Passage: Psalm 65
The Big Idea
Psalm 65 is a harvest song of praise to the God who hears prayer, atones for sin, stills the roaring seas and waters the earth until the hills shout for joy. The order matters: first atonement, then access, then abundance. Blessed is the man You choose, and cause to approach You.
Reflections
Praise is awaiting You, O God, in Zion (v. 1). Jesus praised, worshiped and served the Father His whole life and fulfilled every vow. Help me live with integrity and worship.
O You who hear prayer, to You all flesh will come (v. 2). I believe You hear prayer, though not nearly as much as I should. I’ll depend on You daily. I refuse to leave Your side. Be my defender and shepherd. Send Your Spirit with every answer today.
Iniquities prevail against me; as for our transgressions, You will provide atonement for them (v. 3). This is my big struggle. I feel I deserve every hardship because of my sin. Yet You’ve provided atonement through Jesus’ blood. Keep my eyes there and my joy in Your finished work.
Blessed is the man You choose, and cause to approach You (v. 4). How happy is the one You choose and cause to come. You make it happen! Help my unbelief. Let the seeds that have been planted spring up. We shall be satisfied with the goodness of Your house: a forgiven, atoned-for family, Your dwelling place.
By awesome deeds in righteousness You will answer us (v. 5). You’re the confidence of all the ends of the earth. Whatever the problem, You can fix it. I call and You answer. You’re God and I’m Your creature; You’re Father and I’m Your son, adopted and redeemed by Your blood. I trust You completely.
Who established the mountains by His strength (v. 6). Nothing is too hard for You. You’re teaching me faith. Establish me like a mountain, a city on a hill. Purify my faith, and quickly.
You who still the noise of the seas… and the tumult of the peoples (v. 7). That’s the condition of my heart. Only You know what each of us feels. Calm it all, and bring the peace that passes understanding.
You make the outgoings of the morning and evening rejoice (v. 8). Wherever I am, You’re there and in control. Every sunrise and sunset testifies to Your glory and faithfulness.
You visit the earth and water it… the river of God is full of water (vv. 9-13). You have the resources for everything I need. I don’t need to look anywhere else. Show that my faith isn’t misplaced and that Your Word never fails. You crown the year with Your goodness, and Your paths drip with abundance. If You crown this year with Your goodness, it will show Your glory. The pastures are clothed with flocks, and the valleys shout for joy and sing. I want to be Your fruitful land. Teach me to trust. Heal my heart. Bring peace and stillness to my soul.
Grace Takeaway
Before the harvest comes the atonement. Because your sins are covered, you can approach Him, and He delights to crown your year with His goodness.
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