Day #22 (Psalm 33) – “The Steadfast Love of the Lord”

​GATHERING
THE CALL | Lamentations 3:25 [ESV]
    The LORD is good to those who wait for him,
           to the soul who seeks him.

CONFESSION | Lamentations 3:28–30 [ESV]
The phrase, Kyrie eleison, simply means "Lord have mercy" and has been used by the Church for centuries, including by Reformers like John Calvin as a congregational refrain during worship. We often use it to ask for the forgiveness of personal sin, but it is just as appropriate to call upon God's saving mercy as we experience the sinful effects of others upon us. Here we will use it as such. You can speak it, or you can sing it: 

~Kyrie eleison [sheet music]~
Let him sit alone in silence
    when it is laid on him;

~Kyrie eleison~
let him put his mouth in the dust--
    there may yet be hope;

~Kyrie eleison~
let him give his cheek to the one who strikes,
    and let him be filled with insults.

~Kyrie eleison~

ASSURANCE | Lamentations 3:28–30 [ESV]
For the Lord will not
    cast off forever,
but, though he cause grief, he will have compassion
    according to the abundance of his steadfast love;
for he does not afflict from his heart
    or grieve the children of men.

SING | Doxology [sheet music]
Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Amen

WORD
Read Psalm 33
2nd Reading: Is. 55
 (Psalm 33:16-17) “The king is not saved by his great army; a warrior is not delivered by his great strength.
                                    The war horse is a false hope for salvation, and by its great might it cannot rescue.”
 
This is a psalm of praise for all that the Lord has created and for the Lord who reigns omnipotently over his creation. The omnipotence of God is the belief that God is all powerful, which is one way the psalmist challenges the reader of this psalm.
 
In verse 10 we read that the Lord brings the “counsel of nations to nothing” and “frustrates the plans of the people.” Part of praising God as our all-powerful creator is putting the smaller world-powers in their place. Nations will make their plans, but their steps belong to the Lord. The temptation to put ultimate faith in government institutions is not a new concept.
 
Verses 16 and 17 bring this concept into a more personal understanding. One might assume that when an army has a victory it is because of the strength of that army, perhaps strong horses or strong soldiers or a strong king. The psalmist reminds us that these are false hopes. Today, our material things on which we rely, while useful and good, can become false hopes.
 
It’s important in every success of life to give acknowledgment and praise to God for the victory. God is not only the creator but the sustainer of life. We must humbly recognize our position before him. Take some time to give him praise for any and every success you have had in life. Confess false hopes. Lastly, (v.20) wait for the Lord “he is our help and our shield.” 

ABIDING
SING

• Psalm 123 | I Lift My Eyes [recording] [sheet music]
• Optional Meditation: Recording: Aramaic Our Father In Heaven from the Country of Georgia

THURSDAY-MEMORIZE | Psalm 123
- Spend time memorizing the words of the Psalm as best you can - 

SENDING
LORD'S PRAYER
Our Father in heaven, 
hallowed be your Name, 
your kingdom come, 
your will be done, 
on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread. 
And forgive us our debts, 
as we also have forgiven our debtors

And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil. 
For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever, 
Amen.

Lamentations 3:22–24
The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases;
    his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
    great is your faithfulness.
“The LORD is my portion,” says my soul,
    “therefore I will hope in him.”