A Word from Psalm 65

Do you ever find yourself reading scripture, and you come across a few words – that aren’t necessarily all that deep – but that invite you to linger, and that speak to your heart in a way reminds you of God’s goodness? Well, I find some words like that in today’s word from Psalm 65.

Now, just to offer some context, Psalm 65 is a psalm of devotion. “Praise awaits you, our God, in Zion,” it begins; “to you our vows will be fulfilled.” (v. 1) But the section that captures my attention comes in the middle:

You answer us with awesome and righteous deeds, God our Savior,

     the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas,

who formed the mountains by your power,

     having armed yourself with strength,

who stilled the roaring of the seas, the roaring of their waves,

     and the turmoil of the nations. (vs. 5-7)

And then, these are the words that I find so intriguing:

The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders;

     where morning dawns, where evening fades, you call forth songs of joy. (v. 8, NIV; emphasis added)

So, where does morning dawn? And where does evening fade? The answers, I suppose, are: “in the east” and “in the west.” But doesn’t that mean that from one end of the heavens to the other—and from one day to the other, in faithful progression—God is inviting us to join with all creation in singing songs of joyful praise?

So listen. I know that world can be a challenging place. And Monday mornings can be a challenging time! But right now—as a new morning dawns—God is calling forth a song of joy…in you! So, won’t you sing that song?! To the God who made you, and loves you, and is with you right now. Amen.