Author: astherainandsnow

“Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things;
    and give me life in your ways.” Psalm 119:37

“When you sit down to eat with a ruler,
    observe carefully what is before you,
and put a knife to your throat
    if you are given to appetite.
Do not desire his delicacies,
    for they are deceptive food.
Do not toil to acquire wealth;
    be discerning enough to desist.
When your eyes light on it, it is gone,
    for suddenly it sprouts wings,
    flying like an eagle toward heaven.” Proverbs 23:1-5

“Come, everyone who thirsts,
    come to the waters;
and he who has no money,
    come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk
    without money and without price.
Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread,
    and your labor for that which does not satisfy?
Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good,
    and delight yourselves in rich food.
Incline your ear, and come to me;
    hear, that your soul may live.” Isaiah 55:1-3a

“Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you… I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.” John 6:27,35

We were made to eat, food being the fuel for our bodies to subsist and thrive. There are also material goods vital to meeting basic needs and functions for a healthy, productive life. But the Lord gives clear caution against upending these priorities out of balance, and elevating the status of important things to ultimate things.

One distinction is who we seek as the Source- self, or Jehovah Jireh. We can puff ourselves into self-dependence and indispensability, yet He is the One who provides for our every need (and want). We must guard against thinking it is only in our power and grit to amass things, and beware taking credit for favors and success we’ve received. When we take charge, we are subject to pride and self-importance, diminishing our high view of God and reducing Him to a Dispenser of blessing on our efforts. Is this our temptation and tendency? Would we transform our thinking by dwelling on what is true of Him? (Genesis 22:8,14; Deuteronomy 8:10-19; Philippians 4:19; James 1:17)

Another distinction is the value we place on material goods and earthly treasures. Have they become ends, and thus idols, in themselves? What is our drive and goal? Have we allowed our enjoyment of food to morph into gluttony, opened the love spigot on money, or erected heart shrines to performance, accolades, education? Where have we unbridled our affections to run wild and wayward or inordinate? What’s occurred in our souls that we seek the gifts over the Giver? (1 Corinthians 6:13; 1 Timothy 6:10)

Seeking the Lord Jesus first satisfies in itself, and keeps all else in right perspective and place. Would we exchange the worthless things of this earth for the worthwhile that never passes away? (Matthew 6:19-21,24-33)

Good Father, purify my every appetite. Help me always be a steward of Your goodness and graces, serving You with joyfulness and gladness of heart because of Your abundance. (Deuteronomy 28:47)

“The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad; the desert shall rejoice and blossom like the crocus; it shall blossom abundantly and rejoice with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the majesty of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of the Lord, the majesty of our God. Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who have an anxious heart, ‘Be strong; fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save you.’ Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then shall the lame man leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute sing for joy. For waters break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert; the burning sand shall become a pool, and the thirsty ground springs of water; in the haunt of jackals, where they lie down, the grass shall become reeds and rushes. And a highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Way of Holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it. It shall belong to those who walk on the way; even if they are fools, they shall not go astray. No lion shall be there, nor shall any ravenous beast come up on it; they shall not be found there, but the redeemed shall walk there. And the ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.” Isaiah‬ ‭35:1-10‬

We long, we pine, we wait. We cry out, How long? When? Ever? We ache for loved ones who yearn and ask the same. But the promises of God are certain ‘shalls’ that bestow hope and rejoicing today, even when we do not know about tomorrow. The pronouncement of gladness, and glory, and the majesty of the Lord, lifts the heart even now in the wilderness of circumstance, disease, brokenness, and fear. Do we glimpse the color it drops, and feel the cool water it offers?

If sorrow and sighing shall flee one day, let’s tell them ‘Be gone!’ today! When we put our trust in the One who holds the present and the future, we can reckon gladness in our dry land now, and blossoming in our desert, and bring this cheer to others. A heart that grasps the immensity of God’s gracious promises is one that has the capacity for compassion toward those who have not heard.

What labor, what burdens, weaken the hands? Where have wrong paths made feeble the knees? What sister or brother needs someone alongside to guide and support? Do we answer the anxious heart with hand-wringing, fretting, and pessimism, or with prayer, thanksgiving, and promises? How can we meet blindness with holy vision, and speak truth to the deaf? How can we help usher in rejoicing and renewal? Whose hand can we grasp and lead to Zion? (Philippians 4:5-6)

Lord, break through spiritual lethargy and apathy to bring blossoming delight in You and concern for others. Keep me on the Way of holiness that I may share Your gladness all my days.

“In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him stood the seraphim… One called to another and said:

‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts;
the whole earth is full of his glory!’

