God’s Word of Praise and Thanksgiving
Introduction
Psalm 48: Mount Zion is the sacred hill and refers to Jerusalem, the city of God. This psalm may have been sung by pilgrims visiting Jerusalem. As expressed in yesterday’s reading (Psalm 46:5), today’s psalm also states that the city of God will be kept safe (verse 8).
Scripture Reading
Zion, the City of God
1The Lord is great and is to be highly praised
in the city of our God, on his sacred hill.
2 Zion, the mountain of God, is high and beautiful;
the city of the great king brings joy to all the world.
3God has shown that there is safety with him
inside the fortresses of the city.
4The kings gathered together
and came to attack Mount Zion.
5But when they saw it, they were amazed;
they were afraid and ran away.
6There they were seized with fear and anguish,
like a woman about to bear a child,
7like ships tossing in a furious storm.
8We have heard what God has done,
and now we have seen it
in the city of our God, the Lord Almighty;
he will keep the city safe forever.
9Inside your Temple, O God,
we think of your constant love.
10You are praised by people everywhere,
and your fame extends over all the earth.
You rule with justice;
11let the people of Zion be glad!
You give right judgments;
let there be joy in the cities of Judah!
12People of God, walk around Zion and count the towers;
13take notice of the walls and examine the fortresses,
so that you may tell the next generation:
14“This God is our God forever and ever;
he will lead us for all time to come.”
Today’s Key Verse: Psalm 48:14
“This God is our God forever and ever; he will lead us for all time to come.”
Reflect
In what ways does this psalm express confidence in God? Why does the city bring “joy to all the world” (verse 2)? Why did the city cause some to be afraid (verse 5)? How do you offer praise to God in your house of worship?
Pray
Lord God, like a fortress, there is safety with you. Day by day you watch over and lead me. You are God forever and ever, and I will praise you always. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
Psalm 50: God speaks about the kind of sacrifice he desires.