Psalm 48:8 "As we have heard, so have we seen in the city of the LORD of hosts, in the city of our God: God will establish it for ever. Selah."
What have you heard about the "city of the LORD of hosts" - His
Church? There are so many things that are spoken about the Church.
Actually, what you hear about the Church depends upon which group of people you
listen to. What people say about the church depends upon their experience in
the Church. People's experience depends upon the reason they went to Church.
So, what have you heard and what have you seen?
This particular Psalm tells us what we can see, if we go with a heart prepared
to worship. Let's look at some of those views.
First, in verse 3: "God is known in her palaces for a refuge."
The preaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ should give us peace and comfort in
our hearts to know we serve the risen Lord Who forgives our sins. The world is really
accomplished at accusing and bringing charges against us which can bring havoc
in our minds. Truth be known, we all are sinners. We all fall short of the
glory of God; yet the Lord God Almighty is our refuge. He is the One to Whom we
can go to find that peace of heart and mind that we all need each day
Second in verse 9: "We have thought of thy lovingkindness, O
God." In the church of our Lord Jesus Christ, we are taught
concerning the lovingkindness of God. Think about that word,
lovingkindness. You sure don't hear about that when out in the activities
of the world. In the world, we are faced with selfish actions and are taught
that if we do not look out for number one, nobody else will do it for us. But
in the Church, we are taught, "The LORD hath appeared of old unto me,
saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with
lovingkindness have I drawn thee." (Jeremiah 31:3) It is purely and simply
by the lovingkindness of God that He draws us into that place of refuge. He has
always loved us unconditionally. You won't find that pure love from any other
source.
Third in verse 10: "According to thy name, O God, so is thy praise
unto the ends of the earth." There is something wonderful about
giving praise to God. First of all, we are doing that which is due His name. He
is worthy of our praise. But also, as we begin to praise Him and exalt His
name, our worries and our struggles seem to become easier. Through praise, we
are reminded of His love and His kindness. We are reminded of His amazing
saving grace that was given to us through the death, burial ,and resurrection
of our Lord. Praise exalts the Lord and also lifts us up through His
mercy at the very same time.
Finally in verse 14: "For this God is our God for ever and ever: he
will be our guide even unto death." In the church of our Lord
Jesus Christ, the preaching of the Gospel guides us in the paths of
righteousness. It is in those paths that joy, fulfillment and contentment is to
be found.
What have you heard about the church? What have you seen? Have you given up on
the Church? If so, find one where these things are found. You will then find
the joy of the Lord that prepares and strengthens you for each day.
Struggles will still happen, but strength and hope will abound.