Search me O God

Psalm 139:1–24 (ESV):  

1  O Lord, you have searched me and known me! 

 2  You know when I sit down and when I rise up; 

you discern my thoughts from afar. 

 3  You search out my path and my lying down 

and are acquainted with all my ways. 

 4  Even before a word is on my tongue, 

behold, O Lord, you know it altogether. 

 5  You hem me in, behind and before, 

and lay your hand upon me. 

 6  Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; 

it is high; I cannot attain it. 

 7  Where shall I go from your Spirit? 

Or where shall I flee from your presence? 

 8  If I ascend to heaven, you are there! 

If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! 

 9  If I take the wings of the morning 

and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, 

 10  even there your hand shall lead me, 

and your right hand shall hold me. 

 11  If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me, 

and the light about me be night,” 

 12  even the darkness is not dark to you; 

the night is bright as the day, 

for darkness is as light with you. 

 13  For you formed my inward parts; 

you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. 

 14  I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. 

  Wonderful are your works; 

my soul knows it very well. 

 15  My frame was not hidden from you, 

  when I was being made in secret, 

intricately woven in the depths of the earth. 

 16  Your eyes saw my unformed substance; 

  in your book were written, every one of them, 

the days that were formed for me, 

when as yet there was none of them. 

 17  How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! 

How vast is the sum of them! 

 18  If I would count them, they are more than the sand. 

I awake, and I am still with you. 

 19  Oh that you would slay the wicked, O God! 

O men of blood, depart from me! 

 20  They speak against you with malicious intent; 

your enemies take your name in vain. 

 21  Do I not hate those who hate you, O Lord? 

And do I not loathe those who rise up against you? 

 22  I hate them with complete hatred; 

I count them my enemies. 

 23  Search me, O God, and know my heart! 

Try me and know my thoughts! 

 24  And see if there be any grievous way in me, 

and lead me in the way everlasting! 

Have you ever asked God to ‘Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts!’? Or does that idea terrify you? David must have been completely confident in his righteousness as he wrote this psalm. He asked God to search him, and he was prepared to act on anything that God would highlight as ‘grievous’ - What faith! David clearly had confidence to approach God like this, and totally trusted in the goodness, righteousness and mercy of the One he spoke to. He understood that God is holy and pure, and so who better to search and know him, and point out any wrongdoing than someone who is purely good. This demonstrates David’s deep desire to live a life in line with God’s ways and precepts. He is prepared to allow God to pinpoint where he is going wrong, because he knows it is better for him. Plus it will benefit those he loves and leads as he becomes a better follower of God. So he completely trusts and even asks God to have a critical look at his whole life. This would mean his; actions, inactions, thought processes and decisions. David knows that God can ‘discern my thoughts from afar…. and are acquainted with all my ways’. David knows he can trust God and invites Him to show him what He sees. Often we are not very good at judging ourselves, either being too critical or too lenient in our self-assessments, so much better to ask Father God who intimately knows and loves you, He will give you a real and just appraisal!

David knows that because God really knows him; his design, thoughts, speech, heart, desires, ways, patterns of work and rest, God can truly judge. God knows all of these things, and still loves David. The same is true for you. David knows that God sees where he goes whether near or far, in the open or hidden, in darkness or daytime - God knows all of it! The same is true for you. Nothing is hidden or unknown to Him. God knows, loves and understands you better than you even know yourself. So who better to ask to search and know you? Who better to ask what you should do, say, or if you are thinking right? 

When you find things confusing or are unsure whether you should have said or done something, go to God. Ask Him about it. Ask Him to, 'Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts'. For He will tell you the truth. God is good and pure, and He knows and loves you. His response will be upright and just, He will lead and guide you, admonish and uplift you so that you can learn to follow Him better. Other people can give you ideas, opinions, correction and affirmation, but there is only One who knows you well enough to really understand and see beyond the surface. It should not be a scary thing to go to God asking Him to search you, know your heart, and your thoughts. He loves you and has invited you to live for eternity with Him. So you can confidently ask Him to reveal things in you because He will do it with kindness and love. He does not seek to hurt or harm you - look at all the times He has protected and fought for you. Instead God will listen, speak to you, and give you good direction. He will heal your heart and your mind if you ask Him to, and will lead you into ‘the way everlasting’. Is that where you want to go? Are you willing for God to search your heart and mind so that you can live as a better follower?

