May 16th~The Missing Nun

Psalms 144, 145

Psalms 88, 89

While we read four more psalms, two of which were not David’s (88, 89), I would like to concentrate on Psalm 145. This song is different than the others because it is written in the form of an acrostic. David started each line with a letter from the Hebrew alphabet. However, the Hebrew letter nun, which is our letter “N,” was missing from the list. Later, when the Dead Sea Scrolls were found, the “missing nun” was finally discovered (1948). It says, “The Lord is faithful in all His words and gracious in all His works.”

I love the concept of using the alphabet to praise God. It expresses the idea that the Lord can be praised in every way that we know how. From A-Z we can glorify His name, and, still, we cannot cover every aspect of God’s character. But, I like that David tried.

Personally, I find that, in this psalm, David communicated one of my desires or goals, when he wrote, “I will bless you every day” (v.2). When I awake in the morning, my first thought is to thank Him, for the gift of rest and for providing me with another day. My next thoughts are to express my desire to use that day to serve Him. As I spend time in the Scriptures and in prayer, writing and reflecting on His word or His works, I find myself praising Him for various things.

I want to be a blessing to God and a blessing to others. I don’t want to be “a missing nun,” who is blind to the many blessings of God and who never returns thanksgiving or who never reflects praise of Him to those around me. The “missing nun” is ungrateful, self-absorbed, and inconsiderate. The “missing nun” does not seize opportunities to tell God how much he loves Him or tell others how much He has done for him. The “missing nun” does not recognize His purpose and, instead, lives for his own agenda, his own ambitions, and his own praise.

Daily Reflection

What about you? Are you “a missing nun,” or are you one of those “letters” that praises the Lord with your words and works?

What thoughts do you have when you awake in the morning? What goals do you have in a day?

How would you describe “a missing nun”?

“I will praise you, my God and King,” wrote David. “I will bless you every day; I will praise you forever! Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise! His greatness is beyond discovery! Let every generation tell of Your mighty acts. Your awe-inspiring deeds will be on every tongue. I will proclaim your greatness” (v.1-4).

All of creation sings praises to our God. The rocks cry out, the trees clap their hands, the sun, moon, and stars reflect the glory of the Lord. Everything that God has made somehow praises His name. Shouldn’t people praise Him too? Don’t be the “missing nun!” Don’t be silent! Bless His name and tell of His greatness!

BiAY.org | Day 136 — 229 Days to Go