How can we "love the LORD" in our daily lives as Psalm 31:23 suggests? Psalm 31:23—The Call to Love “Love the LORD, all His saints! The LORD preserves the faithful, but fully repays the arrogant.” Why Love Matters • Loving God isn’t a suggestion; it is commanded (Deuteronomy 6:5; Matthew 22:37). • Psalm 31:23 links love with God’s preserving care—He safeguards those devoted to Him. What Loving the LORD Looks Like 1. Heartfelt Affection • Cultivate worship that springs from delight, not duty (Psalm 63:1–4). • Express gratitude aloud and often (Psalm 92:1–2). 2. Faith-Filled Trust • Surrender worries to Him (1 Peter 5:7). • Rely on His guidance instead of leaning on your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5–6). 3. Glad Obedience • “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15). • Obedience proves love is real (1 John 5:3). 4. Loyal Allegiance • Stand for Him when culture pulls the other way (Joshua 24:15). • Confess Christ openly (Luke 9:26). 5. Self-Giving Service • Love others as tangible evidence of loving God (1 John 4:20). • Serve the least as though serving Jesus Himself (Matthew 25:40). 6. Whole-Life Devotion • Offer body, mind, and will as “a living sacrifice” (Romans 12:1–2). • Steward time, talents, and resources for His glory (Colossians 3:23–24). Daily Rhythms that Foster Love Morning • Begin with Scripture and prayer—set affection on Him before tasks begin. • Verbally dedicate the day: “Lord, I love You; guide my steps.” Midday • Pause to thank Him for specific blessings. • Obey promptly in small choices—honesty, purity, kindness. Evening • Review the day with God: where love shone and where it faltered. • Confess, receive forgiveness, and praise Him for preservation. Weekly • Gather with believers; corporate worship fuels individual love (Hebrews 10:24–25). • Rest intentionally, remembering His faithfulness. Guarding Against Arrogance Psalm 31:23 warns that God “fully repays the arrogant.” Pride crowds out love. Stay humble by remembering: • Every gift is from Him (James 1:17). • Apart from Christ we can do nothing (John 15:5). Celebrating His Preservation • Keep a journal of answered prayers and protections. • Share testimonies of His faithfulness to encourage others (Psalm 107:2). Loving the LORD daily is a relationship lived out moment by moment—adoring Him, trusting Him, obeying Him, and reflecting His heart to the world He longs to reach. |
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