God’s Guiding Word: Spiritual Renewal

May 11

Introduction

Psalm 47: Today’s reading is a psalm proclaiming that God is our supreme ruler. It is a celebratory hymn in praise of God’s kingship and was probably used in some form of liturgical procession.

Today’s Key Verse: Psalm 47:8

God sits on his sacred throne; he rules over the nations.

Reading

47 Clap your hands for joy, all peoples!
    Praise God with loud songs!
The LORD, the Most High, is to be feared;
    he is a great king, ruling over all the world.
He gave us victory over the peoples;
    he made us rule over the nations.
He chose for us the land where we live,
    the proud possession of his people, whom he loves.

God goes up to his throne.
    There are shouts of joy and the blast of trumpets,
    as the LORD goes up.
Sing praise to God;
    sing praise to our king!
God is king over all the world;
    praise him with songs!

God sits on his sacred throne;
    he rules over the nations.
The rulers of the nations assemble
    with the people of the God of Abraham.
More powerful than all armies is he;
    he rules supreme.

Reflect

Psalm 47 was most likely used as a liturgical hymn in connection with a worship festival. Christians associate this psalm with Jesus’s ascension into heaven, and Jewish people associate this psalm with Rosh Hashanah, the beginning of the new year. Reread verses 1–7. What are worshipers instructed to do? How are festival occasions celebrated in your community of faith?

Pray

Sovereign God, your reign is eternal. With my whole being I praise your holy name. With a song in my heart I joyfully proclaim your love for all people. You are king over all the world. Reign in my heart, Lord God! Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

John 14:1–14: Jesus is the way to God the Father.