Read
(A psalm by David and a song for the music leader.)
God Answers Prayer
1Our God, you deserve praise
in Zion, where we keep
our promises to you.
2Everyone will come to you
because you answer prayer.
3When our sins get us down,
you forgive us.
4You bless your chosen ones,
and you invite them
to live near you
in your temple.
We will enjoy your house,
the sacred temple.
5Our God, you save us,
and your fearsome deeds answer
our prayers for justice!
You give hope to people
everywhere on earth,
even those across the sea.
6You are strong,
and your mighty power
put the mountains in place.
7You silence the roaring waves
and the noisy shouts
of the nations.
8People far away marvel
at your fearsome deeds,
and all who live under the sun
celebrate and sing
because of you.
9You take care of the earth
and send rain to help the soil
grow all kinds of crops.
Your rivers never run dry,
and you prepare the earth
to produce abundant grain.
10You water all its fields
and level the lumpy ground.
You send showers of rain
to soften the soil
and help the plants sprout.
11Wherever your footsteps
touch the earth,
a rich harvest is gathered.
12Desert pastures blossom,
and mountains celebrate.
13Meadows are filled
with sheep and goats;
valleys overflow with grain
and echo with joyful songs.
Reflect
This passage opens a four-psalm symphony of jubilant thanksgiving. Praise has been waiting in slumber (v 1, NIV), and it’s up to God’s people to awaken it and stir it into song. Psalm 65 offers a poetic list of reasons why praise is due.
First, the psalmist reminds the people that they vowed to offer God their thanksgiving if he would deliver them (v 1). As surely as need provokes prayer, provision should nurture praise.
Then, the psalmist describes the ways in which God has been faithful. First and foremost, he has forgiven the people’s sins (v 3). Genuine thanksgiving usually begins in the personal experience of God’s grace. “Our terrible sins get us down, but you forgive us,” cries the psalmist. “While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us!” marvels the apostle (Romans 5:8). From either side of the cross, the view is the same: God’s mercy is great. Praise is the appropriate response.
Furthermore, God has not only forgiven us, he’s given us access to his presence. For the Israelites, this means the privilege of encountering God in his temple (v 4). For us, it means the indwelling of God’s very Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19).
As if salvation and God’s presence weren’t enough, the psalmist points out that history has proven that Yahweh is also the one who brings deliverance and justice (v 6). And then, because God’s salvation and deliverance flow out of his identity as Creator, the passage cascades into a celebration of the beauty and ordered harmony of creation.
Listen to verses 7 and 8 in The Message:
Earth-Tamer, Ocean-Pourer,
Mountain-Maker, Hill-Dresser,
Muzzler of sea storm and wave crash,
of mobs in noisy riot—
Far and wide they’ll come to a stop,
they’ll stare in awe, in wonder.
Dawn and dusk take turns
calling, “Come and worship.”
Respond
Creator. Savior. Deliverer. Redeemer. You are worthy of praise. Thank you for the sun that warms the earth today, and for the rain that will sustain it. You are worthy of praise. Thank you for your faithfulness throughout history and your plans for the future. You are worthy of praise. Thank you for the forgiveness of sins, and for your indwelling presence. You are worthy of praise. Thank you! Amen.
Carolyn Arends
Carolyn Arends (MA, Theological Studies, Regent College), has released 12 award-winning albums and 3 critically-acclaimed books. Her prose has been recognized by The Word Guild, The Evangelical Press Association, and the Canadian Church Press. Carolyn is currently the Director of Education for Renovaré, a far-reaching organization that encourages and nurtures spiritual renewal. She continues to be available on a select basis for speaking, retreat facilitation, concerts, worship leading and songwriting and performance seminars. She lives in Surrey, BC with her husband Mark and their two children. Book Releases 2012 Theology in Aisle 7 (CTE Books) 2008 Wrestling With Angels (Harvest House/ConversantLife)* Album Releases 2014 Christmas: The Story of Stories (2B Records), 2009 Love Was Here First (2B Records/Signpost Music).