A Hymn of Praise
Date: January 23, 2023
I use the BLESS method every morning for my devotional.
B - Bible Verse
L - Listen for God's Word and pray
E - Explore the History and meaning
S - Study and savor
S - Summarize and Share
You can read more about it by going to: What is a Faith Journal?
Bible Scripture Verse – Psalm 40:3
"He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord."
Listen for God’s Voice
Heavenly Father, I come to you today asking for your guidance. I want to hear your voice and understand your plan for my life. Help me to trust in you and put my faith in you. Give me the strength to sing your praises and share your love with others. Thank you for always being with me and leading me on the path towards righteousness. Amen.
Explore History – Who wrote it, when and to what audience? Key people in the story?
It’s is believed that this psalm is written by King David in the 10th century BC. It was written to the Israelite community explaining why they should put their trust in the Lord and gave them an example of his faith in God. It is also a song of praise to God, thanking Him for putting a new song in his mouth, and a hymn of praise to the Lord, which many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord.
Study and Savor – Key Words
"new song": this could refer to a song of thanksgiving or praise to God that is different from previous songs of worship.
"hymn of praise": a hymn is a type of song typically sung in religious worship, and praise is the act of expressing admiration or approval.
"fear": this could mean to have reverence or awe for God.
"put their trust in the Lord": this is an expression of faith in God and reliance on Him for protection and guidance.
Summarize and Share
What a powerful reminder of the transformative power of praising and singing to God. God has placed a new song in our hearts, a hymn of praise to Him. This verse encourages us to share our praise with others and to trust in God's protection and guidance.
When I think about this verse, I think of those who have been struggling with feelings of hopelessness. By reading this Psalm, they can feel comfort in the words as it reminds them that through praising God and putting their trust in Him, they can find peace and joy.
Music always makes me feel better, especially praise music. So praising and singing to God comes easy for me. Take a moment to reflect on the things you are thankful for and express your gratitude to God through song or prayer. Let it be a source of inspiration and hope for you. Make it a daily practice to praise and sing to God, and to trust in His protection and guidance. If you do, you’ll feel the joy and peace that comes from a heart full of gratitude and trust in our Lord.
Bible Cross Reference
Isaiah 42:10 - "Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise from the ends of the earth, you who go down to the sea, and all that is in it, you islands, and all who live in them." This verse relates to Psalm 40:3 as it also speaks about singing a new song to the Lord. Both verses encourage praising and worshiping God through song.
Ephesians 5:19 - "Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord." This verse relates to Psalm 40:3 as it speaks about singing and making music to the Lord. It also emphasizes the importance of singing and praising God together with other believers.
Psalm 96:1 - "Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth." This verse relates to Psalm 40:3 as it also encourages praising and singing to God, and it also speaks about singing a new song.
Isaiah 12:5 - "Sing to the Lord, for he has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world." This verse relates to Psalm 40:3 as it speaks about singing and praising to the Lord for His glorious deeds. Both verses encourage singing and praising God for His goodness and faithfulness.