At the start of the year, it has been a practice and a tradition by Bible believing churches to consecrate themselves and set aside time for prayer and fasting. This is a time that we bring to submission our flesh and incline our ears to hear what the Spirit directs. For us, as a church, the theme last year was Abide; for the year 2023, Miracles. Having abided in the Son we are expectant of mighty works that Our Father will do through his children.1
May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us, Selah that your way may be known on earth, your saving power among all nations.2 Scholars believe that the word Selah was a musical notation meaning to pause.3 We are to contemplate the essence of the lyrics. Yes, as God’s children we are bold to ask for his blessing and grace;4 but most important, to ask for his presence that his glory may reflect on us.5 What we deem needed may not necessarily be in accord with God’s timing and purpose. Trust that God is good.6 His will is good and acceptable and perfect.7 Rest assured his grace is sufficient.8 Whatever we are going through has a purpose. [God] comforts us in all our afflictions so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction.9 We are tasked to make known God’s ways to everyone, beginning with our inner circle.
Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you! Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you judge the peoples with equity and guide the nations upon earth. Selah Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you!10 Again, Selah. God loves us with an unconditional love that he provides us with every spiritual blessing.11 For God wants the nations to be glad and rejoice. He sandwiches the command to be glad with a command to praise God. The rejoicing is premised on his people praising him—starting with marriages, then families, then peoples, then nations. Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”12
The earth has yielded its increase; God, our God, shall bless us. God shall bless us, let all the ends of the earth fear him!13 God delights that we ask him in faith for whatever we desire.14 As we align our wants with God’s will then we have the confidence knowing that he hears us.15 We can expect and be hopeful. Actually, whatever we need to fulfill his purpose, he has already provided. From the beginning, God has blessed his people. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”16 Paul reminds us of these spiritual blessings that we already possess.17 We simply have to walk in it.18
As you acquire the habit of contemplating Scripture, daily studying it19 (at least a chapter a day to understand the context), praying night and day,20 reaching out to the lost and making disciples,21 expect to move in the supernatural. Expect a fresh revelation of God’s unconditional love for you that you may have a healthy fear of the LORD. Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.22
Notes:
1. John 15:4-10
2. Psalm 67:1-2
3. https://www.christianity.com/wiki/christian-terms/what-does-selah-mean-in-the-bible.html#:~:text=Selah%20Definition,%22%20%22piano%2C%22%20etc.
4. Hebrews 4:16
5. Exodus 34:29
6. Psalm 34:8
7. Romans 12:2
8. 2 Corinthians 12:7-9
9. 2 Corinthians 1:4
10. Psalm 67:3-5
11. Ephesians 1:3
12. Nehemiah 8:10
13. Psalm 67:6-7
14. Psalm 37:4
15. 1 John 5:14-15
16. Genesis 1:28-31
17. Ephesians 1:3-14
18. 1 John 2:6
19. Acts 17:10-12
20. 1 Thessalonians 3:10
21. Matthew 28:16-20; Mark 1:17
22. 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24
