Psalm 117

Psalm 117 is a comparatively short psalm.  It is only 2 verses and really only two complete sentences.  And yet it contains an essential truth.  It call us to praise the Lord because his mercy is great toward us.  And His truth endures forever.  There are essentially two elements for which we are to praise God:
1. We praise God because He has shown us mercy. 

Every day that we live apart from Him he has shown us the mercy of seeing a new day.  When He redeems us, it is by His mercy, and each day we live in grace following our transformation into the image of His Son, we live by the mercy of God.  I remember the song that quoted the Scriptures that His mercies are new every morning. 

One problem that we have is a faulty view of merit.  We think that because of our greatness that we somehow have earned the mercy of God.  After all, I read my Bible today.  I did not commit murder today.  I even tried to do something nice for my co-worker.  Therefore I must be on God's good list and I deserve His favor.  This is faulty because none of us deserve the favor of God because we are simply not worthy of it.  We are NOT good enough.  We are NOT smart enough.  We are NOT worthy.  We lack holiness and righteousness and goodness and justice apart from His mercy.  And that is why we praise Him for it. 

2. We praise God because His truth endures forever.

Truth in our culture is so fleeting and nebulous.  Truth in our God does not change and is accessible through the Word.  This too is reason to praise God.

So, have you obeyed Psalm 117 today?  If not, will you praise the Lord with me?