“You have also given me the shield of Your Salvation—and Your Gentleness has made me great.”
II Samuel 22:36
No one has ever loved you like He does.
When you awoke this morning, dear Pilgrim, did you feel the God of the universe greet you with a Holy Kiss? During the night. . .even while you slept. . .did you hear Him whispering your name and reminding you just how much He loves you?
Although there was a time in David’s life when he, like the prodigal son (Lk. 15:11-24), strayed quite far from God (II Sam. 11:1-25), this shepherd-king knew “it’s by His mercies we’re not consumed” (Lam. 3:21-23). And, he also knew it’s God’s “Gentleness (Heb. ‘anah’—‘looking down, to abase one’s self, ravish, show mercy toward, etc.’) that makes us great (Heb. ‘rabah’—‘to increase, abound, multiply, be plenteous, etc.’)”—not our intellectual acumen or physical ability.
From birth, our natural minds are “at enmity against God” (Rom. 8:7a). They’re hot-wired by sin to blame God. . .accuse Him. . .resent Him. . .and think badly of Him. But, when our “blinded minds” (II Cor. 4:4) are awakened from their spiritual darkness by Jesus’ Life, Light and Love, we no longer view ourselves as “somebody come” or worthless pieces of junk. Instead, we realize we’re “somebody” because of “Someone Who has come” and given us what we don’t deserve (Grace) and prevented us from getting all that we deserve (Mercy). Hallelujah!!
The Apostle Paul knew this so well.
He knew it wasn’t lightning bolts or trembling fear that changes our heart; it’s God’s Goodness (Rom. 2:4).
If our relationship with Him is based upon fear, there’ll always be doubt, confusion and the temptation to desert; however, when it’s based upon faith and love, we’ll always know our Abba Father will always be there. . .looking beyond our faults and seeing our needs. . .as He transforms us from the inside out by His Holy Spirit and the Word (II Cor. 5:17; Rom. 12:1-2).
How long has it been, dear Pilgrim, since you spent a few minutes reflecting back over the years and how God’s Hand guided, sustained and delivered you? Can you still remember those times when you were trapped “in the miry clay of sin, but the Lord showed up. . .plucked you out of that horrible place. . .set your feet upon a Rock (Jesus). . .gave you new direction. . .and put a new song—even a Song of Praise—in your mouth” (Ps. 40:1-3)?
If so, why not stop right now, lift your eyes and hands upward toward Heaven, and shout aloud “Hallelujah! Thank You, O God, for saving a wretch like me!”?
As you do, don’t be surprised if you feel a stirring in your soul and feel the Lord God brush up against you as He whispers, “I love you, My Child, and the Best is yet to be.” Glory! Thank You, dear Jesus.
June 3, 2011
