Psalm 67

"May"

Yes, I know we're only two days into April, but "may" is the big word for today. Virtually every petition -- at least in my New Living Translation -- begins with "may." There are three ways, though, that "may" is being used.

"May" is a verb. It is often used to express opportunity or even permission. The first way that "may" is being used is to invite God -- opportunity and permission -- to "1 be merciful and bless," to let "1 his face shine with favor upon us." God surely doesn't need our permission to do anything! Nevertheless, he often chooses to work most fully in hearts and spaces where he's invited.

"May" is a verb, and sometimes it is used to express a desire or wish. The second way that "may" is being used is reflect the hope that "2 [God's] ways ... may ... be known throughout the earth, [that his] saving power [might be known] among people everywhere."

Finally, "may" is a verb that reflects a proper course of action. Listen to the desire in this "may" as the Psalmist says, "3 May the nations praise you, O God." That is the proper course of action. But how many countries follow that path. The Psalmist says, "4 How glad the nations will be ... because you govern them with justice," but how many nations -- and how many leaders -- trade in God's leadership for human power.

"5 [When] all the nations praise you," says the Psalmist, "6 then the earth will yield its harvests, and God, our God, will richly bless us." I rendered that statement a little more as an "if / then" than it is really is; nevertheless individuals and nations who are seeking harvests and blessings "may" do well to start by evaluating the quality of their praise. I believe that God generally chooses to bless situations that he's invited to bless, and I believe that he generally keeps his hands and his blessings away from situations where he's ignored. Not completely! God is always stirring and wooing. But when he's looking for places to pour his blessings, I believe that he looks for openings. Even little ones!

The call I hear at the end of today's lesson is to pray for our nation. To pray for the nations. This week, the "global economic crisis" has brought twenty national leaders to London. The gathering of world leaders has brought protesters to the streets. The twenty best minds in the world -- or at least the twenty best politicians in the world (which is not the same thing) -- are debating ways out of this mess. According to this morning's headlines, France and Germany are pushing in one direction (tougher regulation) while the U.S. and Britain are pressing in another (more bailouts). What the headlines didn't say was that "3 the nations [were] prais[ing] God."

Human wisdom will only carry us so far, and if we want to seek the harvests and the blessings, then we need to seek God.

True statement, right?

Now let's apply it to our own lives. How far will your human wisdom or my hard work carry us. If you and I want blessings in our life, where do we need to start today?

Psalm 145:1-9

1 I will praise you, my God and King,

and bless your name forever and ever.

2 I will bless you every day,

and I will praise you forever.

3 Great is the LORD!

He is most worthy of praise!

His greatness is beyond discovery!

4 Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts.

5 I will meditate on your majestic, glorious splendor

and your wonderful miracles.

6 Your awe-inspiring deeds will be on every tongue;

I will proclaim your greatness.

7 Everyone will share the story of your wonderful goodness;

they will sing with joy of your righteousness.

8 The LORD is kind and merciful,

slow to get angry, full of unfailing love.

9 The LORD is good to everyone.

He showers compassion on all his creation.