IN RELATIONSHIP WITH THE LORD

By Jerelyn Wright Pearson

Throughout our lives we have had many relationships with others. Some relationships last a lifetime. Some come and go. Some are kind and some are contentious. Some are close; some are distant. In order for a relationship to develop, each member must participate in some way.

As Christians each of us has a personal relationship with our Heavenly Father, his Son Jesus Christ, and the indwelling Holy Spirit. These three are always in one accord. In addition to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we also have the Holy Bible, the written Word to teach and remind us.

We can be confident that the Lord works in us.

Philippians 1:6
Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

This is a long-lasting promise. In Philippians 2, we find out what that work is.

Philippians 2:13
For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

This verse reemphasizes that God is working in us. He also gives us two specific things to remember. They are:
1. To will (desire) to please him
2. To do (put into action) that which is pleasing to him

In other words we must willingly do of his good pleasure, putting our desire into action.
For example, I may truly want to obey God to please him. But if I don’t put my desire into action, I haven’t completed the work. Desire alone is not enough to complete the task. Or I may just forge ahead halfheartedly when I’d rather be doing something else.

How pleased are we when our children obey us grudgingly instead of willingly? Our willing desire and our obedient action are both necessary to give God good pleasure. This verse clearly says, "Both to will and to do of his good pleasure."

Of course, the specifics of his good pleasure vary from time to time or in different circumstances. That’s why we need to stay in touch with him always.

When we trust him and lift up our souls to him, he causes us to hear his loving kindness and to know where to walk.

Psalms 143:8
Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee.

Psalm 143 was very likely written during David’s times of distress and danger when Saul was seeking to destroy him. During these times he  put his trust in God to guide him by constantly staying in communion.

David continues his prayer, asking the Lord to teach him and lead him.

Psalms 143:10
Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.

The Lord teaches and leads us too. He is our God; we can trust him.

Psalm 33:20-22
20 Our soul waiteth for the LORD: he is our help and our shield.
21 For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name.
22 Let thy mercy, O LORD, be upon us, according as we hope in thee.

Our souls wait for him and our hearts rejoice in him. He is our help and shield, and we trust in his holy name. We can pray as David did, "Let thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us, according as we hope in thee."

God is with us always. His Holy Spirit dwells within us. We have an active relationship with our Lord. Psalm 37 clarifies this relationship.

Psalm 37:3-5
3 Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.
4 Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
5 Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.

This psalm teaches us what we can do and what he will do.
What can WE do?

Trust in the LORD, and do good;

What will HE do?

so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.

What can WE do?

Delight thyself also in the LORD;

What will HE do?

and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

What can WE do?

Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him;

What will HE do?

and he shall bring it to pass. And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.

As Christians, our relationship with our Heavenly Father is the closest relationship we can have. His Holy Spirit dwells within us. He knows our frame. He encourages, protects, and teaches us. He gives us our daily bread and the desires of our heart.

Our relationship with our heavenly Father goes farther back than our physical birthdays. It is an eternal relationship that supersedes all relationships. And it is the relationship that we need, in order to be successful in our relationships with each other.

 

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Presented June 16, 2024 in French Settlement, Louisiana