February 14, 2011

Psalm 33:18-22 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:
Matthew 14:22-36, Acts 22:1-21, Exodus 29-30

Journal Entry

Scripture

v. 18: Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love.
v. 20: Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and our shield.
v. 22: Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, even as we hope in you.

Observation

The Psalmist fears the Lord. He fears the Lord for His steadfast love. This fear is not out of fright nor out of being punished. The Psalmist fears the Lord out of respect and reverence. He is in awe of God's creation. As he reflects on the vastness of God's great creation (vv.4-8), he also realizes God's great steadfast love. In fact, that is His love for us. The greatness of God's creation is a part of God's steadfast love. We are His creation. We are loved by God. We fear Him out of sheer reverence for who and all that He is! So to fear God is to hope in God. To fear God is to hope in His steadfast love (v.18). The Psalmist realized that God who created the earth also looks down from heaven (v.13) and sees the activities of His creation. As the Lord is great and vast, He also cares for us for we are part of His greater creation. Thus, all the more for us to hope in God for His steadfast love is a reflection of His creation - we are His creation!

Application

So often when I think about God's creation, I forget that I am part of His great creation. I belong to Him and Him alone. God created me so that I may declare His goodness and His steadfast love. And how I easily forget this very truth. The Psalmist understood this truth. He understood the big God who is also a personal God. I need to embrace His steadfast love and fear God for I am part of His creation.

Prayer

God, thank you for this reminder today. That as I live this life and as I gaze upon the beauty of all that you've created, I am in awe and in fear of Your creation. May hope in You and You alone! Thank you Lord for this awesome and reassuring truth!

--p. caleb