Day 135 - A Journey Through David's Hymns (Psalms 103, Psalms 108-110, Psalms 122, 124) - Year 2
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TODAY'S READING:

• Psalms 103, Psalms 108-110, Psalms 122, 124

WORD OF THE DAY:

-  Present

Psalm 103, attributed to David, is a vibrant hymn of praise that invites us to marvel at God's infinite kindness and mercy. In this Psalm, David exhorts his soul and all within him to bless the Lord and remember His good deeds—forgiving iniquities, healing diseases, redeeming lives from destruction, and crowning us with lovingkindness and tender mercies. This Psalm beautifully illustrates how God's compassion and grace are not just historical facts but present realities.

Word of the Day: Present - existing or occurring now.

In Psalm 103:8, the scripture highlights, "The LORD is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love." It's crucial to note that the term "LORD" in all caps translates to "Yahweh," a name deeply rooted in God's covenant with His people and His mighty acts of redemption.

Understanding the significance of "Yahweh" enriches our reading of the Psalms. This name is a personal testament to God's ongoing presence and action in our lives. It harkens back to the encounter between Moses and God at the burning bush, where God introduced Himself as "I Am," signifying His eternal and unchanging nature.

Several years ago, I memorized Psalm 103 with a dear friend. Recalling these verses now, I am reminded that the attributes of God celebrated in these ancient texts—His compassion, patience, and readiness to forgive—are directed towards us in our current moments, not just in the past.

This psalm does not only recount historical deeds but invites us to see God's hand in our current experiences. It emphasizes that the same God who parted the Red Sea and guided Israel through the wilderness is present in our daily struggles, offering guidance, comfort, and protection.

It's easy to fall into the trap of seeing God as a distant figure, especially when facing personal challenges. Psalm 103 offers a refreshing reminder of God's nature. He is not a remote deity; He is 'Yahweh', ever-present and actively involved in our lives.

Ann Spangler, in her book Praying the Names of God, points out that when we pray to Yahweh, we are reaching out to a God who is as active and involved in our lives today as He was in biblical times. This recognition transforms how we view our relationship with Him—God is not only a figure of the past but a present reality who interacts with us every day.

Scriptures reiterate God's promise to never leave us or forsake us. This promise, seen from the enduring pledge in Deuteronomy to the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit mentioned by Jesus, assures us of God's unending presence in our lives.

The phrase "God showed up" can sometimes seem to suggest that God's presence is sporadic. However, what we often mean is that we became more aware of His omnipresence. God doesn’t come and go; He is continually with us, and our awareness of His presence can ebb and flow.

As we reflect on Psalm 103 and other writings of David, we're reminded of the powerful, personal nature of God's name—Yahweh. Each day, as we encounter various trials and triumphs, let us remember that God is not a relic of the past but a vibrant, present force in our lives, loving us and leading us with a shepherd's care.

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