Click this link to hear an audio version of the below text narrated by SOTH member Jerry Rhinehart:
Psalm 111 (NIV)
1 Praise the Lord. I will extol the Lord with all my heart in the council of the upright and in the assembly. 2 Great are the works of the Lord; they are pondered by all who delight in them. 3 Glorious and majestic are his deeds, and his righteousness endures forever. 4 He has caused his wonders to be remembered; the Lord is gracious and compassionate. 5 He provides food for those who fear him; he remembers his covenant forever. 6 He has shown his people the power of his works, giving them the lands of other nations. 7 The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy. 8 They are established forever and ever, enacted in faithfulness and uprightness. 9 He provided redemption for his people; he ordained his covenant forever— holy and awesome is his name. 10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.
Today, Psalm 111 gives us an opportunity to spend the day focusing on all the awesome ways that God loves us! We have a litany of items to praise God for: his works, his provision, his righteousness, and redemption. Yet, tucked within these verses of praise is a challenge to go deeper: “Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them”. (Ps 111:2) Looks like we have some studying to do! “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding.” (Ps 111:10) Here, the word “fear” can be translated ‘respect, to hold in high regard’. How can we hold God in high regard? This respect comes as part of our relationship with God. Today, consider how you can grow in your relationship with God, how can you hold God in high regard throughout your day?