I read this morning in Psalm 67 and in verse 4 find language that is, well, eye opening.
“4Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you judge the peoples with equity and guide the nations upon the earth.” – Psalm 67:4 (ESV)
Now it may not seem that eye popping until you dig in. There are words that I believe we hone in on as we read; glad, sing, and joy. And we should hold those close, however I was drawn to the words judge, equity, and guide. These are the words that pop for me.
In my NIV Bible the word judge is replaced by rule, and equity is replaced by justly. How many of us want to be ruled and feel as though rule is just? I find it interesting that we are drawn to all the positive phrasing when those of discipline are maybe the guiding light of our day to day. And notice the word I used, “guiding”, that is the other word used.
In guiding us, God has our interests in mind. He may take us through fields and seasons of goodness and then there are those times of difficulty he brings us through. Each of these times is meant for our growth and we should be thankful. Just look at verses 3 and 5 of chapter 67.
“3Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you! 5Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you!” – Psalm 67:3 & 5 (ESV)
Yes, they are the same, and I see them this way. Praise is for God in the times of prosperity as well as difficulty.
Will you praise God at all times? Will you allow God to guide you through all times? Will you allow God to be your guide?
Trevor's Thoughts 