Where and when do you worship?

 Psalm 138:1–8 (ESV):  

1  I give you thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart; 

before the gods I sing your praise; 

 2  I bow down toward your holy temple 

and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness, 

for you have exalted above all things 

your name and your word. 

 3  On the day I called, you answered me; 

my strength of soul you increased. 

 4  All the kings of the earth shall give you thanks, O Lord, 

for they have heard the words of your mouth, 

 5  and they shall sing of the ways of the Lord, 

for great is the glory of the Lord. 

 6  For though the Lord is high, he regards the lowly, 

but the haughty he knows from afar. 

 7  Though I walk in the midst of trouble, 

you preserve my life; 

  you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies, 

and your right hand delivers me. 

 8  The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; 

your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. 

Do not forsake the work of your hands. 

Where and when do you worship?

King David, the author of this psalm worships in the face of other religions, in the temple, when he needs help, when he is desperate, and when he is grateful. He is not bound by a set routine as his life overflows with worship to God. He even lifts God up ‘before the gods’! In the face of idols and other things with supposed power, David praises The Lord! Are you so aware of God’s love, power and presence everywhere, that you worship Him in the midst of darkness and depravity, when surrounded by other things that people extol?

It is not just in these places and at these times that David worships though. He also does so in the house of God, recognising the significance and privilege of being able to join with God’s people in His presence to honour, love and worship together. 

Also, David understands that worship is not just through singing and listening, but through submission to Him as he also bows down. He humbles himself before God. For even as a mighty and powerful king, David acknowledges and accepts that there is a higher authority than himself. David knows what it is like to be exalted as a man; once a shepherd, now a king, through the hand of God. He knows firsthand how God exalts, and so he exalts God in return as he acknowledges God as in greater authority and power than he is. David could deem himself powerful, strong and faithful, but he knows these are merely attributes bestowed by God. He couldn’t do what he is doing without God as he admits, ‘On the day i called, you answered me; my strength of soul you increased’. David depends on the strength of God in his life to live the life God has given him. When David’s internal strength had been knocked, he felt weak and incapable, so where did he turn? Not to drink, women, money, work or friends, but to the only One who truly understands the internal state of man. He went to The Lord. Where do you go? Do you call to God and allow Him to strengthen your soul? Is He the source of your wonder and worship even when you feel low and weak? Do you approach The Lord in humility, with your body and mind bowed down to Him? This is real worship.

Putting God first in your life and making Him the first One you go for strength, peace, restoration, hope, and joy is how you live a life of worship as David did. It is not about the songs you sing, the way you dance or music you make, it is about how you live your life, what you trust in and bow down to. David made God the most important One in his life when he had the capacity and opportunity to do and extol many other things, even himself. David knew that only God can give what he needed; materially, physically and internally. Therefore, it did not matter where David was, who he was with, or what he was doing. If he was with other kings or the lowly, at the temple or not, before God or idols, when he felt weak or strong, sad or joyful, David worshipped and sought God. He desired and searched for God’s presence in every aspect and moment of his life, do you? Does how or if you praise Him depend upon where you are, what you are doing, or who you are with? It shouldn’t. God is the same wherever you are, whoever you are with, and whatever you are doing. If you truly want to live a life of praise and honour to God worship Him wherever you are, whoever you are with, and whatever you are doing. Then you will be living a life of worship far more beautiful than any song.

Do not forget

 Psalm 137:1–9 (ESV): 

By the waters of Babylon, 

there we sat down and wept, 

when we remembered Zion. 

 2  On the willows there 

we hung up our lyres. 

 3  For there our captors 

required of us songs, 

  and our tormentors, mirth, saying, 

“Sing us one of the songs of Zion!” 

 4  How shall we sing the Lord’s song 

in a foreign land? 

 5  If I forget you, O Jerusalem, 

let my right hand forget its skill! 

 6  Let my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth, 

if I do not remember you, 

  if I do not set Jerusalem 

above my highest joy! 

