Daily Devotionals

The Greatness of God

Posted in Joy

Scripture: “In Him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in His holy name.” – Psalm 33:21

 

As you begin your day, I encourage you to read Psalm 33. Psalm 33 is a hymn of praise to God for who he is and what he does. In Psalm 33, you will see the greatness of God expressed in his character (verses 4-5) and his creation (verses 6-7); you will see the greatness of God among the nations (verses 10-12) and over each individual (verses 13-19). Also, in Psalm 33, you will see the call for Christians to praise (verses 1-3), to fear (verses 8-9), and to hope in the Lord (verses 20-22). Derek Kidner said, “If the purest form of a hymn is praise to God for what He is and does, this is a fine example.”

 

I love Psalm 33 because it allows me to focus on the greatness of God, but there is one verse I particularly love, and that is Psalm 33:21, which says, “In Him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in His holy name.”

 

I love this verse because it reminds me that even when we are in the deepest valley, as Christians, we can rejoice. When sorrows and trials come our way, they don’t bring consolation with them, but the presence of God, who is walking through the valley with us, fills our hearts with joy. It is in those moments, when we are in the valley and we encounter God, that we begin to feel, understand, and trust God transcends the deepest sorrow of our lives. When we encounter God, our eyes, ears, and hearts are opened, and we behold the glory of something that is greater than ourselves or anything in this world. Then, even in the valley, we can rejoice and praise his holy name.

 

Today, fix your eyes on the greatness of God, rejoice, and sing these praises* to his holy name: 

 

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,

When sorrows like sea billows roll;

Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,

It is well, it is well with my soul.

 

Though Satan should buffet, through trials should come, 

Let this blest assurance control,

That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate, 

And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

It is well, it is well with my soul.

 

Prayer: Lord, we praise you for your greatness. We ask you to help us keep our eyes fixed on you. We yield our lives to you, give you the glory and honor, and we bless your name. Amen.

 

Submitted by Anna Mills Cox

 

*Spafford, Horatio Gates. “When Peace, Like a River,” Public Domain.