Shining In Full Strength
The peaks of the Andes Mountains can be shrouded in cloud cover for days or weeks at a time. Without sunlight, tempatures can be quite chilly and raw. Yet one need only take a drive up into mountains to reach the point of breaking through the clouds. And all of the sudden, the sun is shining in full strength. It is a breathtaking, awe inspiriting, and joyful experience.
“So may all your enemies perish, LORD! But may all who love you be like the sun when it rises in its strength.” Then the land had peace forty years. - Judges 5:31, NIV
The "clouds" of life -- our trials, daily challenges, etc. -- often obscure our vision of the light and warmth of the Son. We cannot reflect His light, and warmth if we have not first received and basked in it. Pushing onward and upward through the trials and challenges of life, we can break through clouds and bask in the light and warmth of His love and grace. Then, and only then, can we reflect it.
As a prophet and judge, Deborah led a weak army of ten thousand men into battle, but God gave her the victory. She had put her trust in God and obeyed His directions, and she used light, a common biblical metaphor, to describe the experience.
The above verse is the last sentence of Deborah's song of victory. As Deborah said, “... let those who love Him be like the sun when it comes out in full strength!”
Trust God in the trials. Push through the clouds. Reflect the light of His love and grace!
Love is Horizontal and Vertical
If we were to peek behind the drywall in this room and notice that all of the vertical studs had been removed, and there were only horizontal beams, we would leave the building as soon as possible. And likewise, if the building only had vertical studs and no horizontal beams, we would feel unsafe knowing that the building was not stable. We'd run for the exits!
Likewise, if we took a piece of fabric and pulled out all of the vertical or horizontal strands, we would be left with nothing but a handful of strands and dangling threads in either hand. The piece of fabric only exists because the strands run in different directions, giving body and support, and form to the cloth.
God's love is limitless in every direction (Eph. 3:18).
"And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is" (Ephesians 3:18, NLT).
God's love is not one dimensional. He instructs us and shows us to love one another, even as He has love us, because our love for Him and others originates from Him and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on our behalf (1 John 3:16; 4:7-10).
Jesus' death reveals us to be liars when we say things like, "I love God with all my heart, but I just can't get along with him/her." Or, "I get along with everyone, but I just don't have any time for God."
We fool ourselves when we say we love Him (vertical strands of faith), but do not love others (horizontal strands of faith). Or when we say we have love and care for our fellow man, but show no love or care for the God who created us all.
Like a poorly constructed building or poorly woven cloth, our love and relationships are flimsy at best and dangerous at worst, when they are not rooted and grounded in the multi-dimensional love of God.
What an opportunity to grow in our love for one another as we pursue a deeper relationship of love for God!
How Do I Love Thee?
Elizabeth Barrett Browning, the English Romantic poet, is known for the first line of Sonnet 43.: “How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.” She was reared with privilege, wealth, and the finest education, but her health was compromised by an equestrian accident.
When she eloped to marry Robert Browning, her controlling father disinherited her. She published many works of various types throughout her life, and this allowed her to become independently wealthy despite her poor health.
Robert became enamored with her writing, and they corresponded for two years. During this time, she wrote poems expressing her fervently love for Robert. For all that she wrote in her relatively brief life, her poetry stands out, especially Sonnet 43.
The title above Psalm 92 reads, “a song for the Sabbath day.” That connects its words to worship, and this psalm shows the writer’s deep adoration for God. He never uses the word “love,” but his affection for God is obvious. It seems that the writer gives several proofs of that love here. Notice how.
- HE GIVES THANKS TO THE LORD (1)
- HE SINGS PRAISES TO HIS NAME (1,3-4)
- HE DECLARES HIS LOVINGKINDNESS AND FAITHFULNESS (2)
- HE PRAISES GOD’S WORKS AND THOUGHTS (5,8)
- HE SCORNS THE WICKED WHO OPPOSE GOD’S WAY (6-7,9,11)
- HE APPRECIATES THE BLESSINGS OF A GOD-APPROVED LIFE (10,12-14)
- HE EXPRESSES CONFIDENCE IN THE CHARACTER OF GOD (15)
One of the most rewarding exercises you can engage in is to enumerate the ways you love and appreciate God. Do it in your prayer life; spend time praising God and be specific in expressing your adoration and admiration. Think deeply about it. Look around. Look into your life. Consider what looks like His providence in your life and the life of others. Count your blessings, and tell God what you are thankful for. Wait! Did you mention running water, hot water, reliable vehicles, paved roads, coffee, air-conditioning, music, puppies, baby’s breath, eyesight, and brisket? What about the church, salvation, prayer, the Bible, peace, the hope of heaven, His guidance and protection, the elders, deacons, Bible teachers, your spouse, your parents, and your children?
This will build your love and appreciation for God. It will remind you of how much He loves you and cause you to love Him more. It will humble you and help you focus on the fount of your every blessing! It should make you a better, more obedient servant for Him. How do you love Him? Like this psalmist, count the ways! It will lift your spirit and open your eyes to a harvest ripe with those who need what you have. Get counting!