 7  Remember, O Lord, against the Edomites 

the day of Jerusalem, 

  how they said, “Lay it bare, lay it bare, 

down to its foundations!” 

 8  O daughter of Babylon, doomed to be destroyed, 

blessed shall he be who repays you 

with what you have done to us! 

 9  Blessed shall he be who takes your little ones 

and dashes them against the rock! 

The people of God have a sorrow that no-one else understands. The things that are lost when people and nations turn away from the truth of Scripture is heartbreaking. Throwing away teaching the principles and stories of the Bible in favour of 'new' thinking, or because some truths are uncomfortable as society accepts ways that the Bible does not. These things cause the people of God to lament. 

I think of how in my lifetime England has changed. Hymns, prayer and biblical teaching were an everyday part of primary school life. Teaching Biblical stories and principles commonplace in the home and community, like; treating others as you want to be treated, honouring your parents and those in authority. These were unwritten rules that you were expected to abide by, it was the same for everyone, and even unknowingly, communities and families were embedding principles and guidance from Scripture into their children's lives, in the workplace, and wider community. Alongside this culture, the laws of this land once reflected the truths of the Gospel, just like in Israel before this exile. Then men started to be persuaded that God’s way wasn’t as good as other ways. Other nations lived differently and had new ideas and ideals, so the law of the land changed to deviate from the truth of God. Kings desired divorce, men desired men, and women, women. Lying is acceptable if you are a politician or salesperson, sex before marriage no longer outrageous but expected. Children not expected to be in submission to parents or authority, instead expected and supported to rebel. Free speech is no longer free, even people who silently pray can be arrested. What has happened?! As a person of God, does this not cause your heart to grieve? 

Such recollections must have caused the grief that penned this psalm. For Israel, their nation had not only deviated from Scripture, but as a result they had been kicked out! Their nation was defeated and the people captured by the Babylonian empire. Yet even through the taunts of their enemy, Israel remembered the joy of Jerusalem, and the privilege of singing praise and making music to their God. They could no longer do this as grief had replaced joy because they were away from the centre of God’s presence (Jerusalem), so their hearts were heavy. They could not even pick up their instruments. As they were dragged into exile ‘we hung up our lyres’ and ‘sat down and wept’ demonstrating the level of grief they experienced. Is your heart aggrieved for the condition of your nation? 

Although the Israelites grieved what was lost, and lamented it, they did not conform, but they continued as best as they could to live as Israelites in this foreign land. Their God was still their God, they remembered the storied of deliverance, the commands, followed the laws, and taught each generation about The God of Israel. They made an effort to remember, to recall the songs, the teachings, the joy of Jerusalem, and they prayed for deliverance. Are you doing the same? 

When Christianity was the main religion of England, schools and hospitals were created, and charities founded. It is because of christians putting their faith into action through caring for others that these institutions exist. How much have those sectors deviated from their roots and the truth! How sad that their history is hidden, and the truth of God removed from those settings. It is like being in a foreign land where God is not known. How can the beautiful truth be forgotten? (v5-6). As people of God, let us not forget. Let us not forget the foundations of faith, the importance of the values of the Kingdom of God. For even if it feels that we are in a foreign land like the Israelites were, we can still live by and apply the truths and laws of the Kingdom of God. For though the Israelites were taken into exile, it did not stop them being Israelites! They knew they were still the people of God, no matter where they were. They still carried songs of praise in their hearts and poured out their hearts in grief to Him. They still remembered the goodness of God and the greatness of worship, and so can you. The Israelites said, ‘Let my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth, if i do not remember you’. Therefore recall the goodness of God. Remember the times when God was made known and extolled where you live, and teach the younger generation. Show them what God has done and teach them to hold onto the truth even in a foreign land and era. Do not forget ‘my highest joy’!

