Psalm | Psalm 147:12-20 (with Tom Gastil)

Opening Song:
Psalm 147 by Poor Bishop Hooper

Lyrics:
How good it is
How good it is
To sing praise
To our God
How good it is
How good it is
To sing praise
To our God

Oh, how good it is
How good it is
To sing praise
To our God
How good it is
How good it is
To sing praise to our God

For the Lord builds up Jerusalem
Brings all the outcasts home again
He heals the broken hearted
He binds up their wounds
Every single star He's counted then
How great His power, abundant
Understanding beyond measurement
He lifts up the humble
Casts the wicked down

How good it is
How good it is
To sing praise
To our God
How good it is
How good it is
To sing praise
To our God, God, God, God

He gives clouds to the heavens
Brings up the grass on the mountains
He gives food to the animals
When they cry He feeds their young
Oh, He takes no delight in the horse's strength
Takes no delight in a man's legs
He takes delight in those who fear Him
And hope in His love

How good it is
How good it is
To sing praise
To our God
How good it is
How good it is
To sing praise
To our God
How good it is
How good it is
To sing praise
To our God
How good it is
How good it is
To sing praise
To our God

Passage:
12 Exalt the LORD, Jerusalem;
praise your God, Zion!
13 For he strengthens the bars of your city gates
and blesses your children within you.
14 He endows your territory with prosperity;
he satisfies you with the finest wheat.

15 He sends his command throughout the earth;
his word runs swiftly.
16 He spreads snow like wool;
he scatters frost like ashes;
17 he throws his hailstones like crumbs.
Who can withstand his cold?
18 He sends his word and melts them;
he unleashes his winds, and the water flows.

19 He declares his word to Jacob,
his statutes and judgments to Israel.
20 He has not done this for every nation;
they do not know his judgments.
Hallelujah!
(Psalm 147:12-20 CSB17)

Musical Reflection:
Jesus, Remember Me by Jacques Berthier

Reflection Notes:
“Jesus, Remember Me” is a tune from the French Taizé tradition; these simple songs are meant to be repeated indefinitely with added instrumentation or voice parts. They are meant to be meditative and allow for prayer.

Prayer:
Lord, ethical behavior without joy-filled worship or exuberant praise without whole-life obedience—both of these are counterfeit Christianities. I have veered in both directions in my life. Keep me on the straight path. I offer you my whole life, mind, will, and emotions. Amen.
-Timothy Keller