Readings for today: Psalms 131, 138-139, 143-145
Reading through the Psalms this morning was refreshing. Especially the final reading from Psalm 145. One cannot meditate on these words enough. One cannot hear these words enough. "God is magnificent; He can never be praised enough. There are no boundaries to His greatness.” (Psalm 145:3 MSG) God is truly great. Greater than we can imagine. Greater than we think we know. Limitless in his power and knowledge. Limitless in his love and grace. Limitless in his righteousness and justice. His greatness is simply so great it is unsearchable. It is mysterious. Unfathomable. His will is inscrutable. We will never truly understand the mind of God because we are finite. We see through a glass darkly. We only can see part of the picture. We have such a limited view. But God's greatness knows no end! God's greatness knows no boundaries!
"God is all mercy and grace - not quick to anger, is rich in love. God is good to one and all; everything He does is soaked through with grace." (Psalm 145:8-9 MSG) Echoes of Exodus where God showed Himself to Moses. The true nature and character of God revealed in all its fullness and glory. God is gracious. His love is unconditional. His mercy is everlasting. There is nothing that can separate us from God's love. Nothing that can condemn those who are in Christ Jesus. No conditions. No circumstances. No sinful behavior. No addiction. No crisis. No tragedy. No doubt. No fear. No failure. Nothing in all of creation can separate those who are in Christ Jesus from the gracious, merciful, steadfast love of God. This is why "creation and creatures applaud You, O God!” (Psalm 145:10 MSG)
"Everything God does is right - the trademark on all His works is love." (Psalm 145:17 MSG) His Law is beautiful. Precious. It is like water to the soul. His commands are designed for human flourishing. His statutes are for our protection. All his ways are good and kind.
"God’s there, listening for all who pray, for all who pray and mean it. He does what’s best for those who fear Him - hears them call out, and saves them. God sticks by all who love him…" (Psalm 145:18-20a MSG) O the wonderful promises of God! They are true! They are secure! They are more real to me than my thoughts. My feelings. My experience. They are the foundation of my life in Christ. Truly God fulfills His promises. Always in His way and in His time and according to His good plan.
I love the Psalms so much sometimes I just sit and let the words wash over me like waves at the seashore. Wave after wave of God's goodness. Wave after wave of God's promises. Wave after wave of God's glory. As I am drenched in the love and grace of God, I find myself quite naturally falling to my knees in praise. Falling to my knees in humble submission. Falling to my knees is thanksgiving for all He has done for me.
Readings for tomorrow: 1 Chronicles 27-29, Psalm 68