Saturday 23 May, 2015

1 Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in obedience to him. 2 You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours. 3 Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table. 4 Yes, this will be the blessing for the man who fears the Lord. 5 May the Lord bless you from Zion; may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life. 6 May you live to see your children’s children— peace be on Israel.

I see this passage as key to what should be the foundation our lives – living a God-fearing life. That means, living in reverence towards God and having an understanding of His power and majesty. Proverbs 1:7 says, “Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge”, which teaches us that fearing God and understanding who He is go hand in hand.

But what really strikes me in this Psalm is the repetition of the word ‘joyful’. The writer acknowledges that we will be joyful all the days of our lives when we fear our Creator. Having just got married, I want to build a home with Matt that is full of joy and prosperity. That comes from the blessings of God as we live lives that fear Him (vs 4); not from our own strength or efforts.

Lord God, I thank You for the gift of life that You have given me. I ask that You would reveal to me more about Who You are everyday, as I live a life that fears and honours You. Thank You for the joy that You give. In Jesus’ name.

Written by Laura Samperi