Today you should read: Psalm 111
“Great are the works of the Lord!” I love that proclamation found in verse two. It helps set the tone for our day. It reminds us that God has done and is doing so much for us. Here are a few things I love about this psalm:
- It is very personal. “I will give thanks with my whole heart” is the opening statement. The “why” to that statement is answered throughout the psalm.
- It is very corporate. There are many references to “His people” and “the congregation.” Yes, our faith is personal. But it is also corporate. We gather with others to celebrate God’s goodness and to seek His face. Great reminder.
- It delights in several different facets of God’s character. In this brief song, we find highlights about God’s faithfulness, love, uprightness, power, splendor, and majesty. When you’re unsure of what to praise God for, open to Psalm 111.
- It foreshadows salvation in Christ. Verse 9 says, “He sent redemption to His people; He has commanded His covenant forever. Holy and awesome is His name!” These words were true for the people of Israel in a temporary sense (exodus, various deliverances), but its fullest meaning is found in the gospel.
The psalm closes with a well-known verse about the fear of the Lord and how it brings about wisdom. That said, here’s the question I’d like for us to discuss in the comments section today: What are some practical ways that you practice the fear of the Lord (verse 10) in your life?
By: Todd Thomas — Worship & College Pastor
JumpstartCPC.com 
I like the light that the parallel passage Prov 8:13 gives: fear of the Lord is to hate evil. It is wise to hate evil like God does. We think of fear of God as something that distances us from God, while if fear of God involved hating evil like He does fearing Him actually draws us closer to Him. We hate what He hates. So we are aligned together with Him viewing things the way He does.
As I grow in my faith, I have learned to fear the Lord is to be aware of His presence throughout the day; to be open to His instruction and embrace His discipline and to respect & trust His Word.