Some years ago we heard of a great tragedy in Bangladesh when a factory collapsed leaving hundreds dead and missing. It was reported that the four upper floors were added without proper permits and the foundation was substandard as well.

Poor workmanship, poorer plans and a faulty foundation all contributed to the needless dying of many, and others being maimed for life. How vitally important it is to have the best footing possible prior to building anything—and especially building our lives.

There are two things in our verses for today that I briefly point out for you to consider. First, the child of God is made glad by the “joy of …[God’s] presence.” Second the believer is established securely by the “unfailing love of the Most High…”

Note that joy and security come from who the Lord is and especially by what He has done. What gives the believer peace then is not the absence of problems, rather it is the presence of the Lord.

Too often we spend time praying for the removal of the problem and neglect the more significant matter of experiencing the Lord’s presence with us.

Yes, it would be wonderful if the Lord powerfully removed what pains us. No one in their right mind ignores the matter of asking for relief from the trials we face in life. However, all too often we spend all our time seeking a fix for what ails us and simply pass over the more important matter of tasking and seeing that the Lord is good (Psalm 34:8).

Will you lay aside the important matter of seeking a “fix” for your problems for a moment and spend time in worship and praise of the Lord?

Ponder  the singular power, holiness, wisdom, kindness and mercy of our great God. Read Ephesians 1, Colossians 1-2, or some other equally magnificent passage to “prime the pump” and put yourself in the mood to be lost in wonder, love and praise.

Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.

- Helen H. Lemmel