As I’ve been reading through Psalms this week, one of the things I love is how they give voice to what is in my heart. The Psalms are (largely) an expression of the human heart toward God – sometimes positive, sometimes negative, but always real. The “Sunday mask” that is worn by some to create the image of “having it all together” is removed in the Psalms and true emotion pours out.

In Psalm 50, from beginning to end, Asaph exalts God. “The Mighty One, God the Lord, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting.” Lest we think that we are at the center, God is the One who summons and all the earth (from rising to setting sun) responds. The psalm ends by calling all people to offer thanksgiving to God which glorifies Him. This is the one God will save. Our world revolves around God, not the other way around.

This theme of God’s supremacy resonates with me. There are certain theological foundations that provide the undergirding the influence many other theological positions. God’s sovereignty is one such foundation, in my opinion. It influences who I am, how I relate to God, how the world functions, Who is in authority, what my purpose is, where everything is moving, and so much more. For example, I was talking with an older, wiser friend a few days ago and he was sharing that when he prays, he rarely asks God for things. He feels that is not his place. He said, “God knows what I need, and will do what He sees best.” In that way, my friend is acknowledging God is over all. Certainly there is a place for us to offer our requests before God, but all to frequently our prayers become lopsided with nearly all requests and very little God-exaltation.

The Psalm proclaims God is judge (v.3-6). He is the ultimate authority, the final decision-maker. We hear God Himself speaking in much of the psalm, declaring truth about Himself and what is important to Him. Israel was caught up in the externals of sacrifice, yet God owns all the cattle, all animals, all creation (v.10-11). He is independent, needing nothing from us (v.12-13). This truth puts us in our place. And yet, God desires our thankfulness, our sincere worship, our plea for help: “Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and perform your vows to the Most High, and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.” (v.14-15) Most of the rest of the psalm is God’s scathing rebuke of the wicked. (v.16-22). Truly God is judge of all, and He will mete out justice with righteous holiness. He alone is able to do so. Then God’s final words through Asaph remind us to offer thanksgiving in worship to God, ordering his way rightly, and receiving God’s salvation. 

In view of that, I offer thankfulness to God in worship that:

• My daughter Alyssa arrived back at school in Kentucky to continue her Bible training with joy in her heart following a wonderful summer.
• My son Andrew continues to abide in Christ, shining the light of the Gospel to all his connections in the real estate industry. And at the same time, he still enjoys spending time with our family, as a 22 year old gifted and ambitious young man.
• My son Adam and daughter in law Sofia are delighting in the blessing of marriage, trusting in God’s leading for their next steps as they continue in their seminary education and prepare for a life of service to Him.
• My wife Holly loves the Lord with her whole heart, she longs for others to rejoice in the God she knows and loves, she is made to be a wife and mother and finds deep fulfillment in this role, and she forgives me when I am obliviously insensitive to her tender heart and unspoken feelings.
• God has placed dear brothers and sisters in my life, locally and globally, who inspire me to seek God, to abide in His love, to fulfill my calling, and to grow beyond what I think possible.
• God has blessed me with a team of churches and individuals who faithfully stand with us in spreading the great message globally the God is worthy of having His Word studied, His Word obeyed, and His Word preached by people from every tongue and tribe and nation.
• As unworthy as I am, God has written my name in heaven, for which I will rejoice for all my days! (Luke 10:20)

To God be the glory, for He alone is worthy! Amen and amen.