Nate’s Notes: Abundant Goodness

Photo Credit: Creation Swap

Oh, how abundant is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you and worked for those who take refuge in you, in the sight of the children of mankind! Psalm 31:19 New International Version

We are so blessed that the Lord’s goodness is not budgeted, earned, or limited. Yahweh’s abundant grace is available for those who through faith take refuge in Him. Grace is God’s unmerited favor. We cannot do anything to earn it.

The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him. Nahum 1:7 New International Version

The Lord is our refuge, our fortress. The Father is so good to us that He is our creator, protector, and sustainer. The Father’s angels also aid Him in looking out for His children.

Perhaps the greatest fortification in history is the Cheyenne Mountain Complex.

Home of NORAD, which monitors pretty much everything in North American airspace, the Cheyenne Mountain Complex uses the mountains around Colorado Springs as fortification. Sitting inside a hollowed-out space in the mountains, the air defense system reached the height of its mystique during the Cold War when it opened in 1967. Its 25-ton blast doors are embedded within the 1,700 feet of granite.

Described as the most secure place on the planet, not even NORAD compares to the protection provided by the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Remember, Lord, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old. Do not remember the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you, Lord, are good. Psalm 25:6-7  New International Version

The Psalmist addresses God as Yahweh, His covenant name. This is not someone calling on God in a general sense or guessing at who might be God. He is using the name given to Moses by God. The Lord Himself says that the Israelites are to address him this way.

The Psalmist refers to the Lord protecting him from the false words and accusations of his enemies. No matter who opposes us including Satan, the Lord shields those who are faithful to Him.

What is our role in the Lord’s blessing and protection? We are not passive participants. We should admit they we cannot thrive by our own strength or wisdom. We seek shelter in the Lord. There is no place for arrogance. Christians humbly seek God and praise His holy name.

So he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty. Zechariah 4:6 New International Version

Prayer: (Based on Psalm 91)

Father,

May we dwell in the shelter of the Most High and rest in your shadow. You are our refuge and fortress. We trust in You and seek protection under Your mighty wings. In the holy name of Jesus we pray, amen.

Pastor Nathan