THE PSALMS – A JOURNEY IN WORSHIP AND FAITH - December 10, 2014 - Day 118 - Psalm 118

If there is one thing in this life we can be sure of it is change. We learn at a young age that just when we get comfortable in the way things are they change. Sometimes change is good; sometimes it’s not. But when we come to know God we come to see that life in the world and life in Christ is not the same thing. God does not change.

Psalm 102:26-27
They will perish, but you will remain; they will all wear out like a garment. You will change them like a robe, and they will pass away, but you are the same, and your years have no end.

Hebrews 13:8
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Psalm 118 continues this theme. It is the last of what is known as the Hallel or the Hallelujah psalms. If there is one thing we can be sure of it is the unchanging love God.

Psalm 118:1
Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!

To those who are His God’s love is an anchor we can attach ourselves to. His steadfast love endures forever.

Psalm 118:2-4
Let Israel say, "His steadfast love endures forever." Let the house of Aaron say, "His steadfast love endures forever." Let those who fear the LORD say, "His steadfast love endures forever."

Again and again in God’s Word the lesson is repeated. We can safely rest in God. Yet even we New Testament Christians keep thinking we need to handle things. We think our strength comes in armies or in our guns. We keep putting our hope in politicians for our safety and our provision.

Psalm 118:5-9
Out of my distress I called on the LORD; the LORD answered me and set me free. The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me? The LORD is on my side as my helper; I shall look in triumph on those who hate me. It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes.

Study American history and look at the various wars we were victorious in. The Revolutionary War was lost. Washington was prepared to give up yet God had a different plan. General Washington was a man of prayer. He knew where to turn in times of desperation.

Psalm 118:10-14
All nations surrounded me; in the name of the LORD I cut them off! They surrounded me, surrounded me on every side; in the name of the LORD I cut them off! They surrounded me like bees; they went out like a fire among thorns; in the name of the LORD I cut them off! I was pushed hard, so that I was falling, but the LORD helped me. The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.

Thanksgiving must become central in our prayer life. God is deserving of our praise and our worship.

Psalm 118:15
Glad songs of salvation are in the tents of the righteous: "The right hand of the LORD does valiantly,

With God nothing is impossible. He created this earth and He sustains it by His power.

Psalm 118:15
Glad songs of salvation are in the tents of the righteous: "The right hand of the LORD does valiantly,

God allows us to suffer through certain trials to mature us into a life of righteousness.

Psalm 118:17-18
I shall not die, but I shall live, and recount the deeds of the LORD. The LORD has disciplined me severely, but he has not given me over to death.

Jesus is the only way to eternal life in heaven. Through Him we will one day walk in God’s midst again as did Adam and Eve.

Psalm 118:19-20
Open to me the gates of righteousness, that I may enter through them and give thanks to the LORD. This is the gate of the LORD; the righteous shall enter through it.

Thanks be to Him.

Psalm 118:21
I thank you that you have answered me and have become my salvation.

Jesus is the stone upon which the church is built.

Psalm 118:22-23
The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This is the LORD's doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.

Whatever we face today or in the future we can trust in God.

Psalm 118:24
This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Today is the day of salvation. Let Jesus be your hope. Let the light of Christ be upon you. All you have to do is ask Him.

Psalm 118:25-27
Save us, we pray, O LORD! O LORD, we pray, give us success! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD! We bless you from the house of the LORD. The LORD is God, and he has made his light to shine upon us. Bind the festal sacrifice with cords, up to the horns of the altar!

Let praise be upon your lips all day long.

Psalm 118:28-29
You are my God, and I will give thanks to you; you are my God; I will extol you. Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!

Amen.