For a full description of the (Y3) reading plan, see the “About” page.
- What attributes of God’s character does this passage reveal?
- How does the passage point to Jesus?
- How should the truth of this passage change me?
- How do the events of today’s reading help you better understand the grand narrative of Scripture?
Ps. 95
When I read this Psalm, I stopped to think about what it means to enter God’s presence with thanksgiving. It seems that every instance of someone coming into God’s presence in the Bible results in their trembling with fear and dropping to the ground in shame and humility. As the people of Beth-shemesh, who lost seventy people because they looked inside the Ark of the Covenant, said, “Who is able to stand in the presence of the LORD this holy God?” (1 Sam. 6:20b). How amazing it is that, because of God’s mercy and grace through Jesus, we can. So, “Come, let’s shout joyfully to the LORD, shout triumphantly to the rock of our salvation!” (Ps. 95:1). He is a great God indeed.
Ps. 97
I see a similar theme in this Psalm. It speaks of rejoicing in the righteousness and judgments of our mighty God. The only reason we can do that is because, “He protects the lives of His faithful ones” (Ps. 97:10b).
Ps. 98
It is not just people who praise and worship God. All of creation joins in as well. If you think about it, any well made thing praises the hand of its maker just by its very existence. So it is with God’s creation. What a great chorus it will be when God comes to release His good creation from the curse and the grip of evil!
Ps. 99
I love these Psalms that praise and exalt our sovereign God. It is good to dwell on His greatness; to remember who He is and who we are. It is actually quite silly to think that we can lift God up. There is nothing higher than He! What really happens when we exalt God as God is that we remind ourselves of how low we are and bring ourselves back down where we belong. “Exalt the LORD our God; bow in worship at His footstool. He is holy.” (Ps. 99:5).