June 17 Daily Devotional

Bible Reading

Psalm 119:17–24

Devotional

In Psalm 119 the poet confesses that He is both a stranger in the earth, and at the same time, he is a companion of those who fear the name of the Lord. He testifies that he has no ties to this wicked world but has fellowship with those who fear the God of heaven.

It is a very penetrating confession to say that “I do not belong to this world.” It is no small thing to say this of a world that man wants to enjoy and to exploit. “I am not at home here; I am a stranger in this world.” He continues, “I am here; I live here, and I labor here; but deep down this is not my home country.”

Together with all the other saints of Scripture, the psalmist has found his home elsewhere. He has learned that the land of rest is in heaven, where God is present. A mere horizontal view causes him to feel depressed. He has learned to look beyond this world to another. Those who look to heaven are not satisfied with life here on earth. For these people the world becomes a valley of tears, not only because of the sorrow and hardships, but above all because here they are yet so far from God.

Those who have tasted the crumbs of heavenly manna come to the conclusion that true life is not down here on earth. The more one tastes heavenly life and communion with God, the more one is estranged to the world and loosened from the city of destruction where he was born. Life is sweet, but not the life spent in indulging in worldliness. Only life that descends from heaven can satisfy earth’s stranger.

“I am a stranger in the earth.” According to worldly standards, this is a pitiable confession, for the people of this world find everything they desire on this earth. Those who belong to the world make this earth their heaven. Others long for heaven above, but they are content with this world. But these people do not realize that they live in the city of destruction. Where do you live? What is the destination of your journey?

 

From The Everlasting Word by Frans Bakker, compiled and translated by Gerald R. Procee. Reformation Heritage Books and Free Reformed Publications, 2007. Used by permission. For further information, click here.