Psalm 145:14-16 – The Desire Behind Desire

From Psalm 145 –

14
The Lord upholds all who fall,
And raises up all who are bowed down.
15
The eyes of all look expectantly to You,
And You give them their food in due season.
16
You open Your hand
And satisfy the desire of every living thing.

From Psalm 4

6
There are many who say,
“Who will show us any good?”
Lord, lift up the light of Your countenance upon us.
7
You have put gladness in my heart,
More than in the season that their grain and wine increased.
8
I will both lie down in peace, and sleep;
For You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.

Spurgeon declares from experience in Morning and Evening, "Abide with Jesus, and it is of secondary importance whether we live on the mountain of delight or the valley of deprivation."

In a season of much getting and spending, the psalmist instills this same reflection. The Lord, he is certain, proves Himself where our goods do not. Whatever the source of his fall (Psalm 145:14) or the gravitational pull on those who continue to be bowed down (Psalm 145:15) we can relate to a certain entropy on our spirits and even our tired bodies when we put too much hope in material things.

The difference between a drudgerous perspective and a delighted one is in our sense of an intimate experience with the Lord. When He smiles at us (Psalm 4:6,) this gives us more joy than a good harvest (Psalm 4:7.) When we realize what we have comes directly from His hand rather than our striving (Psalm 145:16,) some of the same possessions take on new power to invigorate.

Instead of serving as an end in themselves or as a buttress against difficulty that will never quite let us feel secure enough, stuff for as long as we have it is an active expression of God's watchcare. If, in its proper place, is a reflection of His favor. Because of our experience developing gratitude for His provision, we look to Him again wondering what and when He will provide next as an expression of His unfailing, individualized love..

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