We
often harden our hearts to the voice of the Lord. Disappointment, disillusionment
and discouragement suck the life right out of our soul. We are weary and
discouraged of fighting in the battle of life in this sin-cursed world.
Trials
meet us everywhere we turn and we attempt to overcome them in our own strength.
Even when we experience the wondrous provision of God in our life, we quickly
forget all of His benefits, and we fail to enter into a life of rest and
contentment (Psalm 95:8-11).
The
remedy for this negative lifestyle is to spend our time constantly singing
praises to God's name, as we proclaim His glory, provision and salvation to
anyone who will listen. We sing a new song to Him with the fruit of our lips
(Psalm 96:1-3).
God
is great, and worthy of our praise. He deserves our reverence and honor more
than anything or anyone else in our life. As Creator, His splendor and majesty
are constantly surrounding us (Psalm 96:4-6; Romans 1:20).
The
earth is firmly established, and our safety is found only in His sanctuary. The
whole earth is glad in Him: the seas resound, the fields jubilantly flourish,
the trees of the forests sing for joy, and all of creation rejoices before Him
(Psalm 96:11-13).
As
we serve God in His presence, He calls us to give Him credit where glory is due
to Him. Worshipping Him in the splendor of His holiness, we proclaim that He
reigns over all of the earth. He evaluates our life with righteous judgment and
without partiality (Psalm 96:7-10).
God
delights in us, loves us as His own, and cherishes us - not because of our
words and behavior, but He loved us while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8).
He overlooks our performance, and He sanctifies our preferences, because He
calls us to a life of obedience and devotion to Him and His Kingdom.
Prayer:
Father
God, You are looking for those who will obey You, not for those who are
successful in this world. Regardless of how much we weigh, what subdivision or
inner city row house we live in, or what position we hold in our vocation, You
unconditionally love us. We are enough for You, because of Christ in us. We
love You with our whole heart, mind, will and strength (Matthew 22:37).
You
lavish us with Your love and call us as Your Children (1 John 3:1), rejoicing
over Your relationship with us and drawing us ever closer to Your heart each
moment of every day. Help us to walk in Your Spirit, to cherish all of Your
precepts, and to share Your love with those we meet during the divine moments
that You arrange for us each day.
Thought
for the Day:
God
relieves our anxiety by quieting us with His love, and He takes great delight
in His Saints as He rejoices over us with singing; His love and faithfulness
know no bounds, and His righteousness and justice flourish.
-
Zephaniah 3:17; Psalm 36:5-6
