Psalms for the Journey
I remember rising up with my entire elementary school to sing our rehearsed version of “God Bless America”. We were stood straight and proud in the bleachers in the school’s gym. Our parents, grandparents and teachers were sat in chairs on the gym floor. We sang it loud with our eyes fixed on our music teacher.
God bless America, land that I love
Stand beside her and guide her
Through the night with the light from above
From the mountains to the prairies
To the oceans white with foam
God bless America, my home sweet home
The Psalmist begins our song for this day with “Come, bless God, all you servants of God!” It struck me with this thought (that I have had before many times) that we need to turn the words around that are plastered on many billboards across America. Instead of God bless America, a greater message is, “America! Bless God!” God comes first! “Lift your praising hands and bless God”, shouts the Psalmist. “In turn…may God bless you.” Think about it. Take all the time you need. Let this thought sink in. It’s not about us…it’s all about God. Bless HIM! Pray with thanksgiving, listing all the blessings of protection and provision He has already given!
Psalm 134, The Message
A Pilgrim Song
1-3 Come, bless God,
all you servants of God!
You priests of God, posted to the nightwatch
in God’s shrine,
Lift your praising hands to the Holy Place,
and bless God.
In turn, may God of Zion bless you—
God who made heaven and earth!
What IS a blessing? Glad you asked. I looked it up…
bless·ing, ˈblesiNG/Submit, noun
plural noun: blessings
–God’s favor and protection. “may God continue to give us his blessing”
–synonyms: protection, favor, “may God give us his blessing”
–a prayer asking for God’s favor and protection.
–“a priest gave a blessing as the ship was launched”
–grace said before or after a meal.
–synonyms: benediction, invocation, prayer, intercession; grace
“a special blessing from the priest”
Blessings can be associated with protection and happiness. God’s blessings protects us, and helps guide us to the path of happiness and righteousness. 2 Corinthians 9:8 · James 1:17 · Psalm 1:1-3 · Genesis 27:28-29
Define blessing: approval that allows or helps you to do something.
SO, bless God, look to Him first. God will hear our grateful praise. Our God who can do anything will do everything in His power, for His glory, by helping us, with His best for us on this journey.
And I’m singing…
Bless the Lord, O my soul and all that is within me, bless His holy Name!
