"Coming in God's Name"

Psalm 118

So many Psalms start out with the admonition to give thanks. “Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, his love endures forever.” This thought is so important to our understanding of who God is and how we view ourselves in a fallen world. The psalmist doesn’t pretend that everything around him is good or that only people who have an easy life have a good God. On the contrary, he is pressured and attacked on many sides. In his “anguish,” he cries out to God and he takes “refuge,” in him. The Lord is his “strength,” for the battles of the day, his “salvation.”

The psalmist also recognizes God’s hand of chastening, (vs. 18,) as coming from a good God that loves him. In verse 19 he says, “Open for me the gates or righteousness; I will enter and give thanks to the Lord.” Giving thanks, even for God’s hand of discipline, affirms our willingness to accept his reign and rule over us and our desire to live righteous lives that honor him.

As we get up each morning, what are the circumstances we face? Are there tough decisions, struggles and hurtful people in our path? The psalmist reminds us, “This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Then he says, “O Lord save us; O Lord grant us success.” This is the way to start each day, thankful to God no matter what our circumstances, knowing he can save us, trusting in his strength and believing in his ultimate goodness. Verse 26 says, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord….” Yes this is a prophetic verse referring to the coming of Jesus but it also points out that when we live in this way we also “come in the name of the Lord.” We are his presence in a fallen and broken world. Lord, be present in me today, so that no matter what the circumstances, people see you through me.