Everything God Has Done for Us
READ: Psalm 21
Do you ever stop to consider all your parents do for you? A lot of teens first reaction is to think of all their parents don’t do for them, or rather, do for them that they don’t like. Things like make rules, impose curfews, regulate schedules and activities, nosily pry into our personal lives. But just think of all the great stuff they do for you – buy you food and clothing, pay for schooling and activities, provide a roof over your head, come to your games and events, support you with their prayers, take you to church, encourage you to live for Jesus and for others. Some parents even provide for cars, college, entertainment, vacations, and even more!
Psalm 21 is a wonderful Psalm of praise to our Father in heaven. Just look at all he’s done for us:
- Verse 1: God’s victories and strength are ours as free gifts – this includes the greatest victory of all, the victory over sin, death and the devil by Jesus our Savior.
- Verse 2: God hears and answers our prayers.
- Verse 3, 5: God blesses us richly – we are the crown of his Creation and Jesus has earned us the crown of eternal glory in Heaven! Jesus’ glory is our glory as a free gift!
- Verse 4: God blesses us with long life on earth and eternal life in Heaven through faith in Jesus.
- Verse 6: Jesus has won for us and has given us eternal blessings (Ephesians 1:3-10) and fills us with his presence (Galatians 2:20)
- Verse 7: God’s love never fails and is our source of strength.
- Verse 1, 13: We rejoice, sing, and give praise to our Savior-God!
Like we do with our earthly parents, we often ask God why he may allow certain things to happen in our lives, why he doesn’t always do things our way. We might wonder why a test went bad, why a friend let us down, or why someone got sick. But God forgives our misunderstanding and complaining when we confess it, and in this Psalm, reminds us of everything he has given us. In times of trial and in times of joy, these things NEVER change! Remember all that God has done for YOU, and thank and praise Him for his rich mercy and incredible blessings.
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT: How often do you question God’s love and blessings for you? Instead of questioning God’s ways, what should you do? How can this Psalm help someone struggling with life’s difficulties?
THINGS TO PRAY ABOUT: Ask God to forgive you for the times you haven’t been thankful or have questioned his love. Pray that God continue to grant his blessings to you and that he give you the motivation to praise him as well as the strength to pass his blessings on to others.