Psalm 33: Zoom Lens

The weekend Psalm for:
December 5-6.2009
Read Psalm 33 from the English Standard Version
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The Big Idea

This Psalm was written by an anonymous author, but it is a staggering revelation of the work and character of God. It starts off quite matter of factly--allow me to paraphrase: you really need to be praising God. Shout, sing, play the guitar, knock out a few chords on the piano--hold nothing back. It's like the worship leader who suddenly realizes that no one is singing along with him. And he pauses. 

He then takes the time to bring all the people up to speed.  And he takes us from a 50 Billion Light-year view, down to a startlingly intimate point of view. "By the word of the Lord, the heavens were made." Roll that around in your brain for a while. We are 93 million miles from the sun, so far, that it takes the light about 8 1/2 minutes to get here. 

Too big for you? Stand at the side of the ocean, and try to wrap your mind around that. Then think about this--God has more than that in storage, ready whenever he needs it. God spoke, and creation took form, and stood firm. 

God has the maps and landforms, the nations, the kings and rulers, in his control. He looks down from heaven and sees the children of man. The God who spoke the universe into existence lovingly shaped the hearts of people.  

Now, we're all on the same page. Now, let's praise Him.  

Meditation

One of the most misused pieces of scripture is there in verse 12: Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord. Yes, but let's not stop there. Notice that He chooses the people who are to be his heritage. In the words of Rich Mullins, "Remember, you did not choose me, no, I have chosen you." 

This weekend, think about all that God has done. This is the God whol called creation into existence with a word, and took the time to shape your heart. You were not just called into existence--you were lovingly formed by the living God. This is no cause for pride. It is a cause for gratitude, brokenness, and humility before the Righteous One. 
Praying With This Psalm
You can pray scripture prayers for yourself or for others.

• Father God, let _________ marvel at your creation, and praise you. From the stars and galaxies, on down to the trees and the "me," you did it all.
  
  
• May ______ know you as holy, upright, and full of steadfast love and justice. Let them see their own frailty before you.
  
  
• Almighty God, because you are ______'s maker, you are the only one who can be ______'s sustainer. that you are the God who grants rest to his people, and that you are ______'s sustainer. May they fear no one because they know you and your protection.
  
  

Related Scriptures and Scripture Prayers

• John 1:1-3. Jesus Christ creates and sustains...
  Lord, may _____ know you as the Word who created everything. Nothing was made apart from you, and you are worthy of our worship. 
  

• Acts 17:28. Even the pagans figured this one out...
  Lord God, may ______ know that only in Jesus Christ can they live and move and have their being.
   
• Colossians 1:16-17. He keeps our atoms from flying apart...
  Lord Jesus, you created _____ and you hold them together. Let them never take that mercy for granted, but let them know you as their Creator, Sustainer, and only hope.
  
  

(Some Rights Reserved, CC-BY-NC, 2009). L. J. Sam Helgerson, PhD