Loveliness of God
April 30, 2017
Meditating on God
Here are the middle verses of Psalm 19.
The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.
The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.
The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward. (Psalms 19:7-11)
More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
Since our God is infinite and perfect; therefore, His loveliness and lovableness are worthy of our most passionate expression. This love expressed for God’s word is in a sense a proxy for our love for God.
If God’s word is more to be desired than gold…sweeter than honey…in the keeping of them is a great reward, what then Is God Himself? How should our hearts respond when we focus on Him to speak to Him?
John Piper says in his great book, Desiring God, “True worship must include inward feelings that reflect the worth of God’s glory… But there is such a thing as hypocrisy – going through the outward motions (like singing, praying, giving, reciting) which signify the affections of the heart that are not there.”
A bit later he says, “Worship is authentic when affections for God arise in the heart as an end in themselves.”
Receiving God’s Love
As we turn to prayer, let us each recognize that the most loving Father, the most generous Saviour and the most gracious Spirit are tenderly and compassionately hearing what we pray. He is Present with each of us individually because he loves each of us. Knowing this, let us open our hearts to receive His adoration and allow our gratitude to express our love, adoration, and joy in His presence.
Prayer
Father, it is beyond our understanding the You, El Shaddai, Almighty God, should condescend to be Present with each one of us. Loving Lord Jesus, our gratitude is overwhelming, when we consider your magnificent sacrifice for each one of us. Ever present guide, Holy Spirit, free our hearts to be filled to overflowing with our love for You, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Please offer your hearts to God to fill with His love.
Pause for Prayer
Prompted by the love of God, lift to him the burden that is in your heart for others and for yourself.
Pause for Prayer
Mighty God and majestic Lord, You have in mercy and loving-kindness come to each one of us. You have moved into our hearts to dwell with us in all we do. We are in humble awe of that fantastic truth. We thank you and surrender to your love as we join in the Prayer that Our Savior taught us, saying…
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name.
Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, for ever and ever.
Amen