And I said: ‘Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips..; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!’” Isaiah 6:1-3,5-6

“Esther [said], ‘All the king’s servants and the people… know that if [anyone] goes to the king inside the inner court without being called, there is but one law—to be put to death, except the one to whom the king holds out the golden scepter…

“Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the king’s palace, in front of the king’s quarters, while the king was sitting on his royal throne inside the throne room… And when [he] saw Queen Esther standing in the court, she won favor in his sight, and he held out the golden scepter… Then Esther approached and touched the tip of the scepter. The king said to her, ‘What is your request?'” Esther 4:10-11; 5:1-3

“I appeal to you.., by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that… you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:1-2

“Let us with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16

When we see our Lord, high and lifted up, regal and resplendent, we are undone. A proper fear of God keeps us trembling, tentative, hushed and waiting for His welcome. Our merciful High Priest holds out His gleaming scepter of grace, and we approach with confidence. We bow, honor, and offer our whole body. We seek and find help in time of need.

Our Lord bids us come for palpable comfort, sweet communion, fresh understanding, secret and personal confidences. He tucks us at His feet by His throne where He is seated, victorious, reigning in perfect authority. He listens to all we need, and imparts His wisdom and blessing.

How often do I begin my day without seeking the golden scepter? Do I whisk by the royal court to go about my plans and duties, taking no thought for the Lord of my moments and hours? What could change in my outlook, my demeanor, my insights and reactions with others, were I to take time with my King in His throne room? What new strength, patience, willingness to overlook offenses, or graciousness, might I find there? What burdens do I continually lug around and allow to impede spiritual and relational growth, when I could leave them at His feet? What parts of my body have I been unwilling to sacrifice, what crevices of my mind have I kept back from renewal in the light of the word?

Oh Lord, may I come reverently to Your throne room and seek your raised scepter every day. I offer myself and my praise so you can have Your way with me.

“Listen to me, you who pursue righteousness,
    you who seek the Lord:
look to the rock from which you were hewn…
Look to Abraham your father..;
for he was but one when I called him,
    that I might bless him and multiply him.
For the Lord comforts Zion;
    he comforts all her waste places
and makes her wilderness like Eden,
    her desert like the garden of the Lord;
joy and gladness will be found in her,
    thanksgiving and the voice of song.

“Give attention to me, my people,
    and give ear…
The coastlands hope for me,
    and for my arm they wait.
Lift up your eyes to the heavens,
    and look at the earth beneath;
for the heavens vanish like smoke,
    the earth will wear out like a garment…
but my salvation will be forever…

“Listen to me,..
fear not the reproach of man,
    nor be dismayed at their revilings…

“The ransomed of the Lord shall return
    and come to Zion with singing;
everlasting joy shall be upon their heads;
    they shall obtain gladness and joy,
    and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

“I am he who comforts you;
    who are you that you are afraid of… man who is made like grass,
and have forgotten the Lord, your Maker,
    who stretched out the heavens
    and laid the foundations of the earth,
and you fear continually all the day
    because of the wrath of the oppressor,
when he sets himself to destroy?..
I am the Lord your God,
    who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar—
    the Lord of hosts is his name.
I have… covered you in the shadow of my hand,..
saying.., ‘You are my people.’” Isaiah 51:1-3,4a,5b-7,11-13,15-16

Do you hear the call? Listen to me. Give attention. Give ear. Lift up your eyes. Listen. Though we pursue righteousness and seek the Lord in daily life, we encounter waste places of regret and missed opportunities, wildernesses of vision, hope, and passion. We cannot do over or forget what we wish we could. Our efforts at productivity get choked in droughts of energy, clouds of depression. Our desire is earnest, but fear of failure or retribution takes over, remorse lingers, anticipated sorrow looms. Take heart! Our loving Lord speaks directly into our deserts of soul and experience, and promises comfort, joy, and gladness!

Look to Abraham! His situation with Sarah was humanly impossible, yet Almighty God fulfilled His pledge. Take hold of God’s great deeds of the past and know He will do them again. Nothing is too hard, or wonderful, for Him to perform! (Genesis 12:1-3; 18:10-14; 21:1-7)

And look to the heavens and earth! All God made points to His creative power, the splendor of life, the contrast between transient and everlasting. We were made for eternity, and the arid, sonorous dirge here will be transformed into exalted, melodious song! (Ecclesiastes 3:11; 1 Corinthians 15:42-45)

Where are our senses engaged? How will we attune and align them to the unseen but audible presence of our Lord? What waste places will we offer to Him, so we can welcome His very real comfort?

