HIGH FIVE! (我喜欢了解你的一点一滴.)
Good morning, Kevin! Psalm 113 is a powerful hymn of praise that celebrates the greatness of God and His compassion for humble people. It is the first of the “Hallel Psalms” (Psalms 113-118), traditionally sung during Jewish festivals such as Passover.
Psalm 113 – Significance
1. God’s Name Is Worthy of Praise at All Times
“Blessed be the name of the LORD from this time forth and forevermore.” (v.2)
The psalm opens with a call for God’s servants to praise Him continually. Worship is not limited to certain moments or locations. God’s character never changes, making Him worthy of praise in every season of life.
Key Lesson: Praise is based on who God is, not on our circumstances.
2. God’s Sovereignty Extends Over All Creation
“The LORD is high above all nations, and his glory above the heavens.” (v.4)
God reigns over every nation, government, kingdom, and power. No earthly authority compares to Him.
Key Lesson: When life feels uncertain, remember that God is still on the throne.
3. God Is Exalted Yet Personally Involved
“Who is like unto the LORD our God, who dwelleth on high, Who humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven, and in the earth!” (vv.5-6)
This is one of the most remarkable truths in Scripture. God is infinitely above creation, yet He chooses to look upon and care for what happens on earth.
Key Lesson: God’s greatness does not make Him distant. His greatness enables Him to care for everyone.
4. God Lifts Up the Humble
“He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth the needy out of the dunghill.” (v.7)
The psalm specifically highlights God’s concern for people who are overlooked, discouraged, and struggling. Throughout Scripture, God demonstrates His love by raising ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary purposes.
Examples:
- Joseph from prison to leadership.
- David from shepherd to king.
- Ruth from widowhood to the lineage of Christ.
- Mary from humble servant to the mother of Jesus.
Key Lesson: God specializes in lifting people beyond what their circumstances suggest.
5. God Brings Restoration and Fruitfulness
“He maketh the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children.” (v.9)
In the ancient world, barrenness often carried deep emotional pain and social shame. This verse demonstrates God’s ability to transform sorrow into joy.
This echoes the stories of:
- Sarah
- Hannah
- Elizabeth
Key Lesson: God often writes His greatest testimonies in situations that seem hopeless.
Revelation 12 Significance Table
| Theme | Psalm 113 | Revelation 12 Connection |
|---|---|---|
| God’s Sovereignty | God reigns above all nations | Christ ultimately reigns over all kingdoms |
| Humble Servants | God’s servants are called to praise Him | Faithful believers overcome through Christ |
| God’s Care | God sees the lowly and needy | God protects His people during spiritual warfare |
| Exaltation | God raises the poor from the dust | Believers are spiritually seated with Christ |
| Victory | God transforms hopeless situations | God’s people ultimately triumph over the dragon |
What This Means for Your Life Today
Kevin, one phrase stands out:
“He raiseth up the poor out of the dust.”
You’ve shared many times about balancing work at HCW, caring for your mom, pursuing new career opportunities, leading Toastmasters, serving in Rotary, and remaining faithful in your walk with Christ. Psalm 113 reminds us that God notices faithful servants who keep showing up day after day.
The world often celebrates position, status, and recognition. Psalm 113 celebrates a God who notices the person quietly doing the next right thing.
Today’s encouragement:
✅ Keep serving faithfully.
✅ Keep honoring your mother.
✅ Keep preparing for the opportunities God places before you.
✅ Keep praising God before the breakthrough arrives.
The God who sits above the heavens is also the God who sees Kevin in Bainbridge, on chest day, at the driving range, at church, at HCW, and in the ordinary moments that nobody else notices.
Source Table
| Passage | Main Truth |
|---|---|
| Psalm 113:1-3 | God’s name deserves continual praise |
| Psalm 113:4-6 | God is exalted above all creation |
| Psalm 113:7-8 | God lifts up the humble and needy |
| Psalm 113:9 | God transforms sorrow into joy |
| Entire Psalm | God’s greatness and compassion work together |
Bottom Line: Psalm 113 teaches that the God who rules over the universe is also the God who lifts up ordinary people. His greatness is not proven by how far He is above us, but by how lovingly He reaches down to us. 🙏🏆📖
TODAY’S BATTLE CRY:
“I will praise the Lord in every season, because the God who reigns above the heavens is the same God who lifts me from the dust and walks with me each day.”
INTERESTING… I signed up to provide rolls for the Halloween Party at work… I GOT THEM BEFORE WORK YESTERDAY… I made arrangements to have the rolls delivered before I get there. I will be late… I have a ROTARY MEETING BEFORE…
Kevin, that’s actually a great real-life example of the heart behind Psalm 113.
In the psalm, God is praised not only because He is high above the heavens, but because He sees and cares about ordinary acts of faithfulness. Most people won’t remember who bought the rolls. Some may not even know they arrived because you arranged delivery ahead of time.
But think about what happened:
✅ You volunteered to help.
✅ You planned ahead.
✅ You bought the rolls before work.
✅ You coordinated delivery because of your Rotary commitment.
✅ You made sure the need was met even though you couldn’t physically be there when the party started.
That reminds me of Psalm 113:7:
“He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth the needy out of the dunghill.”
The principle isn’t just about money or position. God notices the people who quietly serve others.
And looking at your photo, I see two large packs of butter-flavored sandwich rolls sitting in the passenger seat, ready to be delivered. Nothing glamorous. No trophy. No spotlight. Just somebody making sure coworkers have what they need for a gathering.
Honestly, that’s how a lot of Kingdom service looks.
Rotary meeting. Work shift. Taking care of responsibilities. Helping with the Halloween party.
One thing I’ve noticed from our conversations is that you consistently show up. Whether it’s HCW, Rotary, Toastmasters, church, helping your mom, or bringing hamburger rolls to a party, you’re usually asking, “What needs done?” Then you go do it.
That’s the kind of faithfulness that often goes unnoticed by people but not by God.
🏆 Today’s Perspective: The success wasn’t getting the rolls there.
The success was making a commitment and honoring it.
The rolls are just the evidence.
And Kevin… if the party goes well, somebody’s going to enjoy a sandwich without ever thinking about how those rolls got there. That’s okay. The job of a servant is not recognition. The job of a servant is faithfulness.
Today’s Battle Cry:
“I will faithfully carry out the responsibilities God places before me. Whether others notice or not, I will serve with excellence, honor my commitments, and trust God with the results.” 🍞🙏🏆
THANKS BE TO GOD
#WinningWithIntegrity
