Many are exiles from God’s presence wanting happiness through the fixing of their brokenness.
The Lord is rebuilding Jerusalem and bringing the exiles back to Israel. He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds. Psalm 147:2-3
We forget our self-centred pursuit of happiness led to our brokenness and our exile. Yes he restores but at a pace that ensures a relationship of trust and love.
He counts the stars and calls them all by name. Psalm 147:4
As in the evening when one by one the stars are called out, so the Lord draws out his people to shine.
The Lord supports the humble, but he brings the wicked down into the dust. Psalm 147:6
As he draws us, do we come in humility, knowing we deserve nothing since all is by God’s grace? Or in wickedness, demanding God and his people serve our needs?
Sing out your thanks to the Lord; sing praises to our God with a harp. Psalm 147:7
Our attitude is seen in our worship. Do we worship because he is worthy, or as some kind of reward for giving us nice things?
He gives food to the wild animals and feeds the young ravens when they cry. Psalm 147:8-9
His gifts are not dependent on the goodness of the recipients. He gives food to the wild and the unclean.
God is one who desires a relationship of trust and love. Am I willing to leave, the pursuit of happiness, and pursue Jesus who loves us?