Wednesday, July 24, 2024

His Love is Eternal


Psalm 136 is a song of praise to God, with a repeating refrain. It reminds the people of Israel of what God has done for them. The writer wanted to renew their faith in God, to help them realize that no matter what they may face, God is good and His love is eternal. Writing down how God has worked in our lives seems like a good idea for all for us. I decided to give it a try for my own life.

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! His love is eternal!” (Psalm 136:1)

He led us to each other. His love is eternal!

He offered us saving grace through Jesus. His love is eternal!

He instilled in us an urgency to tell others about Him. His love is eternal!

He moved us to where we needed to be. His love is eternal!

He gave us family. His love is eternal!

He healed us from frightening diseases. His love is eternal!

He gave us hope in times of grief and loss. His love is eternal!

He blessed us with good friends in every place we lived. His love is eternal!

He prospered us in every way. His love is eternal!

He used us as His servants despite our shortcomings. His love is eternal!

He relieved our fears and worries. His love is eternal!

He is ever present, ever faithful, ever generous. His love is eternal!

Each one of us could write such a psalm listing the blessings the Lord has poured out on us. It’s a good way to remember and give thanks for all that God has done for us. It is also a source of encouragement in times of doubt and distress. Give it a try! You will be blessed again and again!

Be encouraged!

©2024 Pamela D. Williams.

Comments welcome at writepam71@gmail.com

Wednesday, July 17, 2024

Illusions of Fulfillment


“My desires are often fixed, caught, on illusions of fulfillment.” As I read this sentence in a SacredSpace devotional, I realized how true it is.

The world offers us many illusions of fulfillment—a bursting-at-the-seams bank account, crowds of friends, the top dog position at our job, the envy-of-the-neighborhood house and car, dream vacations, an ever-youthful body, etc. And they are all just that—illusions. 

Realistically, it is rare to accomplish those goals, and no one achieves them all. The real kicker is that even those who attain a few of these worldly measures do not find fulfillment in them. And the time and effort put into working towards reaching those ends robs us of true contentment and inner peace.

Where, then, can we find fulfillment? This same devotional suggested we pray asking God to orchestrate our desires in accordance with His will. God’s Word agrees: “Be concerned above everything else with the Kingdom of God and with what He requires of you, and He will provide you with all these other things.” (Matthew 6:33)

Psalm 37:4 tells us “Seek your happiness in the Lord, and He will give you your heart's desire.” When our heart’s desire is to be near to God, to please Him, to find happiness in Him, He will give us those very things—nearness to Him, pleasure in serving Him, joy in our relationship with Him. In other words, fulfillment!

Striving to meet worldly goals fills us with dissatisfaction, stress, and even fear. Jesus said, “My peace I give you. I do not give it as the world does. Do not be worried or upset. Do not be afraid.” (John 14:27)

When our goals in life align with God’s desires for us, we will find fulfillment. To know God’s desires for us we need to seek God’s presence by spending time with Him in prayer asking Him to help us to be always aware of the important things in life, and contemplating on His Word and how He wants us to live out its truth in this world.

Be encouraged!

©2024 Pamela D. Williams.

Comments welcome at writepam71@gmail.com