Even though times, culture, and laws have changed, and expectations, behaviours and language may seem foreign to you, do not forget. God is still God, even if you feel like a stranger or an exile as the Israelites did. They felt downhearted and distraught, but they could not forget the truth of God. They did not forget the songs of joy, hymns of faith, or the praise and worship of the temple. They would remind each other and encourage one another to remember and pray. They knew that one day, the situation would change, so they had to remember and teach their young ones what to look forward to. One day, like Babylon, this godless age is ‘doomed to be destroyed’. God’s people and His kingdom will once again ‘sing the Lord’s song’ in joy and unity! So remember, wait, and seek the return of God’s reign wherever you are right now. God will repay evil, and He will also repay righteousness. So are you remembering who He is and what life with God is like for yourself, your community and nation? Are you teaching the generation to come about God and how to worship Him? For they will need to know, and they need to be prepared. Even in a dark and disparate nation, people need to be told and encouraged that better times are coming, that there is joy beyond a nation, a situation and beyond this life! The highest joy is that there is a God that loves and cares, who is powerful and kind, who is King and who deserves to be remembered and honoured. Are you remembering Him, and sharing that joy with those around you? 

His steadfast love endures forever

Psalm 136:1–26 (ESV): 

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, 

for his steadfast love endures forever. 

 2  Give thanks to the God of gods, 

for his steadfast love endures forever. 

 3  Give thanks to the Lord of lords, 

for his steadfast love endures forever; 

 4  to him who alone does great wonders, 

for his steadfast love endures forever; 

 5  to him who by understanding made the heavens, 

for his steadfast love endures forever; 

 6  to him who spread out the earth above the waters, 

for his steadfast love endures forever; 

 7  to him who made the great lights, 

for his steadfast love endures forever; 

 8  the sun to rule over the day, 

for his steadfast love endures forever; 

 9  the moon and stars to rule over the night, 

for his steadfast love endures forever; 

 10  to him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt, 

for his steadfast love endures forever; 

 11  and brought Israel out from among them, 

for his steadfast love endures forever; 

 12  with a strong hand and an outstretched arm, 

for his steadfast love endures forever; 

 13  to him who divided the Red Sea in two, 

for his steadfast love endures forever; 

 14  and made Israel pass through the midst of it, 

for his steadfast love endures forever; 

 15  but overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red Sea, 

for his steadfast love endures forever; 

 16  to him who led his people through the wilderness, 

for his steadfast love endures forever; 

 17  to him who struck down great kings, 

for his steadfast love endures forever; 

 18  and killed mighty kings, 

for his steadfast love endures forever; 

 19  Sihon, king of the Amorites, 

for his steadfast love endures forever; 

 20  and Og, king of Bashan, 

for his steadfast love endures forever; 

 21  and gave their land as a heritage, 

for his steadfast love endures forever; 

 22  a heritage to Israel his servant, 

for his steadfast love endures forever. 

 23  It is he who remembered us in our low estate, 

for his steadfast love endures forever; 

 24  and rescued us from our foes, 

for his steadfast love endures forever; 

 25  he who gives food to all flesh, 

for his steadfast love endures forever. 

 26  Give thanks to the God of heaven, 

for his steadfast love endures forever. 

This account of the greatness of God, from being the creator to the God who saw Israel through every step, hurdle, and barrier in the wilderness, demonstrates that every success, every difficulty, every wonderful thing is because, ‘his steadfast love endures forever’. You could write your own version of your life in this style. For from the moment you took your first breath til your last, ‘his steadfast love endures forever’. 

I was unwell and people feared for my life, 

‘for his steadfast love endures forever’. 

Now i am restored and well, 

‘for his steadfast love endures forever’

At the times when i felt most alone and afraid, 

‘for his steadfast love endures forever’. 

As i became a wife, 

‘for his steadfast love endures forever’. 

We have moved to different places 

‘for his steadfast love endures forever’. 

At times, suffering terrible grief, 

‘for his steadfast love endures forever’. 

When there doesn’t seem to be enough,

‘for his steadfast love endures forever’. 

our needs have always been met,

‘for his steadfast love endures forever’

God sees, remembers and responds

‘for his steadfast love endures forever’

Why don’t you give it a go? Think about key themes or elements of your life and repeat to yourself that, ‘his steadfast love endures forever’ after each one. These things have happened and been experienced, but through them all, you can always know God’s committed adoration towards you. His love, power, protection, peace and presence are for eternity. He is in every moment, every challenge, trial and success of life. He wants to commiserate and celebrate with you throughout your life. Are you acknowledging His presence with you in every season? What moments has God been in with you? Think about it, allow yourself the opportunity to acknowledge God’s presence; past, present and future. No matter what you face, ‘his steadfast love endures forever’. How incredible is that! No wonder this psalm ends, ‘Give thanks to the God of heaven’. God deserves your recognition and praise for He has been through all that you have. He has rescued you, protected you, healed you, provided for you, and loved you through it all. His steadfast love certainly does endure forever.

