“I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever.” Psalm 89:1
Heavenly Father, I have no clue who Ethan the Ezrahite was—the author of Psalm 89 but I love his adoration and awe-filled heart. It’s one thing to be doctrinally correct about your love, it’s an altogether different thing to be doxologically-smitten with your love. That is, to get your love so fresh and deep into our hearts, we non-singers sing, and we non-dancers dance.
By your Spirit, Abba, astonish us afresh with an experience of your great love. Melt, mold, and make our hearts merry with your affection for us in Jesus. When did we stop singing? Where did we lose our song and voice?
The Apostle Paul called your love compelling (2Cor.5:14-15) incomparable (1Cor.13:1-13), and so great it’s impossible to fully know (Eph.3:14-21). King David labeled your love “better than life” itself (Ps.63:3); and as steadfast, generous, and enduring as the best Shepherd imaginable (Ps.23). Jeremiah pushed the envelope when he told us you love us with an unwavering, never-ending love—full of unfailing kindness (Jer.31:3)
John described your love as lavish and fear-expelling (1Jn.3:1; 4:18). Isaiah said your love is as tender as a nursing mother (Isa.49:15,16) and as passionate as a young groom delighting in his new bride (Isa.62:5). And what are we to do with Zephaniah’s shocking images of the way you love us? Abba, he said you greatly delight in us, are committed to quiet us with your love, and actually rejoice over us with singing (Zeph.3:17). May it be. Let it be. Do it Abba, for your glory.
Indeed, the heck with decorum, restraints, politeness, “staying in our denominational lanes,” or not embarrassing ourselves or anybody else … fill us to overflowing with your matchless love. So Very Amen.
