Am I alone, or do I see Jesus prophesied all through out this psalm? I love when Old Testament passages point to the New Testament. Such a beautiful thing. “You forgave the iniquity of your people and covered all their sins” in verse 2 is a nice picture of what Jesus has done for us.
But the language quickly shifts back remembering God’s fury and anger. So many have said to me over the years that the God of the Old Testament is angry and not at all like the loving God I know and trust.
Think of it like this, perhaps it will help. I suppose like any good parent, we are always loving, but bad behaviors and our children’s poor choices can certainly cause our temper to flare. But in those moments do we love them less? Perhaps we even love them more because we want for them the best, and love so deeply that it hurts when they don’t obey.
So, too, our heavenly Father has a deep love for us. His love is unfailing (verse 7) and he brings salvation (verse 9). That is crazy love!
Righteousness is one of those big “churchy” words that can sometimes confuse. Think of it as being right with God because of his response to our love. It certainly has its perks, peace and blessings to name a few. I found it interesting how the psalmist personified faithfulness and righteousness. Again, here I see righteousness as Jesus, going before us to show us the way. What do you think?
It’s easy to sit here today in God’s presence, as we shut out the world for this quiet time, and feel his peace showering down. To escape from the “noise” around us and just be still. Take a moment to just listen to the sounds around you. A dog barking in the distance, birds chirping, car engines, children laughing on the playground, a rooster (yes, it’s Mexico and they like to hear themselves cockle-doodle-doo any time of day or night). The world keeps spinning but you are spending time with God. There is a stillness that refreshes. Be refreshed!
It is important to remember that our loving God can also be an angry God displeased with our behavior. I, for one, want to do what is pleasing to him.
Let’s pray. Lord,help me to not get complacent and drift away from you. You are my lifeline and all good things come from you. I pray that my action will be pleasing to you. Give me discernment to avoid situation and decisions that are not a good reflection of you in me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
