It is good! What is good? Psalm 92 starts out by saying that something is good! Whatever this good thing is, it gets the Psalmist’s day off to a good start. In fact, the effect of this good thing causes the Psalmist to be thrilled with God! It helps the Psalmist to see how good God’s works are and how deep His thoughts are. What is this good thing?
It is good to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praises to your name, O Most High; to declare your steadfast love in the morning, and your faithfulness by night, (Psalm 92:1–2, ESV)
The Psalmist joyfully declares that it is good to thank the Lord in the morning—to start the day with thankfulness to God! Being thankful is the result of being “think-full.” What does the Psalmist say he thinks about in the morning? He thinks about God’s steadfast love! He is so full of thought about God’s steadfast love and his thankfulness for it that he can’t help but declare it. It comes pouring out of him in song and praise! Does the Psalmist feel like doing this every morning? Probably not. I am sure he is a lot like us and prone to mood swings, especially in the morning! This certainly takes effort.
But there is more to this than declaring God’s steadfast love; he declares God’s faithfulness by night! In other words, the Psalmist bookends his day with thanks to the Lord for His love and faithfulness. Again, to thank God for His faithfulness requires a “think-full ” heart toward God.
Depending on what happens during the day, we may not always feel like God is faithful. Declaring God’s faithfulness can, at times, certainly take effort! If it didn’t take effort, if there were no tough times, how would we know the depth of God’s faithfulness? His faithfulness often shines the brightest during the trouble and after the trial. Then, as we look back, we say wow, God was faithful!
Giving thanks to the Lord for His steadfast love and faithfulness produces gladness. Notice the result as described by the Psalmist.
For you, O LORD, have made me glad by your work; at the works of your hands I sing for joy. How great are your works, O LORD! Your thoughts are very deep! (Psalm 92:4–5, ESV)
Are we a people of gladness? There is only one true source of gladness—God and His steadfast love and faithfulness. As we go about our days, mornings, and evenings, let’s be “think-full” of God’s love and faithfulness. May our mouths declare His works and the depth of His thoughts, and may His gladness fill our moments with praise!
Thank you for joining me as I read and journal chronologically through the Bible! This devotional reflection comes from Psalms 81; 88; 92-93.