Why choose God and not worldy things?

 Psalm 135:1–21 (ESV): 

1 Praise the Lord! 

Praise the name of the Lord, 

give praise, O servants of the Lord, 

 2  who stand in the house of the Lord, 

in the courts of the house of our God! 

 3  Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good; 

sing to his name, for it is pleasant! 

 4  For the Lord has chosen Jacob for himself, 

Israel as his own possession. 

 5  For I know that the Lord is great, 

and that our Lord is above all gods. 

 6  Whatever the Lord pleases, he does, 

in heaven and on earth, 

in the seas and all deeps. 

 7  He it is who makes the clouds rise at the end of the earth, 

who makes lightnings for the rain 

and brings forth the wind from his storehouses. 

 8  He it was who struck down the firstborn of Egypt, 

both of man and of beast; 

 9  who in your midst, O Egypt, 

sent signs and wonders 

against Pharaoh and all his servants; 

 10  who struck down many nations 

and killed mighty kings, 

 11  Sihon, king of the Amorites, 

and Og, king of Bashan, 

and all the kingdoms of Canaan, 

 12  and gave their land as a heritage, 

a heritage to his people Israel. 

 13  Your name, O Lord, endures forever, 

your renown, O Lord, throughout all ages. 

 14  For the Lord will vindicate his people 

and have compassion on his servants. 

 15  The idols of the nations are silver and gold, 

the work of human hands. 

 16  They have mouths, but do not speak; 

they have eyes, but do not see; 

 17  they have ears, but do not hear, 

nor is there any breath in their mouths. 

 18  Those who make them become like them, 

so do all who trust in them. 

 19  O house of Israel, bless the Lord! 

O house of Aaron, bless the Lord! 

 20  O house of Levi, bless the Lord! 

You who fear the Lord, bless the Lord! 

 21  Blessed be the Lord from Zion, 

he who dwells in Jerusalem! 

  Praise the Lord! 

If you are feeling down or powerless, low or uncertain, disappointed or lacking faith, or joyful and desiring to praise God - then this psalm will do you good. It is full of reason and encouragement to remember some of the facts as to why God is brilliant, and gives examples of how you know you can trust Him. So, as a reminder today, here are some reasons you should praise God, because He:

• Is good
• Has chosen you 
• Is great
• Is above all gods
• Does what He pleases
• Reigns in the heavens and earth
• Controls the weather
• Performed miracles in Egypt
• Has power over man and beast
• Performs signs and wonders
• Works for His people and against their enemies
• Has struck down many nations
• Has defeated many kings
• Provides dwelling places for His people
• Is famous throughout all time
• Lives forever
• Will vindicate His people
• Has compassion on His servants
• Lives amongst us

What or who else could you worship or praise that can do and has done all this?! Therefore do not get distracted by other things such as ‘the idols of the nations’ like 'silver and gold, the work of human hands’. Remember, instead the creator of those things! The one who hears and speaks, who works and never sleeps, who lives and breathes and even gives you breath! He is the one who is worthy of your attention, your full focus. Is your mind preoccupied with stuff or things that are material, not eternal? If so, take another look at this psalm and consider what is really worthy of your attention. For cars breakdown, houses crumble, money loses it's worth, and people are fickle. Live your life looking for and admiring the One who created all of these things and will outlive them.

There is an Almighty, Creator God who has; provided, heard, seen, performed wonders, who is in charge and ensures His will is done, who also lives forever and cares about your little life. In this psalm there is a promise that this same God, ‘will vindicate his people and have compassion on his servants’. Are you one of His people, are you living as His servant? If so, He will act on your behalf, showing you compassion and releasing you from false accusations and harm. Do you see God for who He really is and what He can do? This psalm holds some incredible reminders of the character of God and the amazing things He does. Are you giving God the opportunity to come through, trusting that He will vindicate and bring compassion, or are you trying to force your own way? This world and the things within it can be enticing and confusing. There are temptations, stuff and experiences that are appealing and offer solutions, but will they really fulfill their claims? Remember the things of the world have no ability to speak, see or hear, yet they seem to promise so much. Yet God, He promises much and delivers it - just take a look at His track record!

