When our lives are spared, in what we call a miraculous way; when a loved one recovers remarkably after serious surgery; when things go exceptionally well for our flesh; the words of our mouths often are, "O God, how good Thou art." We need no prodding or exhortation to do that. When we receive earthly treasures and fleshly joys, we, as believers, recognize this as His work, see His glory and give expression to it.
Sad to say, however, that same enthusiasm, that same loose tongue, often is not there when we taste God's work of saving us from our sins. We are ready to confess Him as our strength when all goes well physically, but we are not so enthusiastic and ready to confess Him as our redeemer. The smile on our faces is not as broad when we speak of our salvation.
How happy are you in the knowledge that your sins are forgiven? How much is your soul thrilled when you think of what Christ did for you on His cross? How enthusiastically can you pray, "Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly''? Is there not so much that you still want to enjoy in this life?
The need is there, but is there the desire to pray with David, "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer" Psalm 19:14.
There is indeed so much room for us to pray, as versified, those words of Psalm 19:14:
The words which from my mouth proceed,
The thoughts within my heart,
Accept O Lord, for Thou my Rock
And my redeemer art.
Sing of God as your Redeemer as well as your strength. And pray for the grace to see His glory as your Redeemer. Pray that the things here below do not make you forget the washing away of your guilt, and the precious gift of a God-glorifying life like that of His Son. Pray that you may be more and move spiritual, to seek the things above, and be pleasing in God's sight in all that you do.
Read: Revelation 7
Psalter versification: 41:7
Devotions on the Heidelberg Catechism
Song for Meditation: Psalter number 247
Why not sing along??
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Through the Bible in One Year
Read today:
Exodus 30:11-38 ; Exodus 31:1-18
Matthew 26:47-68
Psalm 32:1-11
Proverbs 8:27-32
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Quote for Reflection:
These promises of the covenant concern Christ as the representative Head of His elect, and therefore apply to them all. The promises for their salvation they receive out of the hand of Christ, in whom all promises are yea and Amen unto the glory of God. (II Cor. 1:20). Indeed, no promise is firm if it is not sealed in Christ, the Head of the covenant. The promises given would be lost because of the severe assaults of Satan, the inveterate enmity of the world, and the incessant wandering of God's people, but they are firm in Christ and unto eternal life. — G. H. Kersten
Additional Info
- Date: 10-February