September 17 – Right Hand Righteousness

"For You have been my help, And in the shadow of Your wings I sing for joy.  My soul clings to You; Your right hand upholds me." Psalm 63:7-8 (NASB)

Figuratively speaking, God’s Right Hand is the means whereby victories are obtained for the people of God. It is also an instrument of punishment for the ungodly. God’s Right Hand sustains his children in the hour of need.  God promises to strengthen our right hand when  he purposes to help. The way it is often used is in the sense of describing that which is or is done in righteousness.  In Isaiah 41 God promises when we are dismayed and fearful He will strengthen us, He will help us and uphold us with His Right Hand (verse 10) and in verse 13 it is our right hand that God holds as He helps us.  As a matter of position, the Right Hand of God is the place of majesty and favor in God’s Kingdom.  It is where Christ Jesus is (Romans 8:34).  In our verse from Psalm 63, David is the author and he knew well the blessings of receiving God’s Right Hand of  protection and help in battle.  We can depend on our God to do all these things for our benefit and His glory.  

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June 24 – Priced So High, It's Free

“How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.” Psalm 36:7 (NIV)

When we use the word “priceless” for something, we mean that there is no way of assessing its value. That is certainly true about God's unfailing love.  There is no way to monetize the lovingkindness of God for no one can put a specific value on it. It cannot be bought and, it is not a commodity that can be use in any kind of trade.  But His lovingkindness did purchase our salvation, in the only way that could happen, on the cross where Jesus died.  To think that the great creator of the universe would love anyone of His creatures is very significant.  When we remember that His love is unfailing and that we can depend on  it for every circumstance, that makes His love priceless in a way we can understand. This is why the psalmist tells us we can find security and refuge in the shadow of His wings. Aren't you glad that you don't have to pay for God's love? And He doesn't expect us to pay Him for it. All He wants is that we accept His love and be thankful to Him for it.  He wants us to acknowledge His promise of unfailing love.

December 1

“I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.” Psalm 61:4 (NIV)

David had experienced the nearness of His God. He knew what it meant to live in close fellowship with God. It made him feel that he was living in the same tent with Him. In those days many people had tents as homes. So David had found himself at home with God and he said that he longed to live with Him forever. David also thought of the close relationship with God as the way a baby bird would enjoy the safe feeling of being sheltered by the mother’s wings. All of this reminds us of the close relationship that is our by faith in our God. Let us rejoice and enjoy it today!

June 17

“Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. I cling to you; your right hand upholds me.” Psalm 63:7-8 (NIV)

The nearness of God does not depend on our earthly circumstances. We find some of the most intimate expressions of the joy of knowing God’s presence in songs written by David in the most unpleasant situations. These verses today were written when he was out in the desert hiding from those who were trying to kill him. Spiritual blessings are not dependent on physical circumstances. Out there in the desert by himself, David sensed that He was not alone. God was with him sustaining him. So whatever your situation, be sure to lean upon the Lord because He is near, and by faith stay close to Him.