Psalm 111

This is a powerful little Psalm that brings together concepts found throughout. Extol is not a word we use often, but it means to praise enthusiastically, to lift high, to raise, increasing someone’s value and recognition. And David wants to do this with all his heart. The heart is the seat of thought and desire, and meaning and purpose, what defines us as who we are. So with the deepest pat of who he is, David wants to lift high the person of God and do that in the midst of other believers who would agree and join him in the praising. The rest of the Psalm gives the thoughts and truths that David extols God for. First it is for His works, the things that God accomplishes. Great are the works that God does and He continues to work on our behalf in the way that is consistent with His will. In addition He is compassionate and gracious. He identifies with us and is favorable towards us even when we don’t deserve it. He is also a God of covenant, providing a path to relate to Him as well as providing precepts for us to live by. They are true and consistent. They are trustworthy. That is why the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom because it is only by regarding Him for who He is that we understand who we are and the kind of people we are supposed to be and the principles that should guide our lives.