"He sent out his word and healed them, and delivered them from their destruction. Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of men" (Ps. 107:20-21).
The psalmist calls us to give thanks and praise for the steadfast love of the LORD (Ps. 107:1). This is a psalm reminding the redeemed of the Lord of his infinite praiseworthiness. The Lord has delivered them from all of their troubles, even the troubles that they have brought upon themselves by their wanton waywardness. He does this because his love, unlike their love, is steadfast.
The Lord's steadfast love is rock solid. It is unbreakable. His love is an attribute of his character, and thus, it is infinite, holy, perfect, and true.
Were we not the objects of his love, our situation would be hopeless. Our wayward hearts would lead us farther and farther from his loving embrace. We would flee his love, like we were running from destruction itself. But his love pursues us, it surrounds us, and it holds us captive.
The people mentioned in Psalm 107:20-21, were "fools through their own ways, and because of their iniquities suffered affliction" (Ps. 107:17). They were knocking at death's door, because the rejected God's provision. Yet, God sends out his word and heals them.
In these words, we see grace displayed. He isn't rescuing those who are looking for him. He is conquering his enemies with his love. They are locked in their rebellion to the point of death, and yet, he nurses them back to life.
The Word of Christ brings healing as the Spirit works faith in the believer. The poison of rebellion is slowly drawn from the sin-wounded heart, through the process of sanctification. Every day that Spirit seeks to apply the healing balm of the Word to our sin-sick hearts. Through the gospel, we have been brought back from death to life, but while we live in this body sins poison still affects us.
But God has sent out his Word, and it will not return unto him void. It will accomplish what he wills. We can say with Paul, "I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion on the day of Jesus Christ" (Phil. 1:6).
With this confidence, a gratitude must flow forth from us. Reflection upon the overflowing graciousness of God's steadfast love should drive us to thankfulness. God's praise should forever be upon our lips, because of Christ's death and resurrection. He loved us when we were enemies, he made us his own, and now he should be the object of our greatest adoration and gratitude. Love him, thank him, because he first loved you.
Showing posts with label Steadfast Love. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Steadfast Love. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
His Steadfast Love
"Rise up; come to our help! Redeem us for the sake of your steadfast love!" (Ps. 44:26, ESV).
In difficult circumstances it is important that we remember the source of our greatest hope: the steadfast love of the Lord. His love is unstoppable. It can't be broken down, worn out, or exhausted. His love is by its nature (and his nature) unending.
When we find ourselves in these situations, we need to continue to revisit the steadfast love of the Lord. In numerous places in the Scriptures, we see the people of God reminding themselves of his past faithfulness. The reason they did this is because they knew that God is unchanging. His nature stays consistent.
Many view God as capricious. They assume God acts without rhyme or reason, but this is just not true. God is infinitely wise and holy. He is slow to anger and abounding in love, and because of this love he redeems us.
The Psalmist in his hour of need cried out to God, "Redeem us for the sake of your steadfast love!" We, too, can have such confidence in God's steadfast love. God's love is as unbreakable as his word--he cannot lie, nor can he deny his own nature. His love must always remain steadfast, because that is his nature. He desires to redeem his people. He stoops down to hear their prayers, and delights in answering them.
He has redeemed his people through Jesus Christ the Lord. He has bought them back from their slavery to sin. Jesus received the full wages of our sin, by dying in our place. He bore the wrath of God, and was forsaken so that we might be received. Christ's death and resurrection are the certain proof of God's enduring love (see Rom. 5:8).
Are you in a difficult circumstance? Are you desperate for God to come and rescue you? Are you resting in his steadfast love? Are you confident of the fact that no matter what the circumstances, he loves you? I encourage you to entrust yourself to his steadfast love. It's strong enough to withstand more than you can imagine.
In difficult circumstances it is important that we remember the source of our greatest hope: the steadfast love of the Lord. His love is unstoppable. It can't be broken down, worn out, or exhausted. His love is by its nature (and his nature) unending.
When we find ourselves in these situations, we need to continue to revisit the steadfast love of the Lord. In numerous places in the Scriptures, we see the people of God reminding themselves of his past faithfulness. The reason they did this is because they knew that God is unchanging. His nature stays consistent.
Many view God as capricious. They assume God acts without rhyme or reason, but this is just not true. God is infinitely wise and holy. He is slow to anger and abounding in love, and because of this love he redeems us.
The Psalmist in his hour of need cried out to God, "Redeem us for the sake of your steadfast love!" We, too, can have such confidence in God's steadfast love. God's love is as unbreakable as his word--he cannot lie, nor can he deny his own nature. His love must always remain steadfast, because that is his nature. He desires to redeem his people. He stoops down to hear their prayers, and delights in answering them.
He has redeemed his people through Jesus Christ the Lord. He has bought them back from their slavery to sin. Jesus received the full wages of our sin, by dying in our place. He bore the wrath of God, and was forsaken so that we might be received. Christ's death and resurrection are the certain proof of God's enduring love (see Rom. 5:8).
Are you in a difficult circumstance? Are you desperate for God to come and rescue you? Are you resting in his steadfast love? Are you confident of the fact that no matter what the circumstances, he loves you? I encourage you to entrust yourself to his steadfast love. It's strong enough to withstand more than you can imagine.
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