Tags
atheist, David, dawn, Manitoba, music, prairie, praise, Psalm 108, repent, steadfast, sunrise, thankful, the LORD
Reading: Psalm 108
A song. A psalm of David.
(Verses 1-5)
My heart, O God, is steadfast;
I will sing and make music with all my soul.
Awake, harp and lyre!
I will awaken the dawn.
I will praise you, LORD, among the nations;
I will sing of you among the peoples.
For great is your love, higher than the heavens;
your faithfulness reaches to the skies.
Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
let your glory be over all the earth (NIV).
Reflection
This morning did you awaken the dawn or did the dawn awaken you? For those who are early risers awakening the dawn becomes much easier as the days get shorter and we approach the winter solstice. But just the opposite is true now. I confess that this morning I did not awake before sunrise.
Manitoba sunrise, “Awake my soul” — photo by David Kitz
There is something quite magical about watching the sunrise and spread its golden rays across the eastern sky. I was treated to a magnificent sunrise display last Monday. I was driving east across the prairies and as each mile slipped by the glory along the horizon grew more and more intense. I pity the poor atheist who has no one to praise when he beholds such a display.
For believers, praise for our God springs naturally from our lips when we see God paint the sky with golden hues of splendor. In such moments David’s call to worship becomes our own: Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn. I will praise you, LORD, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples.
Can you picture David taking up his harp and breaking into song as he locks his eyes on the rising sun? David was a most remarkable character. What sets David apart from other individuals we meet in the pages of scripture? He was a man of spectacular failings. His adulterous affair with Bathsheba and the treacherous means he used to dispatch her husband stand out. But there’s nothing remarkable about spectacular failings and shortcomings. These are common to man.
What stands out about David’s character is his steadfastness to the LORD. The opening lines of Psalm 109 hold the key to understanding David’s overcoming nature. My heart, O God, is steadfast; I will sing and make music with all my soul.
Despite his failings, David remained steadfast in his love for God. Secondly, he was wholehearted in his praise for God. When things came off the rails, he did not turn away from the LORD or stop praising Him. He repented and God forgave him. Then David gave thanks. David’s example is there for us to follow.
Response: LORD God, I always want to have a thankful heart that is quick to praise you. Help me to be steadfast in love and praise even when the way ahead is difficult. You are my help and my glory. Amen.
Your Turn: What does being steadfast look like for you?
I love the Psalms 
“I pity the poor atheist who has no one to praise when he beholds such a display.” I love that line. Sunrise and Sunset are awe inspiring portraits made every day, unique and magnificent. It would be terrible not to be able to thank someone for them!
Being steadfast – I like your analogy of David’s steadfastness despite his failings. I noticed this when studying the Psalms. Over and over, David talked of his failings, but he always came back to praising the Lord. May I always remember God’s mercy, even in the midst of my failings and troubles!
Despite his failings David truly was a remarkable man. Lord, give me faith like David.
Hanging in there has always been a problem. I usually give up before things get hot and heavy. That is precisely when I need God the most. BTW you are now in my reader.
Glad to hear I’m in the reader again. I posted a question on the WordPress discussion board but did not get a reply. I hope the problem is permanently fixed.
My numbers are down too, but I’m not posting much lately.
Nothing stirs the heart like a beautiful sunrise on a cold morning. Thanks for the words and the image.
Agreed, Wally. Thanks goes to God for His amazing gifts.