I love You

Think about your friends for a minute. Have you ever had a PS3 friend? Not sure what that is? It’s one of those friends that spends a lot of time with you when you get a new gaming system, or a new car, or the friend you only see the week after you get that big tax refund. However, these friends are usually in a meeting, not feeling well, or on vacation every time you are in need. They love you because of what you can do for them. On the other hand (thankfully), most of have one or two “be there in a jiffy” friends. These are the friends that call you when they get the latest Xbox, bass boat, or surprise work bonus so they can share their blessings with you. They also seem to show up at just the right time to help you through life’s unexpected burdens. These are the friends that love you because you’re . . . you. I believe this is the kind of love David was trying to express when he wrote Psalm 18.

David spends much of the psalm writing about the characteristics of our amazing God, but before he mentions any of these he writes, “I love You, O Lord, my strength.” The introductory words of this psalm establish the type of relationship David shared with God. Sure, God had (has) the coolest toys, the biggest bank account, and can give a person the fullest life imaginable, but David waits to discuss these. He simply begins by saying, “I love You.” His focus is on God first.

When you pray, thank, praise, and glorify God, where do you start? Do you focus on yourself? Do you focus on what God has done? Or, do you love Him for who He is? As you go through this week, ask God to help you love Him for who He is. Remember, He loved you before you could do anything for Him.

If not sure what it means to love God for who He is, check out these books:

Systematic Theology - Wayne Grudem
Knowing God - J. I. Packer
Desiring God - John Piper

God's best.