What is like unto the Lord? And to what can I compare Him? In a conversation with a couple of friends a few weeks ago, I was asked (among other things) to explain Who God is. There was a bit of discussion 'He is a spirit' 'so like an energy then?' 'Not quite - our spirit and God's Spirit can be detected using physical things like energy can'... etc. One of them moved off after a short while clarifying, but the other stayed, and we ended up agreeing that one of the best single terms to describe God was 'Creator'.
The idea of Creator (of the World) encompasses His power, His might, His creativity, His design, His control, His sovereignty, and many other concepts. It's still not the full picture of God though, as we both agreed.
In the Psalms before us in these three days, there are three aspects in which I see God revealed that come up again and again - this is not an exhaustive list - just three of the common things I noticed. Again, not a full picture, but slightly fuller than a single name.
He is our Lord Who reigns.
Many of the Psalms (particularly to the start of this section) have a focus on the Lord as Ruler, Sovereign in Power.He is Holy, Majestic, full of glory, and to be feared (revered). He reigns in perfect intelligence. He judges in righteousness. He directs legions of angels, and is in control of world affairs - directing people such as Joseph to be in the right place at the right time. He protects His people - no one can touch anyone without His allowing it.
He is Creator.
He establishes boundaries for the sea and the oceans, He created the creatures of the Earth from the mighty to the small. He is a Ruler Who sustains His creation, and provides them with food in season. He is our Maker. He formed us, and returns us to dust. All creation worships and praises Him.
He is our Shepherd.
Caring for us, protecting us. Disciplining us, and chastising us. He is our Rock and our Defence. He is personal, speaking with us (nowadays through His Word, back then through the prophets). Even when His people keep running away and rejecting Him, He still pursues and seeks His people, that they might turn back to Him. He is our Saviour and Redeemer. He causes us to desire integrity, because He of Who He is. He is compassionate towards us, merciful and gracious to those who do Him wrong, but an Avenger of their wrongdoings.
Just a few quick thoughts - there is so much more in these Psalms, and so little time sometimes!
May I praise You, O Lord, with my whole heart! You alone are Worthy!
Our God is an awesome God
He reigns from heaven above
With wisdom, power and love
Our God is an awesome God!
(Hillsong)
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