johnmarkharris.net

O Lord, you have searched me and known me!

You know when I sit down and when I rise up;   

you discern my thoughts from afar.

You search out my path and my lying down   

and are acquainted with all my ways.

Who knows you the best? Your kids? Your spouse? Your parents? Do you know yourself? There is one who knows you even better than that, it’s God. Not only did He create you, but He knows you, all of you, for your entire life. He knows who you were, who you are, but He also knows whom you will become… and He still loves you! There’s nothing you can do to get the Lord to stop loving you, because He already knows all you’ll do, and He still sent His Son to die for you… that’s an amazing love!

Behold, how good and pleasant it is

when brothers dwell in unity!

Unity among God’s people is very important. When we are divided, we cannot accomplish the goal. However, sometimes we get the false impression that unity is the goal, it’s not, the gospel is. The way we attain unity isn’t by having a “I’d like to buy the world a Coke” moment, but by moving forward with those who are agreed to be focused on the spread of the good news. In verses like Titus 3:10 we see that the road to unity isn’t convincing everyone, but only ultimately linking arms with the convinced. The gospel isn’t negotiable as the most important thing. If someone wants to argue about secondary matters, for the sake of the gospel, don’t let them bog you down. That’s hard, but that’s how important our mission is.

I was glad when they said to me,   

“Let us go to the house of the Lord!”

It’s Sunday morning, 8:00AM… time to get up. Are you “glad?” Are you excited to go to God’s house to worship him? Being with the church on Sunday morning is a Saturday night decision. It’s something you do because it is who you are. Are you the church… or do you attend occasionally? Praising Jesus is exciting… be glad to be with the house of the Lord.

Your hands have made and fashioned me;   

give me understanding that I may learn your commandments.

God is the one who lovingly crafted you. He is the only one who knows you completely. He knows how to teach you His path, listen to Him. Of all the things we desire, we should want to know the ways of the Lord above all. Seek the Lord, He’s there.

Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;   

for his steadfast love endures forever!

What about when we don’t feel loved? Think of those times (perhaps you’re in one now) where the fact God exists doesn’t seem to make a difference in real life. Don’t fall for the lie. God’s love is not dependent on our ability to perceive it. God’s love is real. It’s not “warm fuzzy” feel-good nothing… it’s legitimate love. Give thanks to the Lord, not because you feel loved, but because you are, always!