Introduction
As 2023 came to a close and we begin this new year of 2024, it is a good time for us to reflect on how God has worked in and through our lives. It is important to reflect also on the blessings that we have received in this life, and the love that comes from God. This last year, like any other year, is full of hills and valleys. 2023 was full of highs and lows, but no matter what happens, God is always there for you, for me, and for all of us.
On December 31, 2023, I preached on Psalm 65. If you are interested in the sermon (video, audio, notes and slides), please click here: https://yetanothersermon.host/_/ontario/sermons/50233/the-harvest-hymn-psalm-65/
The Harvest Hymn
It is the Harvest Hymn, or the Harvest Psalm.
The song speaks about how God is worthy of our praise, and that God is our constant in this ever-changing world. For it is God hears our prayers, and sins Jesus Christ who was sent as the atoning for our sins (transgressions). God calls us to draw near to him, and to dwell in his house as the verse states.
Praise is due to God
I found it very interesting that in the English standard version, the phrase “praise is due to you “speaks about praising God in silence. It is one of the times in scripture where we learn about how important it is to pray to God, or to praise him in the silent moments.
I know for me personally, I find that whenever I go up to McCall, or I go to the mountains, or I go to really any place in nature where I get to experience God’s creation, I find that that is a wonderful place to pray in silence.
Certainly, there is a time and a place to make a joyful noise, to sing songs of praises, or to just lift up that shout of praise.
There is a blend, or a balance when it comes to praising God; through joyful song and silent, heartfelt moments of prayer.
It also is a great reminder that there are many ways that we can connect to the Creator, God.
It is important to connect with God in a deeply personal way, celebrating God’s presence in loud acclamations or songs or praise and feeling it in the quiet depths of our hearts.
Encountering God’s Answers
God is the supplier for all that we need.
Not only does he supply us with this beautiful gift of life, but he also provides the means of salvation through belief in Christ. I think of the imagery of a child who requires being nurtured.
I love the language that is used that speaks about how God answers us with righteousness. That righteousness is speaking of Christ who is our righteousness. When the verse is mentioning awesome deeds, it is speaking of the incredible power, almost terrifying power, a few guardians.
There’s a lot of imagery of how salvation is the hope for all the ends of the earth. This is but a reminder of how Christ is the hope of salvation. That Christ provides help for all who believe
The song goes on to speak of that God strength established the mountains, and that he has the power to still the seas. And that all of this power, goes to show who God is. Our God is powerful, strong, and mighty.
Responding with Adoration
It is because of the mighty power, the awesome deeds, and who God is, we should praise his name.
Gone visits the earth and waters. That is but a paraphrase of psalm 65:9. That verse speaks of how the Lord visits this earth and doesn’t just water it like a water buckets, but it speaks of God takes care of the earth, cultivates it, or as the word literally translates it, cause it to overflow. This overflowing, is overflowing of the abundance, the generosity from God
Our response to God’s abundant blessings is one of adoration and gratitude.
Just consider the kind of intelligence, strengths, and intentionality, that was used to create the earth, use to create the universe, and use to create you. For we are all made in the image of God, and we are made with love and intentionality from God the father.
Certainly, life here on the earth is not perfect, but no matter how bad our life is or how good our life is, we can find ways to be grateful, and to be thankful for what we do have. Even life is but a gift.
Bringing Christ’s Love to Our Community
As we go into the year 2024, be encouraged to share the love of Jesus Christ with others. Be encouraged to sharing your testimony, serve others, grow in your faith, but importantly, to also love others as Christ has left us.
Just as years before, there will be highs and lows of this life, good and bad, and hills and valleys that will come our way. But in all things, let us turn to Christ, who is always there for us, who will never for sake us or abandon us.
Closing Thoughts
Be encouraged of the enduring presence and love of God.
May this new year be a wonderful year of blessings, growth, and love with Christ.