“Give Thanks To The Lord, For He Is Good, For His Mercy Endures Forever”
BRD REFLECTIONS:
Deuteronomy 7 and Psalm 118 (NIV)
(Eddy Chan, Assoc PTM)
READ:
Deuteronomy 7 and Psalm 118 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
Deuteronomy 7 is a continuation of Moses’ instructions to the Israelites as they stand at the threshold of witnessing God fulfil his promise to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in giving their descendents the land of Canaan as an inheritance. Here Moses detailed what God was about to do for them even as He gave clear instructions about what they must do in order that they may continue to flourish in God’s blessings.
This chapter gives us a glimpse of what God’s love and faithfulness are like. Despite Israel being loveless and often unfaithful, God favoured them by remembering and fulfilling the promises He had made to their forefathers.
What I observe about God from this chapter is that He is always good. His love and faithfulness know no end, regardless of how unworthy we may be to receive them.
APPLY:
As I reflect on my own relationship with God, I have often strayed and fallen short many times. Yet, He continues to love me and show Himself faithful, particularly in my salvation when He sent Jesus Christ to die on the Cross for me.
My choices in life have not always been glorifying to God. I have even gotten angry with Him for not acceding to my wants. All this while, His “Nos” have been for my benefit, which I have only realised in hindsight. God has always desired my good, but my unbelief and self-centred heart think otherwise.
I realise that I can very quickly forget all the good that God has done for me. My learning and experience have been of no help. The instance that I face a setback, I question God and doubt His goodness. I find my faith wanting as I battle the tension of wanting to satisfy the flesh with living a godly life.
Yet, at my lowest, God has never failed me. When I awaken to my foolish attitude, and repent, God is ever so loving and faithful to forgive. As the Psalmist declares in Psalm 118, “Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His mercy endures forever.”
Daily reading and meditating on God’s word has helped me to reconsider my ways and check my motives. In John 8:31-32, we read that daily abiding in God’s Word enables us to know the truth that can set us free from the lies of the enemy.
When I read Deuteronomy 7:6-9, I am amazed at what God thought of the Israelites despite their response to Him. Here I am reminded of God’s immutable character and love for me. It reminds me of the Cross where Jesus died the death I was supposed to die. The thought of God’s great and faithful love overwhelms me. His kindness only leads me to repentance. I am thankful that He is faithful and just to forgive, not because I am deserving but because of what Jesus Christ, God’s Son has accomplished on the Cross for me. Therefore, if God so loved me, there is no reason I should ever doubt or live in a manner that displeases Him.
DO:
It takes discipline to read God’s Word daily. Nevertheless, to remain sane and saintly in this world, I am determined to guard my heart and mind against thoughts that do not align with God’s thoughts for me. I want to turn this discipline into a delight. I will be careful not to let circumstances and situations cloud my view of who God is. I am motivated to be the person God wants me to be because He first loved me and gave His life for me on the Cross. Amen.
PRAY:
Dear Lord, as the psalmist declares in Psalm 118, “Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His mercy endures forever.” I pray You will help me make this declaration my daily anthem. I want to be reminded of who You are and Your thoughts towards me. Help my unbelief that I may walk in the manner worthy of the gospel. In Jesus Name. Amen.
