Chris' Corner -- Sunday, June 20, 2021
As our Heavenly Father watches over us, we proclaim to the world how God is so very, very good to us. Those who love Him and obey His will understand the joy that comes from our daily walk with Him.
Psalm 145 is a song about God’s majesty and love. Over and over in these verses, the Psalmist expresses praise and honor to God for His “glorious splendor,” “wondrous works,” and “righteous ways.”
Near the end of the chapter, three things are stated about the relationship we have with our Father.
In verse eighteen, we learn, “The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth.” God is always ready to be near us. He is a social being who “created us in His image and after His likeness.” Therefore, we are social beings who desire to be near our Creator. So many people are looking for that beautiful relationship with God, and they call upon Him, but not in the right way. To have that close relationship with Him requires us to “call upon Him...in truth.”
In verse nineteen, we are told, “He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He also will hear their cry and save them.” Spiritual blessings are bestowed only on those who obey God. Obedience follows a particular “fear” of the Almighty. This fear is a reverential, godly fear. It is the kind of fear which avoids anything that an obedient child knows would displease his loving Heavenly Father. In turn, the Father’s response is to save His obedient ones.
In verse twenty, we see how “The Lord preserves all who love Him, But all the wicked He will destroy.” Ultimately the love of the Father for His children generates love for Him in return. “We love Him because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19). This affection will run deep for the obedient children of God. Jesus said, “And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment” (Mark 12:30).
Many things can happen to us in this life. We may face hardships, illnesses, and losses of various kinds, but “The Lord preserves all who love Him….” He will keep us near to Him through this entire journey of life. Once again, the Psalmist distinguishes those who call upon Him, fear Him, and love Him and those who don’t. The Lord’s promises to His obedient children are to stay near us, fill our desires, and preserve and save us. How sad for those who decide to keep their distance from the loving Father.
Comments