CELEBRATE GOD’S AWESOMENESS:
“How awesome is the LORD Most High, the great King over all the earth!” Psa. 47:2
Commentators believe this Psalm was a call to Israel and struggling nations to STOP and worship their awesome King. In these troubled times here on earth, when we are confounded by so much discouraging and negative information, it is good for us to STOP and celebrate the Lord’s sovereign rule over all the earth!
1. Read Psalm 47. According to verse 1, what form of worship was this Psalm written for? What was the mood of this song?
2. Who was invited to join in the celebration?
3. According to verse 2, why should God be worshiped with such enthusiasm? (Note: The word “awesome,” sometimes translated “terrible,” is related to “reverent fear.” )
4. Read Psa. 66:3, 6, and Psa. 99:3. Why is God awesome?
5. What would you consider to be mighty works of God on your behalf? What is your response?
6. The “us” in verse 3 is Israel. What has God done for them? (Note: The “inheritance” in verse 4 refers to the land of Canaan given to Israel by God as He enabled them to conquer enemy nations.)
7. “Ascended” in verse 5 refers to God ascending His throne. As you read verses 5-9, can you imagine this royal celebration, the Lord’s coronation as King? Describe this event from verses 5-9.
8. If you were in attendance at the celebration you just described, what would occupy your mind? What do you think would happen to any negative thoughts and emotions if you focused on the King’s sovereign control of everything?
9. When you consider all the turmoil among the nations today, what encouragement do you get from verses 7-9?
10. Is God greatly exalted in your thought life? Explain.
11. STOP! Celebrate, by writing your own personal worship praise song, poem, or psalm expressing your praise to God your sovereign King.
“Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psa. 46:10 NASB
Come, Thou Almighty King
Come, thou Almighty King,
Help us thy name to sing,
Help us to praise:
Father! all glorious,
O’er all victorious,
Come, and reign over us,
Ancient of Days.
To thee, great One in Three,
The highest praises be,
Hence evermore;
Thy sov’reign majesty
May we in glory see,
And to eternity
Love and adore.
Amen.—Anonymous
© Copyright 2005 Bonnie Lisech (Permission granted to copy for nonprofit use.) Scriptures are taken from the NIV unless noted. [email protected]
With special thanks to Jan Harris for editorial perspective and Barb Snyder for editorial detail.
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