Father, help me live this life for the next, buoyed by Your promise of ultimate renewal. Help me never to lose heart in what is presently wasting away, but be inspired by the glory that is to come when you make all things new. (2 Corinthians 4:16-18; Revelation 21:1-5)

“Thus says the Lord,
he who created you..:
‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
    I have called you by name, you are mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
    and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,
    and the flame shall not consume you.
For I am the Lord your God,
    the Holy One of Israel, your Savior…
Because you are precious in my eyes,
    and honored, and I love you,
I give… peoples in exchange for your life.
Fear not, for I am with you;
    I will bring your offspring from the east,
    and from the west I will gather you.
I will say to the north, Give up,
    and to the south, Do not withhold;
bring my sons from afar
    and my daughters from the end of the earth,
everyone who is called by my name,
    whom I created for my glory,
    whom I formed and made…’

‘You are my witnesses,’ declares the Lord,
    ‘and my servant whom I have chosen,
that you may know and believe me
    and understand that I am he.
Before me no god was formed,
    nor shall there be any after me.
I, I am the Lord,
    and besides me there is no savior.
I declared and saved..,
    and I am God.
Henceforth I am he;
    there is none who can deliver from my hand;
    I work, and who can turn it back?..’

‘I am the Lord, your Holy One,
    the Creator.., your King.'” Isaiah 43:1-7,10-13,15

Surrounded by carved cliffs and arches and canyons, every vista was lofty, grand, broad, other-worldly, sublime. Up on a ledge nestled two bird friends, sheltered from the wind, taking in the infinite view, its majesty ordinary in their avian world. Safe and secure, they lingered long moments, seemingly without care at the Lord’s heavenly altar. Our God, mighty and transcendent, is very personal. None cares like He, unique and holy, Creator King, Savior, Redeemer, and perfect lover. (Psalm 84:3; Matthew 6:26)

Understanding how God loves helps us to comprehend who we are and why we are here. He fashioned and made us individually. He called us by name to be His children who are treasured, honored, and divinely loved. He instilled in us purpose, to glorify Him and be His witnesses, and saved us from destruction. He redeemed us. He seeks us out, and rescues us and those we love who are also His.

This unchanging God still redeems every flood and flame that would otherwise consume and destroy. He is alongside as we walk through troubles, sanctifying our distress and refining us in the fire of suffering and sorrow. Because of who He is, we can navigate our days in confidence and security. We are safe because He reigns on His unshakeable throne.

Are we enduring a trial? He has it. Is our identity confused? He knows our name. Do we feel unloved and unlovable? We are precious in His eyes and safe in His arms. (Deuteronomy 33:27; John 10:28-29)

“Fear not, I am with you; O be not dismayed,
for I am your God, and will still give you aid.
I’ll strengthen you, help you, and cause you to stand,
upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.” ~ George Keith (1787)

So be it, Lord!

“Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven,
    whose sin is covered.
Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity,
    and in whose spirit there is no deceit…

I acknowledged my sin to you,
    and I did not cover my iniquity;
I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,’
    and you forgave the iniquity of my sin.” Psalm 32:1-2,5

“As far as the east is from the west,
    so far does he remove our transgressions from us.” Psalm 103:12

“In love you have delivered my life
    from the pit of destruction,
for you have cast all my sins
    behind your back.” Isaiah 38:17

“Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.
Speak tenderly… and cry to her
that her warfare is ended,
    that her iniquity is pardoned.” Isaiah 40:1-2

“I have blotted out your transgressions like a cloud
    and your sins like mist.” Isaiah 44:22

“I, I am he
    who blots out your transgressions for my own sake,
    and I will not remember your sins.” Isaiah 49:25

“He will again have compassion on us;
    he will tread our iniquities underfoot.
You will cast all our sins
    into the depths of the sea.” Micah 7:19

There is a truth staked out at the beginning of the Bible that we are sinners, and a resounding message through the scriptures that our sin is forgiven. “The Lord God clothed them.” “The Lord has put away your sin.” “There is now no condemnation.” Marvelous gifts of grace, with vital qualifiers: “I ate.” “I have sinned against the Lord.” “For those who are in Christ.” Yes, forgiveness is freely applied to us, guilty culprits all, and our sin is gone forever, but only because of Jesus who carried it away. Full ransom has been paid, perfect justice has been duly served, at the cross. (Genesis 3:12-13,21; 2 Samuel 12:13; Romans 8:1)

None can atone, but Christ alone.