Bless others and bless God

 Psalm 134:1–3 (ESV):  

1  Come, bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord, 

who stand by night in the house of the Lord! 

 2  Lift up your hands to the holy place 

and bless the Lord! 

 3  May the Lord bless you from Zion, 

he who made heaven and earth! 

This is a call for those who love, follow, and dedicate their lives in service to God to continue to do so. To carry on worshipping and praying, to keep on meeting together and blessing God in what they do. There are those who, even of a night, when no-one else is around or notices, are seeking God. These are true believers and worshippers, they live as servants of God, and bless Him in how they live. They bless God through their actions and the things they do not say and do because their hearts, minds and souls are His. Are you a servant of the Lord like this?

An invitation is how this psalm begins. An invitation for the servants of God to ‘Come, bless the Lord’. How do you ‘bless’ God? The word interpreted as ‘bless’ in this psalm means to bow the knee. To really bless and honour God, you have to; submit to, follow, and obey God. Not just sometimes, or when you gather with other believers, but all of the time, even in the dark hours when no-one else is around. This is what ‘servants of the Lord’, the committed and obedient believers, do. It is interesting that the psalmist acknowledges that even these dedicated people still require an invite to ‘come, bless the Lord’. You would have thought that they already are! Yet, have you ever thought that even the most dedicated God-follower that you know, needs a bit of encouragement sometimes? Even the most committed, kind, god-fearing and obedient people need spurring on. You do not know what happens behind the closed doors of others lives, or in their hearts and minds, so it never hurts to encourage or invite even those you admire in faith to continue to worship, pray and gather. We all need inspiration, reminding, inviting and spurring on at times in order to continue worshipping, and keep the good, godly patterns in our lives. Those who are wholeheartedly committed to following God need inspiration and encouragement too. Even those responsible for; oversight, maintenance, pastoral care, worship leading, and hospitality, in fact anyone who serves God can do with the inspiration to keep their passion for God and their commitment to Him. Life can wear believers down sometimes and people can become despondent or distracted. So do not be afraid to encourage passion and obedience in others, even the leaders and servants of God. It will do them good, even if you think they are doing alright. Keep encouraging them, let them know how their service is appreciated, that you admire their obedience, perseverance or whatever else it is. Let them know their service to God is building the Kingdom of God, and they are valued, and that they are invited to enjoy God's presence and the company of God's people. Leadership is hard, it is a great responsibility, and there is an enemy that will do his best to take the leaders and servants of God down, so do what you can to inspire and encourage them, to let them know that they are not just leading the family, but they are a part of it too. Is there someone that springs to your mind whom you could invite to 'Come, bless the Lord' today? It may be by doing so that you do or say just the right thing to inspire them, encourage them, re-awaken them, stop them from walking away from God, or help them keep going in their God-given mission. You do not know the power your care, support and noticing can have on fellow believers. It doesn’t have to be complicated, it may look like; reminding them to come to a House group, inviting them to the prayer meeting, a worship night, or to dinner, sending a card, gift, a kind word, even challenging them on their actions or attitude, checking how they are doing. Not things that are big and complex. Yet through these small acts you have the opportunity to inspire others and encourage them in their journey of faith, are you doing that? 

If someone is on your mind, it may be that God has put them there so that you can pray for them and care for them. As people of God we are to watch out and care for each other, and spur one another on to love and serve God wholeheartedly. Are you doing that for anyone? There are people that need inspiration and invitation to continue to live bowing the knee to Him. It could be that you are the one who says to them, ‘Come, bless the Lord’, and so change their lives by inviting them into His presence. Through inspiring and encouraging other believers, you may save someone from wandering away from the faith. Just because you reached out to bless them. So, inspire those who inspire you, encourage and challenge those who do the same for you, and honour those who are living for God. By so doing you may be helping them to keep obedient and keep serving. This includes the ‘servants of the Lord’ who work for the church, whether paid or voluntary. They do so much that is unknown to you. Make sure to encourage them and show gratitude, and inspire them to continue to worship, work for, and bless God. They are blessing you in the work they perform for you before God. From the emails to the sermons, the pastoral visits to the celebrations, maintenance to making cups of tea. The men and women of God who serve the church do so because they love God and His people. They have committed their life, finances, family and livelihood into building and maintaining a faithful gathering of believers. So show your gratitude, bless them, and ask God to bless them too. Be their inspiration and encouragement, for they need it too.

