Psalm 89:9-18
9 You rule over the surging sea; when its waves mount up, you still them.
10 You crushed Rahab like one of the slain; with your strong arm you scattered your enemies.
11 The heavens are yours, and yours also the earth; you founded the world and all that is in it.
12 You created the north and the south; Tabor and Hermon sing for joy at your name.
13 Your arm is endowed with power; your hand is strong, your right hand exalted.
14 Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you.
15 Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, Lord.
16 They rejoice in your name all day long; they celebrate your righteousness.
17 For you are their glory and strength, and by your favor you exalt our horn.
18 Indeed, our shield belongs to the Lord, our king to the Holy One of Israel. [1]
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What struck me today’s passage is the description of the Lord in verse 14. After describing the Lord’s creative power and awesome might, the psalmist turns his attention to the Lord’s righteousness, justice, love and faithfulness. The Lord is not just God over all, not just creator, not just victorious warrior, He is also good and loving and just.
So what does this mean for the way that I live my life today?
In meditating on this, my thoughts were led to some of the disturbing parts of my recent vacation in Ireland and Scotland. As is my custom, I did a lot of reading of history before the trip in order to get the most out of the historical sites we would be visiting. I did the same thing last year before our visit to Great Britain. The history of these islands is quite bloody. But most disturbing is all of the blood that was shed in the name of Christ. Protestant versus Catholic, Presbyterian versus Anglican, and many other variations on this theme. Horrific violence, destruction and death in the name of Christ – who is just, righteous, faithful and loving. How does that fit? What a horrible way to honor the Christ whom you claim to serve.
As much as I love history, it was disturbing to visit some of the places where Christ was so dishonored by people claiming to follow Him.
The point to take to heart is that these character traits of God are to be cultivated in our lives not just for the benefit of those who think like us, who are part of our particular tribe, but for all people, even those who from an earthly standpoint are our enemies.
The question, then, is not whether this was being done in the 16th and 17th century, but whether it is being done in my life today. Am I cultivating the character of Christ in myself? Am I seeking to live it in all of my relationships, not just in my actions, but even in my thoughts?
My prayer today is that the righteousness, justice, love and faithfulness of my saving God would be manifest in my life, so that He would be glorified and honored.
What is the Word leading you to pray about today?
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[1] The New International Version. (2011). (Ps 89:9–18). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
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