Dependence on, Love of, Service to, Rejoicing in... Psalm 63

     This is a description of a truly dedicated, faithful, loving, trusting servant of God.  The author of this Psalm understands what it is to live in the presence of our Father.  The author was David.  This was written at a point in David's life when he easily could have lost faith or doubted God; like those of us who pray then think God doesn't care if we do not receive an instant solution.  Faith means through thick and thin...trusting God no matter the situation we are confronted with.  

     As I read this today, I am experiencing one of those lack-of-faith moments.  Psalm 63 bolstered and renewed my faith.  I hope it does for you.  

You, God, are my God,
    earnestly I seek you;
I thirst for you,
    my whole being longs for you,
in a dry and parched land
    where there is no water.

 I have seen you in the sanctuary
    and beheld your power and your glory.
 Because your love is better than life,
    my lips will glorify you.
 I will praise you as long as I live,
    and in your name I will lift up my hands.
 I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods;
    with singing lips my mouth will praise you.

 On my bed I remember you;
    I think of you through the watches of the night.
 Because you are my help,
    I sing in the shadow of your wings.
 I cling to you;
    your right hand upholds me.

 Those who want to kill me will be destroyed;
    they will go down to the depths of the earth.
 They will be given over to the sword
    and become food for jackals.

 But the king will rejoice in God;
    all who swear by God will glory in him,
    while the mouths of liars will be silenced.

Psalm 63 (NIV)

Worship

     Our God tells Israel that they shall worship no other gods.  There are no other gods.  So, when we worship other gods, we are worshiping idols.  Some examples: things like technology, possessions like cars and homes, celebrities or leaders, etc.  What He commanded of Israel, he commands of all who wish to tread his path, such as Christians.

Hear me, my people, and I will warn you—
    if you would only listen to me, Israel!
 You shall have no foreign god among you;
    you shall not worship any god other than me.

Psalm 81:8-9

HUMILITY

     God commands humility that we may serve him.  When we humble ourselves and serve him, we serve our fellow man.  God himself was humble and served us while he walked this earth in human form: Jesus Christ.  But the Bible as always puts it eloquently.

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
    And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
    and to walk humbly with your God.

Micah 6:8 (NIV) 

     

Service

”Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people,..."  Ephesians 6:7 (NIV)

     Jesus came to serve.  Who are we that we will not or do not serve one another?  As Christians, we must remind ourselves that our mission is to serve our brethren in Jesus' name as if we were serving him.  It would make the world such a better place if all mankind kept service to others foremost in their minds.  

Suffering

     Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.  But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.  If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.  If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler.  However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.  For it is time for judgment to begin with God's household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?  And,

          "If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,

               what will become of the ungodly sinner?"

     So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good. 

1 Peter 4:12-19 (NIV)

     Rejoice in our suffering for His sake.  Is that not what sets us apart?  When we joined this select group of Christians, we were never promised an easy road, instead, for suffering in His name, a reward greater than any task set before us. 
     The reward must be great or why would Jesus go knowingly to that hideous death on the cross; why did Peter ask to be crucified upside down; why did Paul rejoice in his many trials and tribulations while spreading the Good News? 
     Yet I whimper like a baby when I cannot watch a TV show due to being asked to serve at church.  I nor most others do not know the true meaning of trials and tribulations.  I and most others sit in church on Sunday dozing off.  Such suffering.  What a divine and heavenly gift it is to be allowed to join the community of Christ. 
     We must give thanks with true faith and praise.  Most of us need reminding from time to time.  Most of us need to revive or rededicate ourselves regularly, and give our Father some of our precious time.

Do You Have a Moment to Spare?

     Do you have a moment to spare in your busy schedule?  Try this: praise His holy name.  What do you possess that was not given by Him?  Praise His holy name.  Then...walk around with a smile on your face the rest of the day...the smile He blessed you with.  Praise his holy name.