Psalm 48 instructs Israelites to learn about God by meditating on his holy city, Zion (that is, Jerusalem). The citadels of Zion teach us that God is a fortress in whom we can take refuge (Ps. 48:3). The temple of Zion teaches us of God’s steadfast love (Ps. 48:9).
Heavenly Father, we are surrounded by “teachers” who can grow our understanding and appreciation of you…if we give our attention to heeding their lessons. In Psalm 19, the sky is portrayed as a faithful witness, telling us (everybody, everywhere, all the time) about the wonders of your works. Here in Psalm 48, citadels, towers, ramparts, and your temple of old all are teachers that can help us know you all the more and enjoy your blessings more fully. And of course, your Word, illuminated by your Spirit, is our chief teacher, more intimately revealing your love for us than any other teacher.
Lord, we pray that you would make us good students, not too busy or too distracted or too stubborn to learn from the teachers you’ve put all around us. May we, like this psalmist, see lessons of your love and faithfulness everywhere we look (architecture, creation, history, etc.) Grant even that we might not only see you everywhere, but grant that we might seek you in everything. For in finding you we find life, love, peace, hope, and joy. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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