The Bounty of the Lord

 “I believe that I shall see the bounty of the Lord in the land of the living.” Psalm 27:13

When we read this verse, what do think of first? Is it material things? Perhaps like the contractor who claims she is not greedy, we think having luxury vehicles in our garage with a special umbrella is the bounty of the Lord? Or having a collection of absurdly expensive bags and shoes? Or a private jet or helicopter to escape the traffic ordinary Filipinos face every day? 

Is this what King David thought of when he wrote this Psalm? Indeed, the King was rich and had many of the things the common man did not own. He ruled a united kingdom of all Israel's tribes and founded a dynasty he was able to hand over to his son, Solomon. He defeated the Philistines and expanded the influence of Israel over many neighboring kingdoms. 

But there was a reason why God thought David was “a man after his own heart”. King David, in spite of his many grave sins and failures, had an abiding, genuine love for God. He trusted God, and his faith was unwavering. When he sinned, he would turn back to the Lord with sincere repentance and humility and a desire to honor God with his life. We can see in the writings he left that David expressed his love for God through worship and praise songs even during the most difficult times of his life.

We too should see God’s goodness, not only in His provision, His generous gifts but also in His spiritual gifts and nourishment. Every day the Father shows up for us. Without His love, mercy and grace, where would we be? He meets us exactly where we are with all our failures, stupidity and messiness. We just have to make ourselves  available. God is the only one who will accept us exactly as we are! No condemnation! That is why we can claim the good things He has for us now and in the future!