Yesterday I spent some time reading Psalm 48. I’ve been reading through this book, and this was simply the next chapter, but I thought it was funny how it has a verse that refers to the “pangs” of childbirth. This Psalm is a dramatic chorus of praise, giving glory to God in His city, Zion. What I really like about it is the tone of personal testimony. It records some dynamic historical events in which God’s power was seen. It speaks of meditating on the lovingkindness of God in light of His great works toward us. According to all God has done the praise of His name should ring out in all the earth. He is all goodness and perfection.

In his reflection on God’s hand in his life, the Psalmist has such high praise of Him. It made me think that if we have a right view of God, a right view of self will follow, not the reverse. If I were to consider my life without a right view of God I would focus much more on where I have been disappointed, gypped somehow, broken dreams or unfulfilled desires. When my perspective is on me, all I can see is what I want. But if I consider God and my life in view of Him all I can see are the blessings, the opportunities to grow, and the flood of God’s grace into my life. When my perspective is on God, all I can see is His goodness. Somehow my desires and preoccupations with self fall away and I can see more clearly that He is this great God the Psalms praise.

I really like how Psalm 48 ends, with instruction for the people to consider God’s works so they may “tell it to the generation following.” (v.13) The life of a believer is a living testimony of God’s great work. We never seem to have a problem talking about ourselves, but it is so important to always speak of the great things God has done and is doing. We shouldn’t be shy about sharing with others of God’s work in us. We should speak His praise to everyone we talk to, especially the next generation.
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Shortly after the baby was born the nurse handed him to Bobby and I smiled when I heard him telling little Tyler, “You are born a sinner, sweet baby, you already need Jesus. He is good to us, and He can save you too…” The nurse must have thought Bobby was crazy! He might not understand a word we’re saying, but we both want to tell him all about our great God. One of the high school students, Evan was over for a little while last night and we were talking about how so many parents tell their kids about Santa Claus, the tooth fairy and the Easter bunny…when none of it is true! Bobby and I just want to tell Tyler about is the Lord; He’s the only thing that’s true.