Love the Lord

March 13

(Psalm 31:19-24 NIV) “How great is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you, which you bestow in the sight of men on those who take refuge in you. {20} In the shelter of your presence you hide them from the intrigues of men; in your dwelling you keep them safe from accusing tongues. {21} Praise be to the Lord, for he showed his wonderful love to me when I was in a besieged city. {22} In my alarm I said, "I am cut off from your sight!" Yet you heard my cry for mercy when I called to you for help. {23} Love the Lord, all his saints! The Lord preserves the faithful, but the proud he pays back in full. {24} Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.”

Life is often difficult. But God stores up goodness for those who have taken refuge in Him. God is our shelter. When we are besieged, He shows His love to us. When we can’t see through the fog to another day, He hears our cry for mercy and provides a light to direct us home. When we truly hope in the Lord, we will do three things: we will love the Lord; we will remain strong; and we will take heart. Faith, hope, and love are decisions. We must choose to trust in God. We must choose to take refuge in the Lord. We must choose to put our times into God’s hands. We must choose to commit our spirit unto his care. Have you done that? Have you put your hope in God? Have you taken refuge in Him? Have you put your times in his hands? Have you offered up your spirit to Him? If not, today would be a good day to do that in your heart of hearts. Love the Lord! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day