Read Psalm 138.
Psalm 138 is a beautiful song of praise to the Lord our God. Through the wonderful praise, the writer drives deep into the tension of our personal pursuit of the perfect life. I am reminded of a foundational truth of God’s story that exposes a lie that me and many others grab onto.
The lie is that I can cultivate the best life for myself. I can find the right spouse, build a perfect family, hang out in the best neighborhood, find the perfect job, take the perfect vacation, be a part of the best church, volunteer with the best service project, attend the best local events, eat and drink of the greatest offerings, lead the best Gospel Community, etc.
The truth of God’s story, as explored by Psalm 138, is that our Father and his purposes are far greater than everything we can imagine as best (v. 1-2, 4). The Lord our God, our Father in heaven, his Son, his Spirit, is perfect. He is the best. His plan is the best. God’s name and word, everything he spoke into creation, everything he is making new, it is all infinitely more beautiful than my plan, my vision for the perfect life for myself (Isaiah 55:8-9).
Time and time again, I am disappointed by the holes in my plans. I fall short of the vision I have for myself and my loved ones. The things I think that will make my life great turn out to be imperfect. Psalm 138 reminds me that our Father loves me so much that he answers my prayers (v. 3), shapes my heart (v. 3), looks after me (v. 6), preserves my life (v. 7), and saves me (v. 7). He is intimately involved in the details of my life. He is shaping me through wins and losses, through abundant provision and hardship. He is not leaving my life to chance, but instead takes a hands-on approach.
The most perfect life, my best experience here on Earth, is Christ. Christ is my reward now and forever. He is my way to the Father. Christ City Church, please pray with me today:
Father, there is none like you. You are the best. Your purposes and plans are the best. Thank you for loving me deeply and personally, through your Son, Jesus. I want to praise you with all of my heart. Forgive me for the areas of my heart that wander, where my plan and my own vision tends to get in the way of your plan and your vision. Make my heart believe that you will fulfill your good and perfect will for my life. Draw me into you, so I can feel your presence and purpose today and throughout the week. In Christ’s perfect name, amen.
— Ryan Kernes