FROM THE SERVANT GENERAL
OUR THEME FOR 2022
(Part 4)
AMAZING VERSE, AMAZING GRACE
September 8, 2021
Today’s psalm:
Psalm 13:6
Today we have the only psalm reading for the whole liturgical year that is just one verse. And it fits very nicely with our theme for the year 2022.
We are to rejoice always. “Grant my heart joy in your salvation.” (v.6b). The greatest blessing is of course the salvation won by Jesus for us on the cross. Yes we receive many blessings through this life, but nothing can ever compare to the life that is to come. And we can enter into that life because Jesus paid the price for our sins. And so, even if we live in a valley of tears, even as we endure suffering and pain, we can and should rejoice. Eternity awaits.
We are to pray without ceasing. Because it is only in Jesus that we can trust. “But I trust in your mercy.” (v.6a). Praying is communing with God, being in intimate spiritual communication and entering more deeply into our life in Christ. This is done 24/7. And given all the challenges and heavy crosses we face in life, we can only endure and persevere as we put our faith in Jesus, as we trust in his goodness and mercy. God’s presence to us is our great blessing. He is always there, and it is up to us to pray without ceasing.
We are to give thanks in all circumstances. “I will sing to the Lord, for he has dealt bountifully with me!” (v.6c). The Lord has poured out bountiful blessings upon us. The Lord continues to bless us each and every day, in big and small ways. Even the difficulties and oppression turn out for our good. We need to see the hand of God in all things. Thus we are thankful in sickness and health, in poorer or richer, knowing God’s love is constant, in whatever circumstance. Thus we must remain ever grateful to Him.
So we see in this one verse that we are blessed beyond bounds. How much more the assurance of God’s love and mercy in all the other verses in the Bible! So rejoice, pray and give thanks. Always and forever.