Feb. 12, 2015: Psalm 97:1-9

We encourage you to read this devotion three times a day.  Start in the morning and reflect upon the morning reflection question. Then in the afternoon, read it again and reflect using the noon question for reflection.  For the evening, take time to ponder how this has resonated with you in the day and reflecting using the evening question.  We offer a prayer with each devotion for you to pray or we invite you to pray what is in your heart.

 

Psalm 97:1-9

¹ The Lord is king! Let the earth rejoice;
   let the many coastlands be glad!
² Clouds and thick darkness are all around him;
   righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.
³ Fire goes before him,
   and consumes his adversaries on every side.
⁴ His lightnings light up the world;
   the earth sees and trembles.
⁵ The mountains melt like wax before the Lord,
   before the Lord of all the earth.

⁶ The heavens proclaim his righteousness;
   and all the peoples behold his glory.
⁷ All worshippers of images are put to shame,
   those who make their boast in worthless idols;
   all gods bow down before him.
⁸ Zion hears and is glad,
   and the towns of Judah rejoice,
   because of your judgements, O God.
⁹ For you, O Lord, are most high over all the earth;
   you are exalted far above all gods.

Key Verses:  vv. 7  

Reflection:

Ralph Waldo Emerson had a famous quote that went like this:

 “The Gods we worship write their names on our faces; be sure of that. And a man will worship something ... That which dominates will determine his life and character. Therefore it behooves us to be careful what we worship, for what we are worshipping we are becoming.”

We all will worship something.  Worship is simply showing love and devotion towards something or someone. What or who are you devoted to?  This famous quote reminds us to be careful about what is consuming our time and attention.  It can show on our face and in our character!  God desires our worship, our love and devotion.  Even the heavens declare His righteousness!  When we pay more attention to worldly matters than to God we are on the slippery slope to idol worship.     

Reflection Questions: 

Morning: What demands your attention today?  Where does God fit into this day?

Noon:  What is one small way that you can choose to connect with God today? 

Evening:  As you reflect on this day, what dominated your time and attention?  What will you change about your focus for tomorrow?

Prayer:  Dear God, I know how easy it is to put everything else before You.  Please forgive me for allowing my schedule or my own interests to take Your place.  Lord, You are the most high above all the earth and You are exalted above all gods.  Let my day reflect my love and devotion towards you.  Amen.