It is a marvellous thing that as you bless God and His people, your own spirit is lifted up. In this psalm you see this pattern; God’s servants are called to bless Him, those who approach Him are blessed, and a blessing is asked of God for those who are His people. It is always God first, but as you put Him first and His people, God will pour out His divine love, power and favour upon you as well. So, what are you waiting for, who will you bless God today?

Dwell in unity

 Psalm 133:1–3 (ESV):  

1  Behold, how good and pleasant it is 

when brothers dwell in unity! 

 2  It is like the precious oil on the head, 

running down on the beard, 

  on the beard of Aaron, 

running down on the collar of his robes! 

 3  It is like the dew of Hermon, 

which falls on the mountains of Zion! 

  For there the Lord has commanded the blessing, 

life forevermore. 

When families have a sense of togetherness, mutual love and support we see it as good, comforting, loving, strong and beautiful. A family who have shared faith and values have a connection beyond the biological, having unity in heart and mind, and a love and understanding of one another that you cannot be born with. This is the kind of bond God desires for all believers to have with one another.

God wants us as believers in Him to ‘dwell in unity’. Despite differences in; opinion, location, culture, preferences, looks or character. There is something stronger than all of these things that unifies you with other bothers and sisters across the world. You have a greater connection with them than shared biology, interests or experiences, for you share the blood of Jesus. The life, death and resurrection of Jesus is common to all christians, this is the one powerful thing that unifies us. Unity is a powerful word. It is more than being joined together, or partnered in something for those words imply that you are still two separate entities connected together. Being unified is becoming whole, so you become one with other believers. You are one family with them through the love and blood of Jesus, in fact you are not whole without them. 

You can dwell in unity with other believers because you have been given new life through Jesus, you are born into a new kingdom along with them, which has new values. Elsewhere in the Bible we are told that we are adopted into God’s family. It takes some getting used to, your life and values will change to reflect God's kingdom over time, and one of the things that you will have to get used to is learning to live with, respect and get on with other christians - because they also have been adopted into God's family! You will be living together for all eternity, so whilst you are on Earth, you better get used to living a unified life with them! So be mindful of how you speak of other christians, how you think about them, and what you hope for them. Your mindset should be on promoting unity. Do you have appreciation, love, respect and honour for other believers? Even if there are differences, do you still see that Jesus has bonded you into the same family?

It is ‘good and pleasant when brothers dwell in unity’. We all know what it is like when there is strife in a family, you may have personal experience of that. Dis-unity breeds anger, harsh words, distrust, dissent, pain, and sometimes physical violence. That is not the standard for God’s family. Therefore do not be drawn into arguments, or speaking against your brothers and sisters of faith. Respect them, love them, help them, guide them, get to know and understand them - this is how you build good and pleasant unity. You need to make an effort. Families that have a solid sense of togetherness usually have had to experience tough times and conversations in order for their unity to remain because unity is worth fighting for. When you don’t bother or ignore others, you create a distance. That is not unity, that is laziness and it will get awkward for you when one day you are in heaven with these people forever! 

It is good and pleasant when brothers dwell in unity. It is like the anointing of Aaron. There is a visual, overflowing blessing that affects not just the head which is being anointed, but the face, beard and robes. The beauty of the people of God working together and appreciating one another pours out a blessing further than you expect, hope or imagine. Other people and places will be impacted by the love the church has for one another. It is also like the dew, it brings life and refreshment where it falls, even on arid places. The Lord ‘has commanded the blessing’ where His people live in togetherness. If you want to experience this blessing of God where you live and in your life, that He has spoken, what are you doing to promote and build unity amongst believers?