Daily Devotion: Psalm 78:1-4

Psalm 78:1-4  Maschil of Asaph.   "Give ear, O my people, to my law: incline your ears to the words of my mouth.  (2)  I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old:  (3)  Which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us.  (4)  We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done."

"Give ear, O my people, to my law: incline your ears to the words of my mouth." God is saying to us, "Listen to me!"  Too often, God's Word is viewed as suggestions that we should follow if we want to get our way in life. "If you do this, God will do that." God's Word is not a suggestion; rather, it is the only way to find peace and joy through the righteousness of Jesus Christ. It is the word of assurance that is needed in a society that doesn't always mean what they say. There was a time when a man's word was his bond. Agreements were made with a handshake. There was no going back on a man's word unless he was literally physically unable to accomplish it. Even then, he would make sure it was done by someone who was able to do the work. Can I say this, "I miss those days." We could go back to those days, but it has to begin by getting back into the Word of God and believing it for what it truly is: THE WORD OF GOD.

"We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done." For years, Christians were called the "Silent Majority."  How did that work for us? I'm old enough to remember decades ago when the church (God's people) had influence on society rather than society influences the church. Stores were closed on Sunday. When they began to open, they were not allowed to sell alcohol on Sunday. Schools began with Scripture and prayer.  It was decided that we were not supposed to impose our beliefs on children. How did that work for us? Well, look at who is imposing their beliefs on our children today. They are bold in seeking to influence our children in the ways of evil. It is time for us to get back to the old paths and walk in them. 

 God's peace will prevail over the influences of Satan if we will "incline (our) ears to the words of (God's) mouth." What benefit is derived from walking with the Lord? "That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children: That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments." (Psalm 78:6-7) Where do we want our children to place their hope? In the ways of the world? I hope not! Rather, we are to be very vocal and bold in declaring the "wonderful works that he hath done" that our children will understand OUR HOPE is in God. I would much rather influence them in the way of the Lord rather than the way of the world. But it takes parents and grandparents being willing to give their time, more so than their money, to their children. It requires pastors delivering messages given to them by the Holy Spirit rather than the latest writer. It requires the Word of God!  Yes, I guess I got on a soap box there, but it's high time that we awake out of our sleep.

Standing on the promises that cannot fail,
When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,
By the living Word of God I shall prevail,
  Standing on the promises of God.

Standing, standing,
Standing on the promises of God my Savior;
Standing, standing,
  I’m standing on the promises of God.