GOD BLESSES THE RIGHTEOUS

Psalm 84:11

For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.

Psalm 84 is an ancient hymn that was sung by Israelites who longed to go to Jerusalem and worship at the temple. What made them eager and willing to disrupt their busy lives and take such a pilgrimage?

The temple was where God had promised to meet his people. It was where the devout prayed, offered animal sacrifices and found God’s forgiveness and favor. In short, it was the place of grace.

Today there is no need for daily sacrifices. Christ has made the final payment for our sins. And God, rather than dwelling behind thick curtains in an ornate temple, lives within the hearts of his children.

Yet the promise above still applies. As we long for God and draw near to him (see James 4:7), we experience the full riches of his grace (see Ephesians 1). Because he is good, he delights in giving us good things. 

GOD’S PROMISE TO ME:

• I am your sun and shield.

• I give favor and honor.

• I give good things to those who do what is right.

MY PRAYER TO GOD:

You are my God, the one who provides for me and protects me. Thank you for your glorious grace. Thank you for Christ who died for my sins and who makes it possible for me to experience your presence in my life. You shower me with good things! Amen.