Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.

 

“Rejoice always;  pray without ceasing;  in everything give thanks;  for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.

 

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What makes us think that it is God’s will for us to be quiet sourpusses?!  And yet, we act that way too often and approve of that conduct in other Christians too often.  

 

Today’s Scripture reminds us that our beauty and attractiveness (our “becoming”) comes from behavior that rejoices always, prays without ceasing, and gives thanks in everything.  This is God’s will for us.   

 

Psalm 33:1
“Sing for joy in the LORD, O you righteous ones;  Praise is becoming to the upright.”

                           

Psalm 147:1
“Praise the LORD!  For it is good to sing praises to our God;  For it is pleasant and praise is becoming.”

 

 

In summary, the above-stated Psalm 33:1 verse is contained in a chapter that puts it all together in a sweeping view of history and God’s will.  Notice the rejoicing in verses 1 to 3, the thanks in verse 2, the cause for rejoicing and thanks which is God’s word and work in verses 4 through 11, what pleases God and is God’s will for us in verses 13 through 19, and the attitude of prayer in verses 20 through 22.

                                   

“Praise is becoming to the upright.
2 Give thanks to the Lord with the lyre;
Sing praises to Him with a harp of ten strings.
3 Sing to Him a new song;
Play skillfully with a shout of joy.
4 For the word of the Lord is upright,
And all His work is done in faithfulness.
5 He loves righteousness and justice;
The earth is full of the lovingkindness of the Lord.

6 By the word of the Lord the heavens were made,
And by the breath of His mouth all their host.
7 He gathers the waters of the sea together as a heap;
He lays up the deeps in storehouses.
8 Let all the earth fear the Lord;
Let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him.
9 For He spoke, and it was done;
He commanded, and it stood fast.
10 The Lord nullifies the counsel of the nations;
He frustrates the plans of the peoples.
11 The counsel of the Lord stands forever,
The plans of His heart from generation to generation.
12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord,
The people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance.

13 The Lord looks from heaven;
He sees all the sons of men;
14 From His dwelling place He looks out
On all the inhabitants of the earth,
15 He who fashions the hearts of them all,
He who understands all their works.
16 The king is not saved by a mighty army;
A warrior is not delivered by great strength.
17 A horse is a false hope for victory;
Nor does it deliver anyone by its great strength.

18 Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him,
On those who hope for His lovingkindness,
19 To deliver their soul from death
And to keep them alive in famine.
20 Our soul waits for the Lord;
He is our help and our shield.
21 For our heart rejoices in Him,
Because we trust in His holy name.
22 Let Your lovingkindness, O Lord, be upon us,
According as we have hoped in You.”  Psalm Chapter 33.