Psalms

Psalms 111: Remember His works and fear Him

Begin in prayer

Before we join this wholehearted thanksgiving, let us consider how much of God's kindness we have received and forgotten. Ask Him to lead us to Jesus and give us reverence that listens and obeys.

and he said, “Yahweh, the God of Israel, there is no God like you, in heaven above, or on earth beneath; who keeps covenant and loving kindness with your servants, who walk before you with all their heart;

1 Kings 8:23

Father in heaven, please open our eyes as we read Your Word, and help us to see Christ. Show us that the Lord remembers His covenant and gives wisdom to those who fear Him and obey. Make us more like Jesus. And please bless our family as we worship You together. In Jesus' name, Amen.

See where we're going

The singer gives wholehearted thanks among the upright and calls those who delight in God's great works to ponder them. God's majestic deeds display lasting righteousness, grace and mercy. He provides food for those who fear Him, remembers His covenant and gives His people the heritage of nations. His hands work truth and justice, and His precepts stand forever in uprightness. Redemption, an enduring covenant and His holy name lead to wisdom's beginning, the fear of the Lord shown in obedient understanding and lasting praise.

As you read Psalms 111, look for the answers:

Reflect together

Key truth

The LORD remembers His covenant, and wisdom begins with fearing Him and obeying His sure commands.

The singer's whole heart joins the congregation, giving personal thanks among people who honour God. Delight in His works leads to pondering them, because those deeds show the righteous character of the One who acts. He has made His wonders remembered, giving His people lasting reasons for praise. Food for those who fear Him and the heritage of nations show His covenant care through provision and powerful rescue. His actions are true and just, and His commands carry that same reliability. Their lasting firmness gives obedience a foundation beyond changing human preferences. Sending redemption and establishing His covenant reveal the holiness of the name His people praise. Wisdom therefore begins in reverence before Him, and good understanding takes shape in doing His work.

How does Psalm 111 show us that the LORD remembers His covenant, and wisdom begins with fearing Him and obeying His sure commands?

God's great works give His people reasons for wholehearted, thoughtful praise.

The singer thanks God with his whole heart among the upright. Those who delight in His works ponder what He has done. His majesty, righteousness and compassion give their attention something worthy to rest upon.

God remembers His covenant and gives commands that are true and sure.

Food and the heritage of nations display God's care for His people. His hands work truth and justice, so His precepts deserve settled trust. Redemption and His lasting covenant make His holy name a reason for reverence.

The fear of the LORD begins wisdom that grows in obedient understanding.

The holy God who redeems is the One before whom wisdom bows. Understanding belongs to those who do His work. Reverence therefore listens, obeys and joins the praise that will endure forever.

Memorise

The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom. All those who do his work have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!

Psalm 111:10

Looking to Jesus in my life

Ask yourself in your heart, what command of the Lord Jesus do I know but leave undone?

The singer says that God “has sent redemption to his people.” Remembered rescue belongs beside His sure commands and holy name. Wisdom begins when we fear the God whose works deserve our whole heart.

Our disobedience and forgotten mercies expose our guilt before Him. Jesus kept His Father's commands, then died in His people's place, answering their disobedience with the sacrifice that secured their redemption. He rose from the dead. His completed obedience and sacrifice provide everything needed for their forgiveness and acceptance, so their hope rests in the Redeemer who has finished His work.

Repent of your self rule and trust Jesus. All who come to Him receive forgiveness. Ask Him to make you a willing learner who delights in what God has done. The redeeming Lord gathers His trusting people to remember His works and gives them sure commands to practise together.

Parent's note

Tell your children that the Lord remembers His covenant and gives wisdom to those who fear Him and obey. Please do not tell them they are saved just because they grew up in a Christian home. Call each child to turn from sin and trust Jesus, and pray that God would give them a new heart.

Pray together

Now please close your time together in prayer. Thank God for His remembered covenant and sure commands, and ask for wisdom that obeys. Bring the heart question to Him. Every child can pray, so let each one say a short prayer if they want to.

Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me; or else believe me for the very works’ sake.

John 14:11

Holy and gracious Father, thank You for the works that show Your truth, justice and mercy. Please forgive our forgetfulness and disobedience, and bring us to Jesus for the pardon His finished work provides. Give us delight in Your Word and understanding that puts it into practice. Teach our family to thank You among Your people with willing, reverent hearts. Amen.