I had the blessing of spending this morning just before sunrise alone on the beach. It surprised me that no one else was up. The beach was packed yesterday with spring break-goers, yet it was though this time had been reserved just for me. A gift.
I read from Psalm 108:1-6, reflecting on God’s faithfulness that reaches to the skies (Psalm 36:5-6).
It seems the more I know the Lord, the more I see how unworthy and sinful my heart is. Isn’t that just the opposite of what we would expect? The more we know Him, the better we are, we might think. But in reality, the more I come to know Him, the more I see my sinful heart and how faithless I am. This is my experience at least.
And through Him, the power of His Holy Spirit and His strength, we certainly are able to love and obey and serve and please Him, but this I find I truly cannot do on my own, in my own power, by my own strength. (The apostle Paul articulates these ideas far better in Romans and other parts of the New Testament!)
I walked the beach praising Him for HIS faithfulness, because I am not faithful. He does it all for us. He is the covenant maker and the covenant keeper. I think of what we just remembered with Good Friday and Easter Sunday, Jesus laying down His life for us, giving us His righteousness, we sinners, poor and needy, as the song says.
It was good to awaken with the dawn, to start the day in praise to Him for His steadfast love and faithfulness.
I found this commentary from Matthew Henry on Psalm 108:1-13 that so well describes some of what has been on my heart.
We may usefully select passages from different psalms… to help our devotions, and enliven our gratitude. When the heart is firm in faith and love, the tongue, being employed in grateful praises, is our glory. Every gift of the Lord honours and profits the possessor, as it is employed in God’s service and to his glory. Believers may pray with assured faith and hope, for all the blessings of salvation; which are secured to them by the faithful promise and covenant of God. Then let them expect from him help in every trouble, and victory in every conflict. Whatever we do, whatever we gain, God must have all the glory. Lord, visit all our souls with this salvation, with this favour which thou bearest to thy chosen people.
And I’ll end with this song which was filling my heart as I walked the beach.
Praise Proclaimer 