Random Encouragement from the Psalms - Pt. 9

 

Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth! Serve the LORD with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! Know that the LORD, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations. (Psalm 100 ESV).

 

When we read this Psalm we are faced with a stark contrast of the difference in perception of serving God by those who love him as opposed to those who just serve out of duty or fear. Since the earliest days of idolatry mankind has always created in their minds a god that seeks to do them harm or that must in some way be appeased. So every evil, calamity or sickness is blamed on the gods. With this thinking the only way to have a good life is to make the gods happy and in turn he will bless instead of curse us.

 

The only real God, the God who made us and owns us seeks our good and our happiness. He only wants what is best for us in every situation in life. In fact, he made the first move for our ultimate good when he gave his Son to die for our sin and did so while we were still his enemies and still living in sin. Instead of us doing something to appease him, he made it possible for us to be reconciled to him. He gave the greatest gift that could be given so we can live in fellowship with him; not just for a short time on earth but in eternity.

 

Serving God is the greatest privilege we can be afforded in this life and it brings with it the greatest joy we can know. In fact, Paul says serving God gives us peace that surpasses understanding. We can rejoice in the face of trials and heartaches because we know he is always near. No matter what we face we can turn it over to God in prayer and know he will work in our lives for our good.

 

This does not mean our lives will always be rosy or that we will never face any sickness, tragedy, problems or heartaches. It means he will be with us as we go through each of these. He will give us strength when we are weak and comfort when we grieve. He will hold our hand as we make the last journey from this life into his eternal bliss where we will live in his presence forever.