Devotionals

Scripture Reading: Psalm 13:5-6

Not everyone has the voice of an angel, but Christians should all have a song to sing. Psalm 13:5-6 gives us reason enough to sing unto the Lord, for He has dealt bountifully with each of us.

Perhaps the world has nothing to sing about. Thousands of our loved ones and friends are in danger on foreign soil, fighting to preserve the cause of freedom throughout the world and to protect our homeland. Here at home, countless folks are struggling financially due to the poor economy. Sometimes, it’s hard to see how bountifully God has dealt with us, but it doesn’t change the fact that He has.

Psalm 13:5 starts out by saying, “I have trusted in thy mercy.” In the original language, the word trusted means to run in haste for refuge. In these troubling times, what a blessing it is to know that we can run to a place of refuge – God’s mercy. His kindness to us is beyond compare. “For God has demonstrated His love to us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” None other has ever been so kind. “Casting all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you.” We can share our problems with many a friend, but with each of them carrying their own burdens, can they truly share yours like only Christ can? It’s great to know that during these storms of life, we can hide in the refuge of Him. So, my song goes, “And I ran Under His Wings, and there He covered me, and now I can sing! And the enemy still looks for me, but what he can’t see is that I’m under my Lord’s wings.”

The verse goes on to say, “My heart shall rejoice in thy salvation.” The word rejoice originally meant “to spin around.” That’s not just a little bit of happiness. That is “joy unspeakable and full of glory.” The heart is rejoicing in God’s salvation – His deliverance, if you will. The word is also interpreted aid, victory or prosperity. How many times has God come to your aid? How many victories have been won by faith? In spite of the current financial situation, can’t you see the many ways in which God has prospered you? If nothing else, He has redeemed our very souls! “My heart sings His praise again. Hallelujah to the Lamb.”

When the text verse says, “He has dealt bountifully with me,” one has to wonder exactly what that means. Many of us are struggling financially, and it’s not easy to feel like we have anything bountiful in our lives other than sorrows. In the original language, only one word is used to express the idea “dealt bountifully,” and it can be interpreted several ways. Obviously, one interpretation is “dealt bountifully.” Other similar interpretations are given: to treat, benefit, make a return, or to ripen. All of those kind of have the same meaning. But the other meaning can initially be less obvious; it is also interpreted “to wean.” Yes, like a mother weans a child.

So, how does that tie in with bountiful blessings? Well, hold on to your seat, because here comes the explanation. Isaiah 28:9: “Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk…” Yep, that word weaned, in the original language, is the exact same word translated “dealt bountifully” in Psalm 13:5-6.

Certainly Proverbs has given us numerous examples of the bountiful blessings of His knowledge imparted to us. Limited space restrains me from listing them all. But, again, it puts a song in my heart: “There shall be showers of blessing. Showers of blessing we need. Mercy drops ‘round us are falling, but for the showers we plead.”

May we ever be mindful to sing unto the Lord, because truly He has dealt bountifully with us!

• 0 Comments
• Tags: faith, joyful, sing

• Posted by: Karen Tinsley Nelson