Ps.48:9 – We have thought, O God, on Your lovingkindness,
In the midst of Your temple.
Have you pondered the goodness, the lovingkindness of the Lord, lately? This apparently was what distinguished David from all of the other Hebrew prophets, David was fixated with the mercy and goodness of our God. It was birthed in David as a youth when the Spirit fell mightily upon him, it was formed deeply in him as he clung to the Lord living in exile for so many years. His life long passion was to build a house for the gathering of the people so that they too could taste the mercy of his God. Here is a quote from John Trappe that describes the impact God’s real presence can have on us.
“We have silently mused or minded, as being amazed, or rather amazed, thereat, not able to speak for a while, we were so transported when we met in thy temple for the purpose to praise thee, as for thy lovingkindness towards us, so for thy power and justice exercised on our enemies.”
Trappe had also tasted of the Lord to such a degree that at times he was rendered speechless. Here is how John Calvin describes this verse.
“Now, if this symbol of the presence of God, which was only a shadow, ought to have had such influence on the minds of true believers under the former dispensation as to make them hope for life in the midst of death, surely when Christ has now descended among us, to unite us much more closely to his Father, we have sufficient ground for continuing in a state of undisturbed tranquility, even if the world should be embroiled in confusion and turned upside down. Only it must be our endeavor that the service of God may flourish purely and wholly among us. And thus the glory of his temple may shine forth in our midst.”
Calvin knew what it meant to have his world “embroiled in confusion and turned upside down”. He was from France and lived most of his life in exile from his country because of his Protestant faith. Calvin had learned to ponder the unfailing love of God found in Jesus Christ to sustain him in the days of adversity. How is it with you today? If you too are facing difficult times drink from the cup of God’s love, this is the place where you too will be strengthened and sustained.
Amen.
It is so true.
God’s Love is the only thing I must hold on to because it is steadfast in truth and purity.
There are so many voices out there in the world that are telling us how we should feel, and what decisions we should make concerning love, that an individual can get off track if not rooted deep in what is true and pure which is God’s Love.
Holding on to Him with our spirit, body and soul is the only way. It can be taxing on one’s mental and physical body. When that happens we should rest in His Love and knowing He will see us through.
Thank You Jesus that You faithful. You are always there for us. Even when we feel the ground shaking beneath us and our surroundings are chaotic , we can rejoice thanking You for Your unconditional love towards us.
Love You. Jane.