MEDITATIONS FROM THE PSALMS

 

April 27, 2005

Reading: Psalm 73: 1-28

 

“It is good for me to draw near to God” Ps 73:28.

 

“It is the height of arrogance for anyone to think they can have a personal relationship with God.” My soul, these words stung your spirit when they were said to you, and they continue to do so whenever you remember them. They sting because of the person who said them; he is one for whom you pray every day that the Holy Spirit will convict him of his sin and his need of a Savior. They sting because they refute the very essence and core of your existence; if you could not draw near to God your Savior you would be nothing, without hope and of all men the most miserable.

That God has made it possible for you to enjoy a personal relationship with Him is beyond the realm of understanding—that He has called you to do so is even more astounding. Do not, soul of mine, waste your time trying to understand the mind of your God in this matter, but rather, wonder why you need to be exhorted to draw near to Him. Does not logic demand that the creature’s greatest delight is to be in the presence of its Creator? This is evident in that men and women of every tribe and culture seek their god, and, if not available, they create their own and grant it personal characteristics—they have ears and cannot hear; eyes and cannot see.

Receive great assurance and encouragement as you contemplate the promise of the Holy Spirit, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” This is an infallible promise. It is good for you to draw near to God. Is there a greater source of joy, strength, encouragement and satisfaction than when in the presence of your God? The greatest riches this world or any other god can provide cannot compare to that which is yours when you draw near to Him who has promised to draw near to you. This is not arrogance but, rather, joy and satisfaction in fulfilling your greatest need and pleasure made available by your Creator and Savior. It is the height of arrogance for anyone to think they can, by their own effort, satisfy the eternal needs of their soul.

 

In the quietness, O God, my Savior,

Let me draw near to You,

Not for gain or want or pleasure,

But to worship, as is Your due.

 

Help me to discard all that will hinder,

Search my soul and forgive my sin,

Lead me to Your table, O Master,

Then I can boldly enter in.

 

Then at Your feet I will bow in wonder,

As Your glory I will behold;

Open my eyes to see the splendor

Of Your throne in sparkling gold.

 

I know I still live on this earth below,

I know there are battles yet to be won,

I know there are seeds for me to sow,

I know that my race is not yet done.

 

My prayer, O God, is that I will love You,

That my love will resound in praise,

That the song in my heart will always be new,

That I’ll worship You all of my days.

 

Heavenly Father, how my soul resounds in praise for making it possible to draw near and enjoy a personal relationship with You. Thank You that “In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

 

“Blessed is the man You choose, and cause to approach You, that he may dwell in Your courts” Ps 65:4.