After attending our Sunday morning service this week, I was led to begin the study of the word “gather”. As members of God’s family, we should gather together for many occasions.
“47Save us, O LORD our God, and gather us from among the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy name and glory in your praise.” – Psalm 106:47 (ESV)
Here I find a reference to an occasion we should gather together, praise and glorification of God.
Now it does seem as though that should be a given, but when I look at the context of the full passage, I am still in wonder of just how loving God is. In this passage, there are many references to the rebellion of the Israelite people as Moses led them out of Egypt. They were delivered from the Egyptians at the Red Sea. They were provided for in the wilderness, yet at each turn, they continue to turn away from God. They wanted to turn back because it was hard. They worshiped metal idols. They were discontent with living in tents. Yet, God never left them. He punished them, yes, but never left them.
“44Nevertheless, he looked upon their distress, when he heard their cry. 45For their sake he remember his covenant, and relented according t0 the abundance of his steadfast love.” – Psalm 106:44-45 (ESV)
Regardless of the difficulty thrust upon them, God never gave up on the the Israelite people, and they came back to Him. He would rescue them and provide for them. God loved them just as He loves us today.
“48Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting! And let all the people say ‘Amen!’ Praise the LORD!” – Psalm 106:48 (ESV)
I am only a man and will continue to fail in that capacity. God will not give up on me though and when we, as sinners, gather together to give thanks to the Lord, He will hear our cries and deliver us from the hardship we are facing.
When you are facing hardship, where is it that you take your difficulties? Are you gathering with other Christians? Will you gather up and praise Him with all glory and praise?
Trevor's Thoughts 