Hi friends,
The liturgical reading for today includes Psalm 65. I especially focused on the first four verses today:
For the choir director. A psalm of David. A song.
Praise is rightfully yours,
God, in Zion;
vows to you will be fulfilled.
All humanity will come to you,
the one who hears prayer.
Iniquities overwhelm me;
only you can atone for our rebellions.
How happy is the one you choose
and bring near to live in your courts!
We will be satisfied with the goodness of your house,
the holiness of your temple.
In the NICOT commentary, Beth Tanner notes,
The last verse of the stanza offers a final twist. Often referred to as a beatitude, ʾašrê or happy is a word that usually represents an exemplary and good person. But here it is clear that wholeness of life stems from God’s forgiveness. Satisfaction comes from the goodness of God’s house, where one is restored to happiness.
As I intensively studied the Sermon on the Mount, I learned that the beatitudes of Jesus are related to this word, which I translate as “thriving.”
What is the secret to thriving in this life?
It is for God to bring us near to Himself, place us in his presence, fill us with his goodness, and empower us to be holy.
What could be greater than for our Creator to smile upon our lives and invite us to enjoy his friendship?
When we recognize that we are embraced by God, we gain the strength to praise God (verse 1), obey God (verse 2), pray to God (verse 2), and find release from our sins (verse 3).
Instead of a guilty, lonely, anxious, adrift life - we are forgiven, loved, peaceful, and purposeful.
How do you find satisfaction in God?
What helps you feel close to God?
What would it look like to obey God with joy?