January 29 Psalm 147:11
“The Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.”
This verse highlights the character of God and the response He desires from His people.
1.The Lord’s Delight:
God does not take pleasure in human strength or abilities (as seen in the context of the psalm) but in those who approach Him with reverence and trust. To “fear” the Lord is not about terror but about awe, respect, and a recognition of His holiness and authority.
2.Hope in His Unfailing Love:
The word “hope” here emphasizes a deep trust in God’s covenant love, or hesed in Hebrew—a loyal, steadfast love. This speaks of a relationship built on God’s faithfulness rather than human merit or works.
3.Practical Application:
•This verse encourages believers to shift their focus from self-reliance to reliance on God.
•It reminds us that our hope should rest in God’s consistent and unfailing nature, especially during uncertain times.
•It invites us to reflect on how we approach God: Do we come with humility and trust, or are we relying on our own strength?
In a broader sense, Psalm 147 as a whole praises God for His power over creation and His tender care for His people, making this verse a beautiful reminder of the balance between God’s greatness and His intimate love for those who trust in Him.
I especially like “To “fear” the Lord is not about terror but about awe, respect, and a recognition of His holiness and authority.”
It takes me back to my youth leading hike in the Presidential Range in New Hampshire White Mountain range. We had to respect the dangers of weather and terrain as well as appreciate the beauty and majesty.
What leads you to awe?b
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