Love the LORD

One aspect I love about God is He is good and does not change.  It does not matter what country we reside in or what politicians or government hold power, whether we see legislation changing for good or ill, for He rules as LORD over all.  The irony is God's people at times are as likely to forget or revolt against Him as unbelievers who continue in unbelief.  This was true in the days of Isaiah in Israel, and the same tendency to look to something other than God for help stubbornly persists in our times.

A pitfall that has stumbled many is a focus on what God could or should do for us rather than seeking His face and waiting on Him.  It is possible we can idolise our relationship with God received by grace rather than rejoicing in and celebrating God Himself.  We can look to eternity in heaven with glorified bodies for comfort that is found in the presence of God alone today; we can cling to promises rather than resting and trusting in He Who has promised.  This subtle idolatry can worm its way into our thinking as we continue our pilgrimage in the flesh, caring more for what we can potentially receive from God than the Giver Himself.

After pronouncing woe on people of God who looked to Egypt and horsemen for help rather than God, the prophet said in Isaiah 31:6-7:  "Return to Him against whom the children of Israel have deeply revolted. ⁷ For in that day every man shall throw away his idols of silver and his idols of gold--sin, which your own hands have made for yourselves."  This call to return to God is fitting for today, for Jesus called out to the church in Ephesus in Revelation 2 and revealed they had left their first love.  His call was to repent and do the first works again.  What are the first works He referred to?  It is faith which works by love.  In Ephesians 1:15 Paul commended them for their faith in the LORD Jesus and their love unto all the saints.  Like that church fellowship, over time we too can find our love has grown cold.

Love the LORD, you His saints!  Praise Him for His goodness in all seasons of life!  He is our help and shield, our comfort, One who saves and delivers.  He remains and sits enthroned over all things and everyone, and may we return to enthrone Him in our hearts with faith and love.  In a world of confusion, anger, hopelessness and conflict God is not troubled, for He has all things in hand.  May we truly love God for all He is, the just Judge and KING OF KINGS who never faints or is weary.  Let us return and look to the LORD who loved us first and will continue to uphold us in His love forever.