How can we apply "the right hand of the LORD is exalted" today? Setting the Verse in Context Psalm 118 celebrates God’s covenant faithfulness and triumphant deliverance. Nestled in the middle is the declaration: “The right hand of the LORD is exalted; the right hand of the LORD performs with valor” (Psalm 118:16). The psalmist publicly lifts up God’s active, victorious power—inviting every generation to do the same. Understanding the Right Hand Imagery • “Right hand” points to supreme strength and authority (Exodus 15:6; Isaiah 41:10). • “Exalted” highlights God’s honor and heightened visibility—His saving work is meant to be seen and celebrated. • “Performs with valor” stresses decisive, heroic action, reminding us that the Lord never merely watches; He intervenes with power. Jesus and the Exalted Right Hand • After His resurrection Jesus “was exalted to the right hand of God” (Acts 2:33). • Hebrews 1:3 affirms He “sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,” signaling finished atonement and unending authority. • Because Christ embodies the exalted right hand, every promise of Psalm 118:16 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Him. Everyday Applications • Worship boldly – Celebrate the victories God has already accomplished. – Verbally praise His acts; exalt His right hand in prayer and song (Psalm 98:1). • Trust consistently – When fear arises, recall that His right hand is not only powerful but already lifted high on your behalf (Isaiah 41:13). – Replace anxiety with a conscious declaration: “His exalted hand is working for me right now.” • Live courageously – Step into assignments that look larger than your resources, knowing His valor backs obedient faith (Joshua 1:9). – Refuse defeatist speech; speak of God’s mighty deeds instead (2 Corinthians 4:13). • Serve humbly – Because the right hand of the Lord has secured the ultimate victory, we can serve without striving for personal glory (1 Peter 5:6). – Point others to His exalted hand rather than drawing attention to our own. • Persevere hopefully – Trials are temporary; the exalted hand guarantees a final, visible triumph (Revelation 19:1–2). – Keep laboring in good works, assured that “your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58). Corporate Implications • In gathered worship, lift high testimonies of God’s interventions—current and historic—so the congregation’s faith is anchored in His ongoing valor. • In congregational decision-making, rely on His authority rather than clever strategy alone (Proverbs 3:5-6). • In mission, move toward unreached or resistant places, confident that the exalted right hand still breaks chains (Acts 5:19-21). Takeaway Summary To apply “the right hand of the LORD is exalted” today, continually spotlight God’s supreme, victorious power in Christ; trust it, rest in it, speak of it, and act from it. His raised hand has not grown weak, and every sphere of life is transformed when we live as though that is true—because it is. |
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