Psa 33:12 “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance.” [This is so true, Lord: to belong to you, to be your possession, to know you is wonderful. Blessed is too mild a word! To know that you chose us, wanted us as your people, sought us out, bought us, adopted us, transformed us, love us, cherish us—what marvelous truths! It is more than we could ever have hoped for, even if we don’t compare it to what we actually deserve (punishment, rejection, suffering, eternal separation from you and all that is good).
You are the God who is beyond our dreams, beyond our hopes, beyond our understanding. You are Great, Powerful, Glorious, Perfect, Gracious and Pure. You are the fulfillment of the longing of our hearts and far more. Glory and honor belong to you alone!]
Psa 33:13 “From heaven the LORD looks down and sees all mankind;” [Such power, such ability, such completeness that you can look down and see the whole of mankind. No one is hidden from your sight. What a grief it must be to you to see us sin, to hurt others, to dishonor your name, to rebel left and right, yet you keep on looking and working among us because you are faithful and good and loving.]
Psa 33:14 “from his dwelling place he watches all who live on earth—“ [Again the word “all”—every single human being is fully in your sight, having your complete attention, for you are infinite in your abilities. You are beyond comprehension and worthy of our worship and trust!]
Psa 33:15 “he who forms the hearts of all, [You are our Maker, you know how things should work, you give directions, guidance, power and desire so we can live as you intended and join you in all you do.]
“who considers everything they do.” [Praise you, Lord God, that you are not just aware of each person, but you think on, weigh, evaluate everything, every single thing we do. That is scary! Not one thing goes unnoticed, and if it weren’t for your great mercy, we would be eternally dammed by these things we do. As it says in Rev 20:13,15 that before your throne “each person was judged according to what he had done…If anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.” Our own works bring not salvation but damnation. But there is that big “IF” in this sentence ”if our names are not written in the book of life.” And praise God, that in the lives of believers the opposite of this is a reality: our names ARE written in the Lamb of God’s book of life!
That fact alone is enough for us to rejoice forever, even if every other thing goes wrong. We must follow the example of Habakkuk. In 3:17,18 he wrote: “Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls…” This is a bad, hopeless situation. But Habakkuk goes on in faith: “…yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior.” Knowing God, being His forgiven child, having Him as our Savior, Shepherd, God and King who watches over us every moment is certainly enough for joy in any circumstance.
Glory be to you, O God, for you are worthy. May you be exalted, lifted up and praised throughout this day in my life. Amen.