“For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Corinthians 5:21

Our days should be tinged with an ever-present rejoicing that we bear our sin no more, but this is no thoughtless melody. Grace so free to us is costly to the Bestower. The fact that we have been forgiven is not merely a trite verbal message; the pronouncement was written in blood, the blood of our perfect Savior in agony for our sake. Sin with its gore and fallout and penalty has been removed from us, but it went on Jesus Christ. Let us sing the recurring theme that Jesus paid it all.

“Jesus paid it all,
All to Him I owe;
Sin had left a crimson stain,
He washed it white as snow.” ~ Elvina M. Hall (1865)

If we are Christians, do we value what Christ has done for us? What do our actions and words reveal about our spiritual standing in Christ- flippancy, or deep reverence and gratitude?

“My sin oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
my sin, not in part, but the whole,
is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more;
praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!” ~Horatio Gates Spafford (1873)

Lord Jesus, may I ever sing of Your marvelous grace, Your unending love, Your exquisite forgiveness, so many join the chorus.

“Praise the Lord!
I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart,
    in the company of the upright, in the congregation.
Great are the works of the Lord,
    studied by all who delight in them.
Full of splendor and majesty is his work,
    and his righteousness endures forever.
He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered;
    the Lord is gracious and merciful.
He provides food for those who fear him;
    he remembers his covenant forever.
He has shown his people the power of his works,
    in giving them the inheritance of the nations.
The works of his hands are faithful and just;
    all his precepts are trustworthy;
they are established forever and ever,
    to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness.
He sent redemption to his people;
    he has commanded his covenant forever.
    Holy and awesome is his name!
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
    all those who practice it have a good understanding.
    His praise endures forever!” Psalm 111

This psalm is an acrostic poem, each line beginning with the successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet. It is as though the psalmist was so imbued with love and gratitude in his thoughts toward the Lord that he wrote his song with an orderly rhythm of praise that marked his life. His delight is as present and lively as are the great works of God. The more he knows, the more he marvels. God’s wondrous works in the past continue forever, waving a banner of holiness and awe, leaving a trail of grace and mercy. To know and fear this God rich in wonders is to be wholehearted, full of wisdom, and redeemed forever.

There are words we use to describe the indescribable. There are some concepts that cannot be adequately explained by our alphabet because we cannot limit what is limitless. How do we praise and thank the Lord with our whole heart, every ounce of passion, intention, and affection? How is His work full of splendor and majesty, and also good and upright, faithful and just? Can it be full of all? He is from everlasting to everlasting, yet how do His righteousness, and His covenant, endure forever? The finite mind must use what tools it has to comprehend the infinite, and in doing so, we glimpse the divine. We learn to depend on the Holy Spirit to translate our bursting hearts into praise. (Psalm 90:1-2; Romans 8:26-27)

Would we take time to pause in reverential fear, and offer Him our whole heart? When and how do we seek and practice His wisdom, and proclaim His awesome name?

“Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart;
naught be all else to me, save that thou art.
Thou my best thought, by day or by night,
waking or sleeping, thy presence my light.

Be thou my wisdom, be thou my true word;
I ever with thee, and thou with me, Lord.
Thou my great Father, I thy true son;  
thou in me dwelling and I with thee one.

Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise;
thou mine inheritance, now and always.
Thou and thou only, first in my heart,
High King of heaven, my treasure thou art.” ~Irish, 8th-10th century, translated by Mary Byrne (1880-1931)

Lord, fill me with understanding, wonder, and boundless love for Thee. Consume my whole affection and desire. Set my heart beating forever for Your praise and glory.

“I am your God,..
    who leads you in the way you should go.
Oh that you had paid attention to my commandments!..

Go out from Babylon!” Isaiah 48:17-18,20

“’Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great!
    She has become a dwelling place for demons,
a haunt for every unclean spirit…
All nations have drunk
    the wine of the passion of her sexual immorality,
and the kings of the earth have committed immorality with her,
    and the merchants of the earth have grown rich from the power of her luxurious living.’

‘Come out of her, my people,
    lest you take part in her sins…
heaped high as heaven…
She glorified herself and lived in luxury…

‘The fruit for which your soul longed
    has gone from you,
and all your delicacies and your splendors
    are never to be found again!..

