We Believe

Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. - Psalms 23:6 NIV

The Psalms are full of poetry that stirs our souls. Their stories speak of the experiences of real people struggling with real problems and how God came to their aid. Among all the Psalms, undoubtedly the most memorized and recited is the Twenty-Third, the pastoral song of David. Each verse is full of beautiful imagery of God our Shepherd tending his sheep.

The verse today begins with “Surely,” a simple word speaking of the surety of our faith, “We believe.” We believe in God’s goodness that all things work together for our good. We believe we are recipients of God’s love, his grace extended through his Son Jesus and the Holy Spirit. We believe this grace is neverending; he is with us now in this life and remains with us until we are united with him in the hereafter.

We hear God’s promise, what we believe to be true, but there is more to it than belief. There is also a commitment on our part, “I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever” -- hear that word “I.” God does not force his promise on us; it is for each of us to humbly accept and be obedient, to live according to His commandments -- to dwell in the Lord’s house.

Lord, we give you thanks for your goodness and love. We believe in your promise to be with us here and now and in life eternal. We confess we do not always dwell in your house. We sin, and sometimes our faith falters. Please forgive us and restore us, and help us to be obedient to your will. Amen.

Blessings,

Pastor Tim