Psalm 127-128
There is a way of living that aligns with the “grain” of the cosmos and that results in blessedness. The way can be found.
I. What does that way of living look like?
To fear the LORD is to order the way I think, act, and feel in ALL of life under the conviction that the LORD is who He claims to be and that what He has said is true, right, and good.
We fear the LORD wrongly when we cover, run and hide. Our actions reveal that we believe Him to be arbitrary, harsh, and overbearing.
We fear the LORD rightly when we confess, trust and follow. Our actions reveal that we believe Him to be “merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness,” exactly as He has revealed Himself to be. (Exodus 34:6)
Practically speaking, fearing the LORD involves walking in His ways, which includes both obedience (rule-keeping) and wisdom (righteousness).
When we keep the rules, we limit the harm we do to our neighbors.
When we live righteously, we increase the good we do to our neighbors.
II. What does the blessedness look like that results from “fearing the LORD”?
The blessedness that follows fearing the LORD cannot be found where we tend to look for it, yet, when it is found, it satisfies more deeply than we ever expected.
III. How do I align my life “with the grain” of the cosmos?
Forsake what deserves less love for what deserves more love.
Re-orient your loves to the LORD and to His words.
Re-enter your daily drama and live out your re-oriented loves.
Repeat the cycle regularly and intentionally.