‘Alas, alas, for the great city
    that was clothed in fine linen,
        in purple and scarlet,
    adorned with gold,
        jewels, and pearls!
In a single hour all this wealth has been laid waste…

‘Babylon the great city [will] be thrown down with violence,
    and found no more…
for all nations were deceived by your sorcery.'” Revelation 18:2-5,7,14,16-17,21,23

There will come a time when all evil is called to judgment. God’s clock is ticking, though we know not how long. Every choice we make has consequences, and it’s imperative we are keen to the enemy’s seduction toward all things worldly and temporal, and away from what is righteous and eternal. He teases with filtered glimpses of beyond, but keeps us circling, never arriving. He would have us live only for today, taking no thought of accountability, or tomorrow’s reckoning. He deceives with feelings, self-gratification, sensuality, and cravings satisfied. (John 8:44; 2 Corinthians 5:10)

In the order of our days, calendars, and schedules, we naturally get caught up in short-term rhythms: appetites, to-dos, check-offs, I-deserves. We are enticed by the thump of the world’s music, the luster of success, the thrill of easy entertainment, and perks of plastic beauty.

We must remember that all our short-terms make up our long term, and it serves us well to soak in the Word, connect in vital fellowship, and pray for wisdom over all. Redeeming our time means extricating ourselves from everything that would diminish a lofty perspective of God, or pull us away from His heart and reason. We might shrink from so sober a lifestyle, but judgment is far more sobering, and final. (Ephesians 5:3-12,15-18)

Where are we given to uncleanness- of thought toward others, indulgences, vocabulary? What passions do we allow to rule- lust, temper, jealousy, ambition, resentment? In what ways do we glorify ourselves- boasting, or smugly taking credit for what God alone has done or given? (Isaiah 48:11; 1 Corinthians 4:7; James 1:17)

What will it take for us to ‘come out’ from the mindset, habits, or company of Babylon, to once-for-all be done with empty and detrimental living? We need spiritual vision, holy resolve, commitment fueled by God’s Spirit, and maybe a friend to keep us accountable. We can, with the Lord’s enabling, seek first God’s kingdom and righteousness, and surrender ourselves to please and honor Him. (Matthew 6:33; Romans 12:1-2)

Father, alert me to every whiff of Babylon, and give me courage to flee. Bind my wandering heart to Thee, that You be exalted in my every choice.

“He will hide me in his shelter
in the day of trouble;
he will conceal me under the cover of his tent;
he will lift me high upon a rock.” Psalm 27:5

“In the cover of your presence you hide them
from the plots of men;
you store them in your shelter
from the strife of tongues.” Psalm 31:20

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
    will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress,
    my God, in whom I trust.’

For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler
    and from the deadly pestilence.
He will cover you with his pinions,
    and under his wings you will find refuge;
    his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.
You will not fear the terror of the night,
    nor the arrow that flies by day,
nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness,
    nor the destruction that wastes at noonday...

Because you have made the Lord your dwelling place—
    the Most High, who is my refuge—
no evil shall be allowed to befall you,
    no plague come near your tent...

‘Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him;
    I will protect him, because he knows my name.
When he calls to me, I will answer him;
    I will be with him in trouble;
    I will rescue him and honor him.
With long life I will satisfy him
    and show him my salvation.’” Psalm 91:1-6,9-10,14-16

The thrum of rain on the metal roof keeps on, and on. This storm is no fly-by. Constant pounding of a thousand heavy fingers meddles with my mind in its attempt to unnerve, and unsettle. Lightning crackles and startles, yet it cannot touch, water pelts in torrents, but cannot soak. Here under shelter, I am untouched. It is well with my soul.

It is hard to describe the peace that resides in the one secure in salvation. It is strong, yet not restrictive, an immovable bulwark that encircles with formidable gentleness. What Jesus has done for us is finished, so we are safe forever- buffeted, jarred, even injured, but held. His is a peace that passes human understanding. (John 10:28-29; 2 Corinthians 6:4-10; 11:24-28; Philippians 4:7)

If this is true, why do we get so shaken at circumstances? Why allow anxiety to rule our minds and stymie our sleep? Instead of dwelling on what we cannot control, would we intentionally, actively, trust the Controller? Rather than stewing over wrongs done to us and what-ifs going forward, would we meditate on the enthroned and merciful Redeemer? Would we eschew media-driven frenzy and fear and instead rest in our Lord’s powerful sovereignty? These unnatural fixations of the heart and mind take determination and spiritual discipline, but a rhythm of contemplation on what is true, and active trust, can establish for us new defaults.

How will we begin to alter our mindset? To turn our reactive thoughts upward and settle our emotions above? What new habits can we implement to tether us in God’s shelter against all that pelts and taunts? How might we today exercise faith in what is absolutely true? (Psalm 109:2-4; Colossians 3:1-2)

“My heart is steadfast, O God!
    I will sing and make melody with all my being!..
For your steadfast love is great above the heavens;
    your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.” (Psalm 108:1,4)

Amen.

“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.