“I love the LORD, because He has heard my voice and my pleas for mercy. Because He inclined His ear to me, therefore I will call on Him as long as I live. The snares of death encompassed me; the pangs of Sheol laid hold on me; I suffered distress and anguish. Then I called on the Name of the LORD: ‘O LORD, I pray, deliver my soul!’ Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; our God is merciful.” Psalm 116:1-5
Devotional Thought For The Day
It may seem a strange consideration, that the psalmist identifies the source of his love for the Lord as God’s great love, mercy, compassion, and deliverance for him. We should, of course, simply love the Lord. But there are so many reasons as to why human beings should love the Lord, all based in His love for us, His blessings of us, and His compassionate acts toward us, that it is truly astonishing that anyone would not love Him. It is perhaps even more astonishing that we can empathize with those who struggle with a sense of God’s love – but we also suffer from doubts and disturbing experiences, and there are times when our circumstances lead us into debate about God’s love for us and we are not sure which side of the argument will prevail.
Is life good? Are there pleasant experiences that we all enjoy – so that our pleasure in life far exceeds our distress and anguish? We dare not answer this question without taking into consideration the whole scope of our life, and also taking accurate consideration of what brings trouble and difficulty into our lives. For the vast majority of human beings life is good, something to be protected and enjoyed fully. We lament and abhor the loss of life – even when death comes to those who are older and whose ability to enjoy life has been compromised. Suicide, which is contemplated by a small fraction of humanity, and only at certain times when suffering is acute or troubles have become inundating, is relatively rare among the some 7 billion people living on the earth today. And it is particularly distasteful, almost intolerable, when we are forced to contemplate the wretched wickedness of murder and war, or the loss of life through tragic accidents or natural disasters. Yes, life is good, very good, and we cherish and value it!
Who is it that created this world, with its abundance of pleasures? And Who is it that created human beings with such wide ability to take pleasure in the many facets of earthly life? Who sustains life, providing us with food? Who enriches life with purpose by giving us tasks and responsibilities? Who gives us freedom to self-determine many aspects of our life, and opportunity also to engage in loving, good, and productive behavior? Who created us with the ability and the propensity to engage in and enjoy relationships with one another – and also with Him? Who gave us our mind, and an inquisitive spirit, and the ability to know and reflect upon the deep things of earthly life and also to contemplate life and existence beyond mere physical life? Who gave us compassion and love, so that we can touch one another with care and concern and supply one another’s needs?
And even in the “snares of death,” in the midst of suffering, anguish, sorrow, and distress, God proves faithful to deliver us, faithful at all times in being “righteous, gracious, and merciful.” And better things yet are promised us – life and existence that is absent all pain, suffering, and sorrow. So why not love the Lord? Why not call on Him as long as we have this earthly life? Why not look at our lives from His perspective, and see Him as He really is, so that we look at our circumstances in life realistically and truthfully and make our decisions and order our behavior in accord with His gracious and loving will? This is love for the Lord, to be grateful for His blessings, to put our faith and trust in Him, to give Him our worship and praise, and to live in the wisdom He has provided for us through His Word! The more we reflect upon His Word the more inclined and empowered we become to do just this – and this is another blessing from the Lord.
Prayer For The Day
Dear Lord Jesus, we go through many times of sorrow, distress, and anguish, and we become more alarmed and depressed as we see ever more clearly the horrid wickedness that exists in the world as a result of unbelief and rebellion against You. Help us to remember You, to know You as You are, to see Your faithfulness and love, Your mercy and forgiveness, so that we put our faith and trust in You. Give us joy in life even in the midst of our trials, and hope for the future, especially the future You have promised us in Your kingdom. So may we ever call upon You and give You our worship, praise, and thanks. Amen.