in, and to lead his people to offer him eternal praise. I’m sure if you allow yourself some time to ponder anew the past acts of God on behalf of his people and on your behalf, too, nothing but good things will come from it. I can’t think of a downside to a session of praiseful pondering, can you?

Moments With God // Psalm 111:1-3

When was the last time you took some time to remember what God has done? Psalm 111:4 says, “He has caused his wonders to be remembered.” In other words, built into God’s mighty acts is a reminder to remember the One who performed them.

God wants you, on a regular basis, to call up from your memory banks the things that he has done. He wants you to delight in his sovereign acts and stand in awe of the mighty works of his hand. God didn’t perform them only to have them written in the history books and then to be forgotten. They are to be remembered, pondered, delighted in, and, as Psalm 111:10 says, to lead his people to offer him eternal praise:

Praise him forever!

Before you leave this time of reflection on Psalm 111, perhaps you should take a moment to speak forth your delight in the great things God has done. The psalmist has even provided a wonderful template of praise just for you. For instance,

• You can reflect on the undeserved compassion that God has extended to you: “How gracious and merciful is our Lord!” (Psalm 111:4)
• You probably ought to include a verbal gratitude list for the gracious provision he has made for your daily needs: “He gives food to those who fear him.” (Psalm 111:5)
• While you are thinking about that, thank him for staying true to his character and his promises: “He always remembers his covenant.” (Psalm 111:5)
• You might want to bask in the Divine power that has led to victories in your life: “He has shown his great power to his people by giving them the lands of other nations.” (Psalm 111:6)
• You could add your appreciation for his fair and just rule, too: “All he does is just and good, and all his commandments are trustworthy. They are forever true, to be obeyed faithfully and with integrity.”(Psalm 111:7-8)

And best of all, why not let the reality of your redemption cause you to be undone with love all over again: “He has paid a full ransom for his people. He has guaranteed his covenant with them forever. What a holy, awe-inspiring name he has!” (Psalm 111:9)

I love Joachim Neander’s 17th Century hymn, Praise To the Lord the Almighty, especially the words of the third verse:

Praise to the Lord, who doth prosper thy work and defend thee;
Surely His goodness and mercy here daily attend thee;
Ponder anew what the Almighty can do,
If with His love He befriend thee.

I’m sure if you allow yourself some time to ponder anew the past acts of God on behalf of his people and on your behalf, too, nothing but good things will come from it. I can’t think of a downside to a session of praiseful pondering, can you?