That our land may yield its harvest

Text: Psa. 67:1-7

Introduction
From the beginning of the world, the Lord has decreed that there will always be the season of harvest. (Gen. 8:22) May this indeed be the season of harvest for us all. No one will tamper with your harvest. It shall not be diverted nor denied. But what is the correlation between harvest and thanksgiving? I found this in Psalm 67.

• A Psalm Of Thanksgiving
Psalm 67 is generally agreed to be the Psalm of thanksgiving. But it is also a Psalm of harvest. The Psalm begins with the aspiration for the special manifestation of God’s mercy. God be merciful unto us, and bless us (vs1) echoes the priestly blessings of Numbers 6:24-25.  But this is not necessarily uttered by a priest, but by someone who desires God’s mercy. Accompanying God’s mercy are blessings and salvation. Our blessings and salvation can draw other nations unto Him (2)

• Praise: The Secret Of Harvest
One revelation of this passage is the correlation between praise and harvest. God desires that we receive harvest and we must do our part, especially during the seedtime. But our activities during the seedtime though required is not all that we need to have a successful/great harvest. Twice in this passage, the Psalmist asked God’s people to praise Him. (vs. 3-5) The call looks like a prayer unto God that His people might find the secret and the joy, thereby experiencing the blessings of praising Him. He speaks of God’s peoples and not people and this opens the privilege to all tribes and tongues. The first line speaks of the people and the second line speaks of all the people. The result, according to the Psalmist, is that the earth shall yield her increase/harvest. The Hebrew word is “yebowl,” which could mean “a crop, wealth, fruit, increase or harvest.” An abundant harvest is pictured here by the Psalmist as the result of genuine thanksgiving unto God. Genuine thanksgiving is the product of a true recognition of God’s grace in our lives. It, therefore, produces more blessings of grace. May we discover this secret of a wonderful harvest!

Conclusion
When our God blesses us with increase/harvest, all the ends of the earth shall fear Him. May the Lord bless us in such away that the ends of the earth shall fear Him! God is set to receive praise that will result in harvest and blessings for His people. The big question is: Are you one of God’s people? To be among God’s people, you must give your life to Jesus and begin to live for Him. May you experience an abundant harvest that draws others to Christ! Amen.

Shalom.
Shepherdhill Baptist Church (Sanctuary of Grace & Glory), Baptist Academy Compound, Obanikoro, Lagos.