October 2
“The Lord’s works are great, studied by all who delight in them. All that He does is splendid and majestic; His righteousness endures forever. He has caused His wondrous works to be remembered. The Lord is gracious and compassionate.” Psalm 111:2-4 (CSB)
The Lord is gracious and compassionate—He wants us to know it and remember it. For the people of God in the Old Testament, there were plenty of examples: the creation account, the establishment of marriage, God’s redemption of Adam and Eve after their rebellion, His rescue of humanity through the worldwide flood, the establishment of a covenant with Abraham from which the Jews would emerge as God’s chosen people, His provision for them during a great famine through the travails of Joseph, His deliverance from slavery and Egypt through a reluctant leader named Moses, His patience in their desert wanderings and His guidance into the Promised Land. Even after they were exiled to Babylon, God brought them back to reinhabit the land of their forefathers.
The Jews would study these and delight in them. Each one was a cause for reflection, thanksgiving, worship, and celebration. No doubt there were personal stories of Yahweh’s grace and compassion as well.
For New Testament believers, we can add the Incarnation: God taking on flesh and blood in a miraculous birth in Bethlehem, all the miracles of Jesus in His three-year public ministry, His voluntary, intentional sacrifice as the Lamb of God to take away sin, His defeat of death by walking out of the tomb that first Easter morning, and His glorious ascension to the right hand of the Father. Add to that the great miracles of the Apostles and the birth and expansion of the church—there is a lot for us to study and delight in.
And then there are the personal examples of God’s wondrous works of grace and compassion. One of the reasons I journal every day is to keep track of God’s dealings in my life. I spend about 30 minutes writing down what happened the day before, scanning the events and reflecting on what God did or is doing as a result. I keep a list of prayer requests that I mark out when He answers them, noting when and how He did. I delight in them—and Him. You will too!
God, I reflect on Your goodness in my life. I recall those times You worked powerfully in my life. I am grateful for your handiwork in my life. Thank you for Your grace and compassion. Amen