Today’s Reading: Psalm 43

 Then I will come to the altar of God, to God, my greatest joy. I will praise You with the lyre, God, my God. 

 

Psalm 43:4

Reflection

There is a difference between knowing of God and truly knowing God. The difference is in our relationship with Him. The psalmist not only acknowledges God as a rescuer and refuge, but also calls God “my God” and “my greatest joy.” The two share a closeness which connects them together. God grants joy to the psalmist, and guides and leads him. In response, the psalmist gives God praise.

We can know the great things that God does for the psalmist and gain more understanding about Him. We can even believe in Who He is and surmise what He can do for us. But the blessings of God such as His joy, hope, freedom, safety and assurance can only be known when we truly know God. We experience the most precious blessings of being in God’s Presence only when we share a relationship with Him. What is it like to have a relationship with God? The psalmist’s relationship with God gives us insight as to how life can be lived with God. The psalmist welcomes God’s movement and intervention. He asks for and follows His guidance. He draws close to God by talking to Him, listening to Him, and worshiping Him. He gives God praise because he sees how God is working in his life.

What blessing it is to have the assurance that the God of Ages is also “my” God, and that the Savior of the World is “my” Savior! Fullness of life is only experienced when it is lived with Him.

Prayer

Almighty God, thank You for being my God. I praise You because You give my life meaning and purpose. I praise You because of all that You have done for me. Help me to know You more, Lord. Help me to draw closer to You. I desire for our relationship to grow deeper every day. I pray all of these things in Jesus’ Name, AMEN.

Thru the Bible in a year (credit: Biblestudytools.com): Acts 21:1-36; Judges 16; Psalm 42