“The Lord takes pleasure in those who … hope in his steadfast love.” (Psalm 147:11)
Sometimes it’s so challenging to have hope. As we view the world around us, we can easily become despondent, calling, “Where are you, Lord?” But despite experiencing a heart that aches for a failing world, this day, and every day, we can be reassured that our God “… takes pleasure in those who continue to hope in his steadfast love.”
Our God is a God of action! Our God continues to be active, even when our eyes do not see it. He does not abandon us (Hebrews 13:5). In Psalm 147, we read that He is building his kingdom; gathering unto himself those who are outcasts, healing the brokenhearted and binding their wounds. And while the Lord has determined the number of stars in the sky and given them their names, He continues to exercise His immeasurable understanding over our lives, our world. Our God is such that He lifts the humble while casting out the wicked. Covering, preparing, making all things new — God is in action, even while we may doubt or fail to trust and believe that He is always at work.
And, in response, God wants us to continue to trust Him and live in faith, to sing praises to Him, make melodies to Him and worship Him above all things (Philippians 2:9).
“God takes pleasure in those who fear Him, in those who hope in His steadfast love” (Psalm 147:11).
When the world around us glorifies the “strength of a horse, or the legs of a man” (verse 10), we can remember that what God wants from us mostly, is to also take action: To honor Him with humility, and we will recognize that He will lift us up. “Praise the Lord!” (verse 20).
“If you look at the world, you’ll be distressed. If you look within, you’ll be depressed. If you look at God, you’ll be at rest” — Corrie Ten Boom.
Prayer
Lord, Your promises are to be remembered, Your works are to be glorified! May we always remember to give You thanks for it all! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Stay encouraged!
Pastor Mike
