I love the Lord, because he has heard my voice and my supplications. Psalms 116:1 NRSV
If you’ve loved someone for a long time, you have probably noticed the list of why you once loved that person grows. For example, say you have a long-time work friend. When you first met, something about the person resonated with you; it could have been something as simple as a comment they made at the coffee station. From that moment, you want to spend more time with them. That first chance encounter leads to lunches and then events outside work. You find the more time you spend with them, the more reasons you have to love them.
In today’s verse, the author lists one of the reasons they love the Lord, “I love the Lord, because.” In this case, God had seen the author through a difficult time. But there are many other “because” reasons we love the Lord. But here’s another, “We love because he first loved us.” (1 John 4:19 NRSV)
When we first accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we find it hard to believe we can possibly love Him more than in that first encounter. But our love deepens as we spend more time with Him, praising him in the good times trusting His deliverance in the difficult times. In our faithfulness to Him, we see His hand everywhere we turn, in the beauty of nature, in every encounter with others.
When we get caught up in the chaos of life and begin to drift and feel distant from Him, we become aware something is missing. Like we sometimes simply want to hear the voice of our work friend, we feel the yearning to converse with the Lord. We desire to recall all the reasons we love the Lord. While not inclusive, here are a few of the “because” items:
He is the creator of all things, the universe, and all life within it, deserving love and reverence for the gift of existence.
He offers unconditional love and inspires us to reciprocate love for Him and others.
He is our source of comfort and strength during difficult times, providing hope and solace.
He is our moral authority, offering guidance on how to live a righteous and fulfilling life.
He came in the human form of Jesus Christ to die for our sins.
He is our promise of eternal life and salvation and offers a future beyond earthly existence.
He offers us a deeply personal connection that is both intimate and transformative.
As we go about the busyness of the day, let us pause and remember God’s grace and mercy. May we continually seek to grow and add to the “because.”
Heavenly Father,
We come before You with hearts full of love,
For Your grace that descends like a dove.
Your mercy is so deep, it's a boundless flood,
We love You, Lord, for You first loved.
In creation, Your Majesty is displayed,
From the vast oceans to the creatures You've made.
Your handiwork, a tapestry so grand,
We love You, Lord, for the work of Your hand.
Through trials and storms, You are our guide,
Your promises are a lamp to our stride.
In every moment, You are just and true,
We love You, Lord, for Your faithfulness anew.
Your Son, Jesus, the ultimate gift of love,
Came to redeem us for heaven above.
Sacrificed on the cross, our sins to afford,
We love You, Lord, for our Savior, the Word.
In worship and praise, our voices we raise,
To honor You all of our days.
Your Spirit within us, a fire uncontrolled,
We love You, Lord, with a love untold.
Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
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