Readings for today: Psalms 4-6, Acts 16:16-40
I love the words from the Psalms this morning. They are good for my soul. They slow me down. They re-orient my thoughts. They re-frame my attitudes. They re-order the priorities of my day. You see, I too often fall into the trap of “doing” before “being.” I too often try to walk in God’s way without first abiding in His love. If I am not careful and intentional, I can quickly turn into a Pharisee. God’s will becomes just another thing to strive after on my checklist. I start chasing self-righteousness rather than simply open my heart to receive the righteousness God offers me in Jesus Christ.
“In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” (Psalm 4:8)
“But I, through the abundance of your steadfast love, will enter your house. I will bow down toward your holy temple in the fear of you. Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness because of my enemies; make your way straight before me. But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you. For you bless the righteous, O Lord; you cover him with favor as with a shield.” (Psalm 5:7-8, 11-12)
“Turn, O Lord, deliver my life; save me for the sake of your steadfast love.” (Psalm 6:4)
God alone makes me dwell in safety. My life is not my own. My security is not mine to maintain. My safety is not my chief concern. My future is not in my hands. God alone holds me in the palm of His hands and He alone provides the rest and peace and comfort I need. God alone is the answer to all my anxieties and fears. It is only through His abundant, steadfast, loyal, faithful love that I have access into His house. His home. His presence. God’s love - nothing else - provides the invitation. So I enter His temple with holy reverence and awe and fear and wonder at the miracle of His great love for me. As I bow down in surrender to receive His love, He leads me in righteousness. As a dear friend and fellow elder in the Lord once shared with me, “Doug, you cannot walk in God’s will unless you first walk in His love.” To put it another way, my “doing” for Jesus must flow from my “being” with Jesus. Life with God cannot be reverse-engineered. In God’s presence, there is fullness of joy. In God’s presence, there is peace that passes all understanding. In God’s presence, there is excitement and energy and exultation. These are the blessings God has reserved for the righteous, those He covers with His favor. These are the blessings I long for in my own life, in the lives of those I love, and in the lives of those who call the church I serve home.
Readings for tomorrow: Psalms 7-9, Acts 17:1-15