Thursday, August 22, 2024

It is essential for us to apply the principles of the gospel to our own lives, as doing so fosters a profound dependence on God and leads us to a state of emptiness of self. In my own reflections, I have discovered that true happiness in this world is most fully realized during extended moments of meditation. The scriptures always fulfill their purpose and never return void. Meditation, in this context, can be likened to the process of a cow chewing its cud: it chews, swallows, and then brings it back up to chew again, drawing out every bit of nourishment. We must come to the understanding that there is nothing in this world that can compare to the treasure of seeking God. As Augustine rightly observed, we are restless until we find our rest in Him. The scriptures are the very spoken word of God, and by committing them to memory, we create opportunities for them to be readily accessible whenever we need them. When we hide God’s word within our hearts, we unlock an inner, eternal realm that is rich with divine presence. God operates through both His word and His Spirit, making the act of memorizing scripture akin to accumulating gold in a treasure chest. It’s an experience that captivates us, as we gaze upon the shimmering beauty of that gold. Alternatively, it can be compared to indulging in a sumptuous meal; we savor each bite, and afterwards, we sit back, reflecting on the deep satisfaction that comes from such nourishment. This is precisely how one experiences the act of meditating on God’s word. God sovereignly governs the world with the purpose of safeguarding the vulnerable and defenseless among us. His divine will ensures that no human being can ever partake in His unparalleled glory. In His mercy, God extends salvation to His chosen people by imparting to them the desire and ability to earnestly seek Him. When we experience this salvation, the very foundation of our former lives is radically transformed; everything is turned on its head. This brings us to an intriguing observation: when we are surrounded by individuals who face certain challenges or limitations, we often find that there is little to no competition or animosity regarding our own achievements and successes. This phenomenon occurs because those who navigate life with some form of handicap tend to hold a deep appreciation for the gift of life itself. This dynamic is mirrored in the relationships that the Apostle surrounded himself with throughout his ministry. Moreover, through meditation, we can experience a transcendent state where time seems to dissolve away. For those who have engaged in hours of meditation, there is a profound realization that such an experience transports you beyond the constraints of time, leading to a joy and security that feels akin to dwelling within God's perfect kingdom. Even in a social gathering, one can find themselves feeling as if they are in another realm entirely. The act of speaking God's word aloud or silently can feel like unlocking a door to this hidden dimension. With practice, one can become adept at navigating this threshold, entering a space filled with mystery where the soul finds rest and fulfillment, fully aware of the majesty and glory that envelops one’s heightened experience of divine presence. In Psalm 10:16-18, we find reassurance in the declaration that "The LORD is King forever and ever; the nations will perish from His land." This verse reassures us that God hears the cries of the afflicted, offering them encouragement and listening to their pleas for help. He stands as a defender of the fatherless and oppressed, ensuring that humanity, limited by its earthly existence, will not instill fear in others any longer. God spoke the universe into being, and the Psalmist emphasizes that He orchestrates all things according to His divine word. The Psalms serve as a perfect medium through which God reestablishes order in our lives and in the world around us. We must remember that while the world may appear chaotic and disordered in our perception, it is never truly out of alignment in God's eyes. The Psalmist's assertion that "The LORD is King forever and ever" reveals that God's kingdom exists in its perfect state, while any opposition to His will is recalibrated through the truth found in the Psalms.

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