by Adam Johnson
Know that the LORD, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture....For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness
to all generations. Psalm 100:3, 5
In small group recently, we talked about the relationship man shares with God. We are created beings who have a distinct purpose over all other creation -- to worship and know Him. You can fill in a host of other purposes also, but the one purpose that should drive us is to be in fellowship with Him.
It is often said there are 2 items of truth that must continually be before us to properly worship Him -- who He is and who we are. These verses encompass both of these principles. We belong to God first and foremost. However, life happens to do everything to distort these very things. Suffering takes place (physical, emotional), and we say to God, "don't you care your sheep are suffering?!" The next verse is the counterweight to that selfish thought -- "the LORD is good; his steadfast (unwavering, unchanging) love endures forever..."
Our thoughts are a continual battlefield to take either principle out of focus. I am continuing to find that praise and thankfulness are one of the best resources to keep both sides in perspective. When times are the darkest, I can stop and praise God because I know that He made me and only wants what will strengthen me and change me more into His Son's image. I want to know and praise Him all the time -- many Psalms are written, not in difficulty, but in exuberance of all He has accomplished and even today is still accomplishing. No matter the circumstance in which you find yourself -- Praise GOD and Rejoice!
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