Reflecting for a New Year

Psalm 111:1–10 (NLT)

1 Praise the Lord! I will thank the Lord with all my heart as I meet with his godly people.

2 How amazing are the deeds of the Lord! All who delight in him should ponder them.

3 Everything he does reveals his glory and majesty. His righteousness never fails.

4 He causes us to remember his wonderful works. How gracious and merciful is our Lord!

5 He gives food to those who fear him; he always remembers his covenant.

6 He has shown his great power to his people by giving them the lands of other nations.

7 All he does is just and good, and all his commandments are trustworthy.

8 They are forever true, to be obeyed faithfully and with integrity.

9 He has paid a full ransom for his people. He has guaranteed his covenant with them forever. What a holy, awe-inspiring name he has!

10 Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom. All who obey his commandments will grow in wisdom. Praise him forever!

I- REFLECTION IS TO BE DONE OPENLY FOR ENCOURAGEMENT (PSALM 111:1-2).

Psalm 111:1–2 (NLT)

Praise the Lord! I will thank the Lord with all my heart as I meet with his godly people.

How amazing are the deeds of the Lord! All who delight in him should ponder them.

A- Notice the elements of this reflection:

1- A heart that is overflowing with gratitude. (Psalm 111:1)

Psalm 111:1 (NLT)

1 Praise the Lord! I will thank the Lord with all my heart as I meet with his godly people.

(Psalm 9:1)

Psalm 9:1 (NLT)

I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done.

2- A mind that is awed by God’s activity. (Psalm 111:2).

Psalm 111:2 (NLT)

2 How amazing are the deeds of the Lord! All who delight in him should ponder them.

B- Notice the engagement of this reflection:

1- Others are engaged in this time of reflection (Psalm 111:1).

Psalm 111:1 (NLT)

1 Praise the Lord! I will thank the Lord with all my heart as I meet with his godly people.

2- Others are engaged in this time of reflection to cause them to “ponder” God’s awesomeness (Psalm 111:2).

Psalm 111:2 (NLT)

2 How amazing are the deeds of the Lord! All who delight in him should ponder them.

(Psalm 40:9-10)

Psalm 40:9–10 (NLT)

9 I have told all your people about your justice. I have not been afraid to speak out, as you, O Lord, well know.

10 I have not kept the good news of your justice hidden in my heart; I have talked about your faithfulness and saving power. I have told everyone in the great assembly of your unfailing love and faithfulness.

(Psalm 108:3)

Psalm 108:3 (NLT)

I will thank you, Lord, among all the people. I will sing your praises among the nations.

See also: Ps 22:25. 35:18., 10. 89:5, 7. 107:32. 109:30. 149:1. 1 Ch *29:10-20. 2 Ch 6:3, 4. 20:26-28.

II- REFLECTION IS A GIFT FROM GOD (PSALM 111: 3-4).

Psalm 111:3–4 (NLT)

3 Everything he does reveals his glory and majesty. His righteousness never fails.

4 He causes us to remember his wonderful works. How gracious and merciful is our Lord!

A- Where does this reflection originate?

1- It originates with God (Psalm 111:4).

Psalm 111:4 (NLT)

4 He causes us to remember his wonderful works. How gracious and merciful is our Lord!

(Deuteronomy 4:9)

Deuteronomy 4:9 (NLT)

9 “But watch out! Be careful never to forget what you yourself have seen. Do not let these memories escape from your mind as long as you live! And be sure to pass them on to your children and grandchildren.

B- Why does God want us to reflect?

1- He wants us to perceive His glory and majesty in the midst of worldly chaos. (Psalm 11:3).

Psalm 11:3 (NLT)

3 The foundations of law and order have collapsed. What can the righteous do?”

2- He wants us to ponder His grace and mercy (Psalm 111:4).

Psalm 111:4 (NLT)

4 He causes us to remember his wonderful works. How gracious and merciful is our Lord!

III- REFLECTION IS FOCUSED UPON SPECIFIC BLESSINGS (PSALM 111:5-9).

Psalm 111:5–9 (NLT)

5 He gives food to those who fear him; he always remembers his covenant.

6 He has shown his great power to his people by giving them the lands of other nations.

7 All he does is just and good, and all his commandments are trustworthy.

8 They are forever true, to be obeyed faithfully and with integrity.

9 He has paid a full ransom for his people. He has guaranteed his covenant with them forever. What a holy, awe-inspiring name he has!

A- It is He who provides for our needs.(Psalm 111:5).

Psalm 111:5 (NLT)

5 He gives food to those who fear him; he always remembers his covenant.

B- It is He who plants us in absolute security. (Psalm 111:6).

Psalm 111:6 (NLT)

6 He has shown his great power to his people by giving them the lands of other nations.

C- It is He who performs faithfully in the midst of an unfaithful world. (Psalm 111:7-8).

Psalm 111:7–8 (NLT)

7 All he does is just and good, and all his commandments are trustworthy.

8 They are forever true, to be obeyed faithfully and with integrity.

D- It is He who paid our ransom in full. (Psalm 111:9).

Psalm 111:9 (NLT)

9 He has paid a full ransom for his people. He has guaranteed his covenant with them forever. What a holy, awe-inspiring name he has!

IV- REFLECTION IS A GROWTH AGENT FOR BELIEVERS. (PSALM 111:10)

Psalm 111:10 (NLT)

10 Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom. All who obey his commandments will grow in wisdom. Praise him forever!

A- It provides a foundation for real wisdom. (Psalm 111:10a).

Psalm 111:10a (NLT)

10 Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom. All who obey his commandments will grow in wisdom. Praise him forever!

1- It reminds us of who is in control of all things.

2- All of our attitudes and actions must have Godly wisdom as its foundation.

B- It produces a growth in godly wisdom. (Psalm 111:10b).

Psalm 111:10b (NLT)

10 Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom. All who obey his commandments will grow in wisdom. Praise him forever!

1- Reflection and sharing encourages a growing confidence in God’s wisdom and a corresponding decrease of confidence in human reasoning.

CONCLUSION: