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Daily Devotion: Psalm 67:1-7

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Psalm 67:1-7    To the chief Musician on Neginoth, A Psalm or Song. "God be merciful unto us, and bless us; and cause his face to shine upon us; Selah.  (2)  That thy way may be known upon earth, thy saving health among all nations.  (3)  Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee.  (4)  O let the nations be glad and sing for joy: for thou shalt judge the people righteously, and govern the nations upon earth. Selah.  (5)  Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee.  (6)  Then shall the earth yield her increase; and God, even our own God, shall bless us.  (7)  God shall bless us; and all the ends of the earth shall fear him."

I sometimes vary the manner that I post the verses. Today, I did them individually in order that we might pay attention to each verse. The Psalmist begins this one with a reference back to the blessing pronounced upon Aaron. We often hear that blessing pronounced still to this day. "The LORD bless thee, and keep thee:  (25)  The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:  (26)  The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace." (Numbers 6:24-26) There was a particular reason for this blessing to be pronounced. For Aaron, it was that others would see that he had been separated unto the ministry of being the high priest whose responsibility was to oversee and conduct the business of the tabernacle. We think of the blessing as being one to receive favor from God, and that is true to a degree. But notice in today's Psalm, the blessing is pronounced in order for the people (for us) to sing praises unto the Lord. It is a blessing to strengthen us to serve, or to give of ourselves unto the Lord. Yet, there are blessings to be enjoyed when we give of ourselves in praise and honor. When hearts are turned toward the Lord, there is "saving health among all nations." When we offer praise and honor unto the Lord, "Then shall the earth yield her increase; and God, even our own God, shall bless us. God shall bless us; and all the ends of the earth shall fear him." Jesus said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." I believe there is great truth and blessings to be experienced when we take that approach to life. Lord, may it be so in our nation and around the world.

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