If someone knew the password to your device, would they be able to find any digital evidence of your spiritual joy? Or, if they flipped through your Bible, would they see any recent evidence of things you enjoyed while reading?

Did Psalm 117 start as a note-to-self by an ancient child of God on some early papyrus device? Possibly, centuries ago, some joy-filled child of God was thrilled with the Lord one morning and quickly grabbed the latest technology of their era to record a few sweet thoughts. Yes, just a handful of sixteen or seventeen Hebrew words that captured the particular thrill being experienced in the soul of that saint on a certain occasion. Maybe the few words were shoved into the pocket or fold of their garment that day.

Praise the LORD, all nations! Extol him, all peoples! For great is His steadfast love toward us, and the faithfulness (truth) of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD! Psalm 117

Whoever the happy child of God was, they were overwhelmed with joy. They longed for a day when every nation would praise the Lord. This anonymous believer had experienced the rock-solid love of the Lord to be superior to all others and found the truth of the Lord to be a permanent anchor in the storms of life—faithfulness without a lapse. The desire of this believer’s heart was that everyone, everywhere, would come to appreciate the same steadfast love of the Lord and that all, without exception, would praise the Lord!

Given the hostility today towards our Lord Jesus Christ, it’s hard to imagine a day when believers will no longer be in the minority – a day when they will dominate the earth. Jesus will be returning to this world in dazzling splendour and majestic power.  He will reign as the world’s Sovereign Ruler for one thousand years here on this Planet! 

All nations, in that day, will praise and worship the Lord. It will be the fulfillment of the words of that anonymous saint who jotted down the shortest chapter in the Bible – Psalm 117 (as we know it today.)

Maybe you’re an anonymous believer in this age – living for the Lord in obscurity.  No one seems to notice you, and you feel small and insignificant. But don’t let that get you down! Do you know what records are really important in your life? It’s not your financial investment certificates or academic achievement diplomas, or published articles in a theological or scientific journal.

The significant records are the little spiritual nuggets you stuck inside your Bible or posted on your fridge or desk –  that little thought about Christ that came into your head yesterday. Or the one phrase in that verse you enjoyed so much last week. Or the dozen words you scribbled down, summarizing the feelings of your heart as you spent time alone with the Lord earlier today.

Never underestimate the eternal value of those little notes to self. You’ll look back on those scattered notes as sacred memories down the road. During the storms of life or times when your heart is hard or cold, you will come across something you jotted down earlier, and your heart will be softened, and your eyes may even be melted to tears. On another level, have you ever considered your notes precious to the Lord? And, on a practical – if not morbid note, your trail of jottings will be a treasure trove to your loved ones and the person preparing to speak at your funeral.

Aren’t you thankful the ancient anonymous saint jotted down Psalm 117? Don’t just have the thought in your heart or head – always jot it down somewhere! When have you last jotted down some evidence of your joy in the Lord?

Praise the LORD, all nations! Extol him, all peoples! For great is His steadfast love toward us, and the faithfulness (truth) of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD! Psalm 117

Don’t hesitate to share a thought from your personal experience in the comment section below. Or, if you would like to reach out privately, click below.