Psalm 118 was Martin Luther's favorite psalm. Spurgeon, in his The Treasury of David cited, "This is my psalm, my chosen psalm. I love them all; I love all holy Scripture, which is my consolation and my life. But this psalm is nearest my heart, and I have a peculiar right to call it mine. It has saved me from many a pressing danger, from which nor emperor, nor kings, nor sages, nor saints, could have saved me. It is my friend; dearer to me than all the honors and power of the earth." According to Spurgeon, Luther put verse 17, "I will not die, but live, and tell of the works of the Lord," on a plaque on his study wall, so he could see it every day as an encouragement to persevere when other Reformers around him were being killed.
As we start the new year, let us look closer at this Psalm and be encouraged by its message too.
Historical Context
Psalm 118 is the last Psalm in a group of Psalms, beginning with Psalm 113, known as the Egyptian Hallel (Hallel meaning praise). The Jews sang these Psalms during the time of the Passover. The first two before the meal, and the last four after the meal. As the last song of the Passover, this would have been the last song that Jesus sang with His disciples before going out to the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:30 or Mark 14:26).
The Passover serves as a picture of God's redemption of His people. Not just physically from the slavery in Egypt, but also spiritually from sin. Therefore Psalm 118 is a song of thanksgiving to God for His salvation. Although this Psalm is specifically referring to Israel's deliverance from her physical enemies of Egypt, we can legitimately apply it to God saving us from sin.
A Continual Song of Praise
The first and last verses of Psalm 118 are identical and state the theme, "Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His lovingkindness is everlasting." It is a call to the nation of Israel as a whole to praise God for His everlasting love. Whether it be the priests, the royal family, or the people on the streets, all were called to praise God for what he has done for the nation in saving her from her enemies.
Obviously we do not fall under the groupings of Israel or the priests of Aaron, but as believers we do fall under the group of those who fear the Lord. Therefore, all of us need to be stirred up to give thanks to the Lord for the gift of salvation that we have received from sin.
But we need to make sure that our thankfulness is not limited to only what God has done for us, but also because "He is good" and "His lovingkindness is everlasting." Even when we go through difficult trials (vv 5, 10-13), no matter how we feel during those times, God remains good and His lovingkindness endures. To those of us who fear Him, His deeds to us are especially good. As Paul tells us in Romans 8, everything that happens to us is for good (v28)), and nothing, whether it be tribulation, persecution, or even death, can separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus (v39).
The Year Ahead
I do not know what last year was like for you, you may be happy that it is over. However, no matter what lies ahead, let us remember that God is good and His lovingkindness endures forever. Let the person and character of God be our focus, and not merely His actions. Let us begin by remembering that He has saved us, thank Him for it, and then continue to thank and praise Him for who He is through all life's experiences, good or bad. For when we keep our eyes focussed on Him, the things and struggles of this life will seem to disappear in the light of who He is.
Just a Thought!
© 2013
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