Word of the Lord brought by Pastor Bruce Laird, visiting from Australia:
"Nevertheless I am continually with thee" Psalm 73:23
"Nevertheless" - notwithstanding all the foolishness and ignorance which David (the author) had just been confessing to God, not one atom the less was it true and certain that David was saved and accepted, and that the blessing of being constantly in God's presence was undoubtedly his. Fully conscious of his own lost estate, and of the deceitfulness and vileness of his nature, yet, by a glorious outburst of faith, he sings "nevertheless I am continually with thee"
Believer, you are nevertheless forced into Asaph's Psalm of confession and acknowledgement so endeavour, in like spirit, to say "nevertheless, since I belong to Christ I am continually with God!"
You are kept by God in the land of the living; you are permitted to boldly enter and abide in His presence; you are allowed to hope in His mercy. Notwithstanding your low and unworthy views; notwithstanding your doubts about the justice of His divine administration, not withstanding your envy at the prosperity of the wicked, and perhaps your spirit of complaining against God, you are not driven away from God; you are not banished from His presence, or cut off from His favour.
You are continually upon His mind, the Lord is always thinking of you for your good. You are continually before His eye; "the eye of the Lord never sleepeth" but is perpetually watching over your welfare. You are continually in His hand, so that no one is ever able to pluck you from it. You are continually on His heart; you are worn there as a memorial, even as the high priest bore the names of the twelve tribes upon his heart - you are inscribed upon His heart for all eternity. He always thinks of you. His divine love continually yearns towards you. God is always making providence work for your good. He has set you as a signet upon His arm; His love is strong as death, many waters cannot quench it; neither can the floods drown it. Surprising grace! He sees in you His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. Even though you may see yourself in lesser light, the Lord your God beholds you as wearing Christ's garments. You are washed in His blood, and so you stand accepted in His presence. You are continually in His favour - "continually with Him".
Stop looking within. Stop looking through the glass of your window and venture out into His world and His caring love for you. Go out and enjoy the Son-shine. "Nevertheless" - O say it in your heart, and take the peace it gives. "Nevertheless I am continually with thee."
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