Stress Test Devotional May 18
May 18, 2024
PSALM 147:12-20 | Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem! Praise your God, O Zion! For he strengthens the bars of your gates; he blesses your children within you. He grants peace within your borders; he fills you with the finest of wheat. He sends out his command to the earth; his word runs swiftly. He gives snow like wool; he scatters frost like ashes. He hurls down hail like crumbs—who can stand before his cold? He sends out his word, and melts them; he makes his wind blow, and the waters flow. He declares his word to Jacob, his statutes and ordinances to Israel. He has not dealt thus with any other nation; they do not know his ordinances. Praise the Lord!
The last call to praise in Verse 12 is followed by a series of assertions. Suddenly we are back in Jerusalem. God is blessing the children of the city, strengthening the fortifications, growing the crops, and granting peace with neighboring nations. Is this anticipatory or retrospective? If it is anticipation it expresses trust in a future not yet seen or perhaps it was written when Nehemiah was busy restoring Jerusalem.
Either way, once again, the psalmist used creation and covenant to inspire. God’s word commands snow, hail and wind and God’s word reveals truth and direction to his people. He works by address as well as command!
What new tools do you have to praise God?
Put them into action!
