Despite the allures of this world, even as the wicked one presented to the Lord in Luke 4:5-6, behind the veneer lies a reality described by David in Psalm 63:1b; a compelling reason for intimacy with God who alone:

1. Provides the satisfying water of life in the barren place,
2. leads through the trackless chaos of its unproductive land, and
3. leads to the place of strength, power and glory that His presence in His sanctuary offers.

Note particularly Psalm 63:7-8 the reasons for which our praise and gratitude must go to Him to who all flesh must come, because He alone can best answer our cries, calls and prayers as fully expanded in Psalm 65.

Praise waiteth for thee, O God, in Sion: and unto thee shall the vow be performed. O thou that hearest prayer, unto thee shall all flesh come. Iniquities prevail against me: as for our transgressions, thou shalt purge them away. Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and causest to approach unto thee, that he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, even of thy holy temple. By terrible things in righteousness wilt thou answer us, O God of our salvation; who art the confidence of all the ends of the earth, and of them that are afar off upon the sea: Which by his strength setteth fast the mountains; being girded with power: Which stilleth the noise of the seas, the noise of their waves, and the tumult of the people. They also that dwell in the uttermost parts are afraid at thy tokens: thou makest the outgoings of the morning and evening to rejoice. Thou visitest the earth, and waterest it: thou greatly enrichest it with the river of God, which is full of water: thou preparest them corn, when thou hast so provided for it. Thou waterest the ridges thereof abundantly: thou settlest the furrows thereof: thou makest it soft with showers: thou blessest the springing thereof. Thou crownest the year with thy goodness; and thy paths drop fatness. They drop upon the pastures of the wilderness: and the little hills rejoice on every side. The pastures are clothed with flocks; the valleys also are covered over with corn; they shout for joy, they also sing. Psalm 65:1-13

How often do you and I mediate on this particularly loving Father? The trust, dependence upon Him is evident in David’s assertion in Psalm 65:2, and confidence that He responds to prayers (Psalm 65:4), answering in “terrible things in righteousness” having forgiven our slippages, yielding to the deceit of the transgressors.

Whether they be nations or their rulers, whoever they are, far away or near, on land or in the seas they are subject to the exercise of His power! But favour and blessings shall be upon the lot of His own chosen people! Alleluia.

So, to the forlorn, the single and the seemingly forsaken, hear His call to you and His speech to you in Psalm 69. This is not time to lose your passion for my God, your God and our Father! Your intimacy with God is the impenetrable defense against Satan. You are either passionate or passive. Learn from the Lord’s unheeded counsel to Peter in Luke 22.

1. Did Peter take to heart to act on Luke 22:31-32?
2. By verse 54, the closest disciple now followed at a distance
3. Verses 56-57—the denial came
4. Verses 61-62—the fall, the words of Jesus now flashing on his mind. His spiritual defeat had lasting effect because once down Satan’s tool of discouragement never lets up (John 21:2-3).

Don’t be a victim, stay connected intimately to the Lord your God. Shalom.





Pastor Afolabi Oladele