July 9, 2023 -- Psalm 33:18-22 -- The Psalm Series: the drumbeat of God's steadfast love

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear him,
   on those who hope in his steadfast love,
that he may deliver their soul from death
   and keep them alive in famine.
Our soul waits for the LORD;
   he is our help and our shield.
For our heart is glad in him,
   because we trust in his holy Name.
Let your steadfast love, O LORD, be upon us,
   even as we hope in you.
Psalm 33:18-22 ESV

A parent may say to a naughty child “I’ve got my eye on you”. You know the implication. If the child misbehaves, then the parent will appropriately discipline the child. However, you know that a father, watching his son play soccer, will smile and cheer and say “I’ve got my eye on you!”. It is encouragement. It is love. It is delight. Our Father in heaven delights in us, it is His steadfast love that surrounds those who hope in Him.

This expression steadfast love is repeated in the final verse. Steadfast love can also be translated as mercy, kindness, faithfulness, covenant love. This lovingkindness of the LORD is the drumbeat of this Psalm. The reader hears of such love as it is linked to all the works of the LORD. The more we read of His love, the more we hear of His love, the more fully we will begin to recognize His never-ending love poured into our lives as well. It is not just for the people long ago. His love is for us, today! The result of this is we will more fully hope in Him. His love is first. Our hope rises in response.

Today is Sunday. Get to church. Let your soul be revived in Him. If you are feeling dry and empty, know that the LORD is your help and your shield. His eye is on you for blessing and good. He will deliver your soul from the zombie existence of living far from Him. He welcomes people back through the work of Jesus Christ. He guards people in His goodness through the Holy Spirit. Come to the Father. Get up. Get to church. Find all He has in store for you.

Our Father in heaven hallowed be Your Name. Thank You for Your steadfast love, which beats through-out our lives like a regular drumbeat of Your goodness. Open our eyes to see Your mercies which are new every morning. Soften our hearts to receive the hope You can pour out by the accomplished work of Jesus Christ. By Your Spirit connect us with other believers who encourage us in our faith, and to whom we can be a blessing. Amen.

https://youtu.be/qGy2VHlj0qY Chris Rice "Come to Jesus"

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