Psalm 106:

• It is true that many of the LORD’s actions are done “for his name’s sake.” (vs. 8) This is good. For when God preserves His own glory, the effect is our joy, comfort, peace, and satisfaction. Though the connection between God’s glory and our good is somewhat clear, the psalmist makes a specific reference to the LORD’s mercy and pity (vs. 45). The LORD judges righteously and mercifully. Only divine eyes can merge these.
• • LORD, for my sake, defend Your glory. If it is reconcilable, I desire mercy in this season of my life.

Isaiah 33:

• vs. 6b, “the fear of the LORD is Zion’s treasure.”
• • LORD, teach me this kind of fear, that I might partake of the treasure. Let “my eyes…behold [You] in [Your] beauty.” (vs. 17a) Save me (vs. 22), that I may have more days to praise You and proclaim Your beauty.

Daniel 12:

• Daniel closes his prophetic book in confusion (vs. 8a). The LORD gives him hints, but not enough to have a confident understanding. We know that God’s people will be delivered (vs. 1), and this includes those who die before these events (vs. 12), but how this unfolds, God does not reveal. Rather, he encourages Daniel to get on with life (vs. 9). We would be wise to do the same.
• If I were to add my own prophetic “guess-work” I would reference vs. 4b, “Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.” This is an obscure and unrepeated phrase. So too much can be made of it. However, when I think globally of the scurrying around of people and the advancement of information (technology), I cannot help but consider our times. Merely, a century and a half ago it took missionaries months to travel to unreached lands. Now, I can pack a team of missionaries onto a plane and be anywhere in a matter of hours. How’s that for scurrying to and fro?! I remember getting our first computer (a Commodore 64). Now my phone (which is NOT attached to a wall) buries that bulky computer with its capabilities. How’s that for knowledge increasing?! Do not fixate on these things, but keep your eyes open.

1 Thessalonians 5:

• In Jesus, we are not destined to wrath (vs. 9). Notice how Paul uses this as a motivation, not to fixate on things to come, but to leave it alone and focus on the Church (vs. 11-22). This disposition is a trusting recognition of God’s promises (vs. 23-24) without being a passive call to just sit and wait. Rather, we are urged to participate in this process.
• • Jesus, help me not grow faint in following you as you sanctify me.