The Joy of Trusting a Faithful God
A Reflection for a Peaceful Week
This Week’s Text: Psalm 66
Shout for joy to God, all the earth; sing the glory of his name; give to him glorious praise! Say to God, ‘How awesome are your deeds! So great is your power that your enemies come cringing to you. All the earth worships you and sings praises to you; they sing praises to your name.’ (Psalm 66:1-4)
Rejoicing in God’s Goodness
Psalm 66 is a song of triumphant praise, calling all the earth to worship the Lord for his mighty deeds. The psalmist doesn’t merely reflect on personal blessings but lifts his voice in awe of God’s faithfulness throughout history. The opening verses invite us to join the chorus of creation in declaring the greatness of our God. This is the proper response of the heart that’s seen God’s hand at work - joyful, unashamed worship.
So often, we forget to pause and recognize the goodness of God in our daily lives. We may rush from one task to another, weighed down by concerns, and fail to see how the Lord has sustained us. Yet the psalmist reminds us that God’s works are awesome and his power is great. Whether through the deliverance of Israel at the Red Sea or his daily mercies in our lives, he remains steadfast in his love. As J.C. Ryle once wrote, “Let us beware of a murmuring spirit. Nothing disturbs the peace of the soul more than a habit of complaining.” Instead, we’re called to praise, for in praise, we find peace.
Trusting Him Through Testing
The middle portion of Psalm 66 (verses 8-12) acknowledges that the journey of faith isn’t without trials. The psalmist speaks of being tested, refined like silver, burdened, and even led through fire and water. Yet he doesn’t despair, for God’s refining process has a purpose: to bring his people to a place of abundance.
How often do we resist the refining hand of God? We long for ease and comfort, yet God, in his wisdom, allows trials to shape and strengthen our faith. As Charles Spurgeon wisely said, “The Lord gets his best soldiers out of the highlands of affliction.” When difficulties come, we must remember that they’re not meant to destroy us but to deepen our trust in God’s sovereignty. Just as silver is purified by fire, so our faith is strengthened through challenges. And in the end, we emerge into a place of abundance - perhaps not in worldly riches, but in a richer, deeper walk with our Savior.
Offering Our Whole Hearts in Worship
The psalmist closes by declaring his personal commitment to praise God:
Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will tell what he has done for my soul. (Psalm 66:16)
True peace comes not from avoiding trials but from trusting in the One who carries us through them. The psalmist has seen God’s faithfulness and cannot keep silent. This is our calling as well - to proclaim what the Lord has done. When we recognize his hand in our lives, we’re moved to greater devotion, deeper trust, and a peace that surpasses understanding.
This week, let Psalm 66 remind you to lift your eyes to the greatness of God. Praise him for his mighty works, trust him through every test, and offer your heart fully to him in worship. His love is unshaken, his power is unmatched, and his peace is yours to rest in.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, you are great and greatly to be praised. Your deeds are wonderful, and your love is steadfast. Help me to see your faithfulness in my life, even in times of testing. When my heart grows weary, remind me that you’re refining me, leading me to a place of abundance in your presence. Teach me to trust you more deeply, to praise you more freely, and to rest in the peace that comes from knowing you hold all things in your hands. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
A Final Word
Psalm 66 reminds us that true peace is found in joyful trust in God’s faithfulness. His power is displayed in his mighty works, and his love sustains us through every trial. This week, may you rest in the assurance that God is with you, leading you to a place of deeper peace and worship.
🎧 Prefer to listen instead of read? Weekly Peace is available as a podcast! Tune in to the Walking Points podcast on your favorite podcast platform for a calming time of Scripture, reflection, and prayer - perfect for preparing your heart for a peaceful week.
An excellent read for the start of the beautiful day. Thank you, Dale.