{"id":1934,"date":"2024-10-02T19:50:33","date_gmt":"2024-10-02T19:50:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.championforest.org\/articles\/?p=1934"},"modified":"2024-10-02T19:50:35","modified_gmt":"2024-10-02T19:50:35","slug":"the-glory-of-god-in-the-psalms","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.championforest.org\/articles\/2024\/10\/02\/the-glory-of-god-in-the-psalms\/","title":{"rendered":"The Glory of God in the Psalms"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Psalm 96:3 beautifully captures the heart of the believer’s calling:\u00a0\u201cDeclare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!\u201d<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This verse not only commands us to proclaim the greatness of God, but it also reminds us that God’s glory is on full display, waiting to be recognized and shared. As we reflect on specific examples of God\u2019s glory from the Psalms, I pray that these reflections will stir your heart to worship and inspire you to declare His glory in every part of your day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

God\u2019s Handiwork<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

“The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above\u00a0proclaims his handiwork.” (Psalm 19:1)<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

God\u2019s glory is displayed throughout creation. Whether it’s the vibrant colors of a sunset, the beauty of a mountain range, the vast expanse of the ocean, or the simple joy of a loved one\u2019s smile, creation reflects God’s majesty. I am continually in awe of His ability to intricately design the universe while still caring for each of us individually. The splendor of creation points us back to God as the Creator of all and invites us to recognize His glory in everything around us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

God\u2019s Protection<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

“God is our\u00a0refuge and strength, a very\u00a0present\u00a0help in\u00a0trouble.” (Psalm 46:1)<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted in the earth!” (Psalm 46:10)<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Psalm 46 is a comforting passage for believers because it points to God as a refuge and a strength. He lifts us from our weariness and hides us in his presence, which is our peace. He invites us to lower our defenses, \u201cbe still,\u201d and trust him. This stillness isn\u2019t just physical rest; it\u2019s a spiritual posture of surrender and an invitation to remember and recount God\u2019s history of protection; it is to remember his promise to be a \u201chelp in trouble.\u201d We can confidently trust in the God who will be exalted over all the earth and who stands as our unshakable fortress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

God\u2019s Son<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

“I thank you that\u00a0you have answered me and have become my salvation. The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This is the\u00a0Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.” (Psalm 118:21-23)<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Did you know that Jesus quotes the Psalms more than anything else in the Old Testament? In Matthew 21:42, Jesus recites Psalm 118:21-23 word for word. Aside from the prophetic books, the Psalms contain some of the most prophetic content in the Old Testament, as they foreshadow Jesus\u2019 suffering, death, resurrection, and victory on the eternal throne (Psalm 16, 22, 110). The Psalms point to the glory of Christ and salvation for all who believe in Him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Responding to God\u2019s Glory<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Take a few moments today to reflect on the beauty of God\u2019s creation. Consider how He is both creative and intentional in everything that He does, and although He has the power to speak all things into existence, He also thinks of and cares for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Next, find time to be still. In the middle of a busy day, pause to reflect on God’s invitation to rest in His presence. Trust in His faithfulness to care for you, prepare you, and defend you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lastly, remember the glory of Christ revealed in the Psalms, which foreshadow Jesus’ suffering, death, and resurrection. Give thanks for the salvation He offers, knowing that the Gospel is the ultimate display of God\u2019s glory. As you reflect on this, let it fuel your desire to share this good news with others, declaring His glory among the nations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

God’s glory is on display every day\u2014in creation, in God’s protection, and in the finished work of God’s Son. Our calling is to recognize it, worship Him, and share it with the world. May His glory be declared through your life today!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Psalm 96:3 beautifully captures the heart of the believer’s calling:\u00a0\u201cDeclare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":21,"featured_media":1936,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"\n

As teachers, we are blessed with a sacred opportunity. We are co-laborers with the Holy Spirit who walk alongside others, pointing them to the magnificent truths contained within God\u2019s self-revelation. It is unsurprising that the responsibility can feel overwhelming, especially for those new to the calling. Fortunately, we are not alone. We stand on the shoulders of scholars and theologians of the past and present, whose wisdom is available across multiple platforms. There are a wealth of resources available to us that can significantly complement our study and prayer. The blending of the Spirit's wisdom and these supplemental tools enables us, whether lay teachers or pastors, to serve those in our charge more effectively. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Accordingly, I have provided a non-exhaustive list of such resources in this article that I, a lay leader, have found helpful in my study, preparation, and presentation. I have included an asterisk next to the resources that are particularly helpful in my study and preparation. But before I share a list of valuable resources, I would be remiss if I didn\u2019t include this disclaimer: Only Scripture is perfect, and these resources\u2014all of them\u2014are imperfect. As you incorporate these resources into your toolbox, approach them prayerfully and with discernment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Libraries<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Libraries are a cost-effective way to get your hands on much of the material I suggest in this article. Theological and church libraries especially provide access to an extensive collection of commentaries, Bible dictionaries, topical books, and other resources to enrich your lesson preparation. While online research is convenient, exploring the physical stacks allows one to discover lesser-known gems, study multiple viewpoints side-by-side, and immerse yourself in the focused environment libraries provide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Church Libraries <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n