Psalm 47: Being Devoted to God
THE SIGN OF a spiritually healthy heart is gratitude and affection. You will discover that after you have spent time with God, there rises from within your heart a deep sense of gratitude. Galatians 4:6 says, "Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, `Abba, Father.' " We can actually sense the Spirit within us as he cries, "Abba, Father."
Warming Up to God
Make a list of things you are thankful for. While you may not be able to express gratitude right now, it will come in time if you continue to walk in this inner spiritual pilgrimage. If you do feel gratitude, sit for awhile in heartfelt thanks to God.
Read Psalm 47. »
Discovering the Word
- What is the psalmist thankful for (vv. 2-4)?
- How is God described in each verse?
- What is revealed about God's relationship with the people?
- What actions of joy and gratitude do you see in these verses (vv. 1, 5-7)?
Applying the Word
- How would you feel using the same outward expressions of joy as the psalmist?
- The psalmist sings, claps, sacrifices and invites others to share in his joy in God. What ways can you outwardly show your joy in the Lord?
- The Holy Spirit within us is continually offering praise. If you can, allow yourself to join the Spirit in praise. Try to write a psalm to the Lord, including in it reasons you enjoy knowing God. If you haven't come to the place of heartfelt worship, don't try to generate what you don't feel. You might want to sing a song or hymn that you can sing with meaning. Or perhaps play some recorded music that reflects your mood.
Responding in Prayer
Ask God to give you the courage to walk in honesty until he brings you into the place of inner praise.
For Further Study
Psalms by Eugene H. Peterson