To Be His Treasured One!

“O God, do not keep silence;
    do not hold your peace or be still, O God!
For behold, your enemies make an uproar;
    those who hate you have raised their heads.
They lay crafty plans against your people;
    they consult together against your treasured ones.
They say, ‘Come, let us wipe them out as a nation.'” Psalm 83:1-4a

“How lovely is your dwelling place,
    O Lord of hosts!
My soul longs, yes, faints
    for the courts of the Lord;
my heart and flesh sing for joy
    to the living God…

Blessed are those who dwell in your house,
    ever singing your praise! 

Blessed are those whose strength is in you,
    in whose heart are the highways to Zion.
As they go through the Valley of Baca
    they make it a place of springs;
    the early rain also covers it with pools.
They go from strength to strength;
    each one appears before God in Zion…

For the Lord God is a sun and shield;
    the Lord bestows favor and honor.
No good thing does he withhold
    from those who walk uprightly.
O Lord of hosts,
    blessed is the one who trusts in you!” Psalm 84:1-2,4-7,11-12

“You are precious in my eyes,
    and honored, and I love you,
I give men in return for you,
    peoples in exchange for your life.” Isaiah 43:4

“To those who are called, beloved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ…” Jude 1:1

The day starts slowly, sun bright somewhere above the thick Marine layer that blankets the city. For a while vision is limited, the sky too near to give perspective, too close to give any sense of freedom beyond. What we see and feel is what we get: chill, grey— they could dampen and oppress if you let them. But the flowers smile, their faces leaning to the light.

There is something special about standing out in the drear. As a treasured one, my hope breaks through clouds of present pressures, animosity and strife, enemy taunts that determine to unsettle and sow discord. I know whose I am, and that no swipe can touch me, or snatch me away. I look up, and find the Lord’s radiance. (John 10:28-29)

As God’s treasured ones, we are loved! Christ’s love that is greater than any man’s should cheer and steady us in any unrest. (John 15:13)

As God’s treasured ones, we will be persecuted! In trials we can have joy knowing we are blessed, and God is using them to sanctify us. (Matthew 5:11-12; 2 Timothy 3:12; James 1:2-4)

As God’s treasured ones, our hope is certain and our future secure! We have the Holy Spirit as our indefatigable guarantee and look forward to being with Jesus forever. (Ephesians 1:13-14; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)

How confidently do I live, and carry myself, and communicate, and serve, as God’s treasured one? Do I doubt God’s covenant love for me? Am I uneasy about future provision and strength? How seriously do I take God at His word, and stake my daily hope on His sure promises?

Lord, may others see You as the sure and highest treasure of my heart, even as I trust all Your good promises and love for me.