I Love the Lord Because….
I began my week with my monthly IV infusion. This is a three plus hour process that I am involved in designed to build my immune system.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “I love the Lord because he hears my voice and my prayer for mercy. Because he bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath!” Psalm 116:1,2 NLT
Do you love the Lord? If so why? Have you ever given it thought? Have you ever articulated it in praise or prayer? The psalmist declares his love for the Lord because he knows the Lord hears his prayer and provides His mercy in the time of need. He is in awe that the God of the universe “bends down to listen.” As a result, he is motivated to pray and to keep on praying. He says, “as long as I have breath.”
As Psalm 116 unfolds we get a clearer picture of the situation the psalmist was in, “Death wrapped its ropes around me; the terrors of the grave overtook me. I saw only trouble and sorrow.” (Psalm 116:3 NLT) It is in this circumstance that the psalmist cries out to the Lord.
The psalmist continues and declares, “The Lord protects those of childlike faith…” (Psalm 116:6 NLT) You don’t need “mountain-moving” faith for the Lord to hear, you just need “childlike” faith. But then, the faith of a child may be the strongest and most trusting that can be found.
The Lord delivers. “He has saved me from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling.” (Psalm 116:8 NLT)
The Lord grants us His presence. “…so I walk in the Lord’s presence as I live here on earth!” (Psalm 116:9 NLT) The Lord’s abiding presence is not just a future promise, it is a present reality as we live in relationship and trust in Him.
In response to all of this the psalmist asks, What can I offer the Lord for all he has done for me? He then makes this commitment, “I will lift up the cup of salvation and praise the Lord’s name for saving me. I will keep my promises to the Lord in the presence of all his people.” (Psalm 116:13,14 NLT)
I am reminded of Paul’s words to the Romans, “And so, dear brothers, I plead with you to give your bodies to God. Let them be a living sacrifice, holy—the kind he can accept. When you think of what he has done for you, is this too much to ask?” (Romans 12:1,2 LB)
The natural response of our love for God is reflected in our worship and our lifestyle. The character of Christ and the fruit of the Spirit should be a priority for our life. Why? Because….we love the Lord for all that He does and all the He is.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… Lord, help our love for You to grow stronger and stronger as we learn of You and observe Your faithfulness in our lives. Let our response be one of joyful celebration and steadfast commitment.