Sunday Scripture

 

As I've mentioned, I'm finishing up a One Chapter a Day study of Psalms 101-150 from Good Morning Girls.  Although I love working on more in-depth Bible studies, these simpler ones are also a blessing to do.  In fact, once I finish this GMG Psalms study, I hope to begin the one that preceded it for Psalms 51-100, then maybe tackle a more in-depth study of  Psalms from the The Daily Grace Co.  But we will see.  I don't want to get ahead of myself. 

 I like to use the SOAP method of Bible study, and the journal from GMG uses a very similar method.  I find this method a real blessing whether I am studying shorter passages or longer ones, so I hope you'll give it a try if you haven't ever done so. Just a reminder that the S is for Scripture -- just write it out -- and the O is for Observation, the A is for Application and the P is for prayer -- concerning how you'll apply this verse or praise for what it means to you.

This study also includes a reflection question for each passage.  Sometime I answer this in my study, and sometimes not.  Most often, when I do answer it, I'll do so right after the SOAP part.

Today's study is from Psalm 136.  Verse 1 is the one to zoom in on, but I chose to do verses 4-6 also.

S= "Oh, give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good; for His mercy endureth forever ... To Him who alone doeth great wonders; for His mercy endureth forever.  To Him who by wisdom made the heavens; for His mercy endureth forever.  To Him who stretcheth out the earth above the waters; for His mercy endureth forever."  (Psalm 136:1, 4-6)

O= C.I. Scofield titles this Psalm "The LORD's enduring mercy."   Charles Spurgeon says, "We know not by whom this psalm was written, but we do know that it was sung in Solomon's Temple (2 Chronicles 7:3, 6) and by the armies of Jehoshaphat when they sang themselves into victory in the wilderness of Tekoa.  From the striking form of it,  we should infer that it was a popular hymn among the Lord's ancient people.  Most hymns with a solid, simple chorus become favorites with congregations, and this is sure to have been one of the best beloved.  It contains nothing but praise."

Cross- references for "His mercy endureth forever" include the following:

"Oh, give thanks unto the LORD; for He is good; for His mercy endureth forever." (1 Chronicles 16:34)

"And with them Heman and Jeduthun, and the rest who were chosen to give thanks unto the LORD, because His mercy endureth forever." (1 Chronicles 16:41)

"And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the LORD, who should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the LORD; for His mercy endureth forever." (2 Chronicles 20:21)

Cross-reference for verse 5 -- 

"He hath made the earth by His power; He hath established the world by His wisdom; and hath stretched out the heavens by His understanding." (Jeremiah 51:15)

Cross-references for verse 6 --  

 "And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place; and let the dry land appear; and it was so."  (Genesis 1:9)

"He hath made the earth by His power; He hath established the world by His wisdom; and hath stretched out the heavens by His discretion." (Jeremiah 10:12)

Spurgeon writes in The Treasury of David that this psalm "commences with a threefold praise to the Triune Lord (verses 1-3), then it gives us six notes of praise to the Creator (v. 4-9) six more upon deliverance from evil (7-15) and seven upon the journey through the wilderness and the entrance into Canaan.  Then we have two happy verses of personal gratitude for present mercy (23-24) one (v.25) to tell of the Lord's universal providence, and a closing verse to excite to never-ending praise."

A= A psalm that contains nothing but praise should move me to praise also, as the Psalmist exhorts: "O, give thanks unto the LORD!"

His mercy, also translated "steadfast love", endures forever.  And that, though it is repeated 26 times in this psalm, is only one of the many reasons to praise Him, as also alluded to in these verses.  I can praise Him for who He is, for His amazing work in Creation, for His guidance and care of His people, His provision in our lives, and much more.

P= "Lord, I am so thankful that Your steadfast love for me endures forever. Your mercies are unfailing throughout every day of life.  I praise You for Your goodness.  I praise You that You provided a way for me to have a relationship with You.  I praise You for Your glorious work in creation and for Your providential care for Your people every day.  The reasons to praise You are literally endless.  I praise You in Jesus' name, Amen."

There is the Sunday Scripture for this week!  Let's praise our Lord together!