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Bookends — commonly used in reference to a beginning and an ending!
We find bookends in the Bible with Genesis (the beginning) and the Book of Revelation (the ending). But we also see bookends in Psalm 1 and Psalm 150. Take a few minutes to read Psalm 1 (only six verses) and Psalm 150 (again, only six verses!).
The first two verses of the Psalms. . .
Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night (Psalm 1:1-2, NLT).
Now, the last two verses of the Psalms. . .
Praise him with a clash of cymbals; praise him with loud clanging cymbals. Let everything that breathes sing praises to the Lord! Praise the Lord! (Psalm 150:5-6)
The entirety of Psalm 1 teaches us to meditate on God’s Word, while the entirety of Psalm 150 challenges us to praise God. Do you see the connection? Focusing on God’s Word allows a life of praise.
This life of praise is promised in Psalm 1. . .
They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do (Psalm 1:3).
We want a life of bearing fruit and prosperity, but it happens only if we meditate upon and follow the Word of God. If we decide to follow our wisdom, then this prophecy comes true. . .
But not the wicked! They are like worthless chaff, scattered by the wind (Psalm 1:4).
The Book of Psalms covers every possible aspect of living, including victory, defeat, moral failure, praise, spiritual warfare, forgiveness, discouragement, betrayal, thanksgiving, love, faith, and hope — the list is endless.
After reading the Psalms over and over through the years, I’ve found that a life of meditating in God’s Word brings blessing beyond comprehension, and a life of doing our own thing or following the godless advice of others causes desperation and despair.
I want to experience these notes. . .
Praise the Lord! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heaven! Praise him for his mighty works; praise his unequaled greatness! (Psalm 150:1-2)
Living in God’s Word, no matter the trials, results in praise of His unequaled greatness!
If our lives reflect frustration, bitterness, anger with God, or lack of forgiveness, let’s remember the purpose of the Psalms — six verses in chapter 1 and six verses in chapter 150 — is to realize that the Word of God brings praise!
Bookends — commonly used in reference to a beginning and an ending!
Psalm 1, the beginning. . .
For the Lord watches over the path of the godly, but the path of the wicked leads to destruction (v. 6).
Psalm 150, the ending. . .
Praise him with a blast of the ram’s horn; praise him with the lyre and harp! Praise him with the tambourine and dancing; praise him with strings and flutes! Praise him with a clash of cymbals; praise him with loud clanging cymbals (vv. 3-5).
Amen. Peace out!