A Devotion on Psalm 48

Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised in the city of our God
God I praise you for who you are—you are creator and all your creation bows to you. You are powerful—all things are in your hands. You are strong—you protect me from harm and you give me strength to endure. You are holy—you cannot look upon sin and because of that I seek your Son to redeem me and overcome that sin so I can be in your presence. You are glorious—my heart longs to be near you. I praise you for all you have done in our home. You have worked a mighty hand in David’s life and mine so that while we look upon your face we see an end to our striving after worldly lusts. Help us to never look away from the strength and power that your presence has given us.

His holy mountain beautiful in elevation, is the joy of all the earth, Mount Zion in the far north, the city of the great king
When I look upon a day like today I am compelled to worship you for what you have given us. The sun shines on the trees to produce a radiant glow. The wind swirls around me only to emphasize how comforting the warmth is when I feel it. (And it is so in life--the trials come to remind me of the warmth and light that you provide when they cease). But I cannot quite become content with what is here on earth because I know there is a place that no earthly city can compare to. I praise you for creating a place that is beyond my comprehension at this time…a place that is glorious because of your presence…a place where I can be with you forever and enjoy that blessing. Thank you for allowing me to have assurance and hope in the fact that I will see your face some day after life’s long journey. Help me to remember this so that I can face trials with a strong and fearless energy—knowing that all I do is for you and all earthly struggles will one day be forgotten.

Within your citadels God has made himself known as a fortress. For behold, the kings assembled, they came on together. As soon as they saw it, they were astounded; they were in panic; they took to flight. Trembling took hold of them there, anguish as of a woman in labor. By the east wind you shattered the ships of Tarshish. As we have heard, so have we seen in the city of the Lord of hosts, in the city of our God, which God will establish forever.
Make yourself known in this place—give us assurance that you are our fortress and that you will protect us from anything that may come our way. Help us not to forget the power and strength that you possess when we are faced with difficult times. You are the strength that holds us together and the wall that surrounds us when enemies attack. Help me to keep this on my mind and know that your presence causes even great kings to tremble…your strength can shatter ships. Help me persevere, knowing that you are establishing a great city that will endure forever.

We have thought on your steadfast love, O God, in the midst of your temple. As your name, O God, so you praise reaches to the ends of the earth. Your right hand is filled with righteousness. Let Mount Zion be glad! Let the daughters of Judah rejoice because of your judgment.
Help me think always of your steadfast love—it never gives up, no matter what sinful deeds I have committed. I praise you for loving me even though I am so unlovable. Give me a heart like yours that loves without condition—strengthen me to love those who are struggling and who need you. Put it on my heart to contribute to the spreading of your name and praise throughout the earth. Your name is known even when the hearts of men are cold and when they turn from you. Your plans are never thwarted. Let us rejoice like the daughters of Judah because of your judgment. It reminds us of your holiness and justice—you are truly great and worthy to be praised.

Walk about Zion, go around her, number her towers, consider well her ramparts, go through her citadels, that you may tell the next generation that this is God, our God forever and ever. He will guide us forever.
I praise you Lord for reminding us that you will guide us forever. As we prepare to move from this place of comfort…a place where we have the best friends we have ever had, where David has a good, reliable job, and where I am finally happy…to labor for your kingdom, I pray that we will not forget this. We are prone to worry and we attempt to make our own plans and control situations by our own hands. Remind us that your strength and your wisdom far exceed ours. Your plans are perfect and anything we do can only dull the shining brilliance of what you have in store. Guide us Lord, as we seek friends, a job, and ministry opportunities. Only you, God are with us forever and ever and only you will guide our every step.