SCRIPTURE:
“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down on the collar of his robe. It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.” Psalm 133:1-3
OBSERVATION:
The psalmist tells us two truths that we perhaps don’t usually put together in our minds; that unity can bring forth blessings and eternal life bestowed by the Lord. It’s easy to understand that unity between God’s people is a good thing; exampled by the feeling described as being anointed with precious oil on one’s head and over one’s body, like the freshness of dew. Moreso, it is amazing to realize that by God’s word, unity brings forth God’s blessings and eternal life.
APPLICATION:
I would surmise that most of us would welcome unity with others … when times are good. However, how do we honestly feel when we feel we are wronged, or are hurt by others? It is often not easy to feel as those we’d like to be close, and fuzzy-wuzzy with those that tweak or hurt us. How about when we are left out, excluded from others, and feel isolated. God is speaking to my heart that although I may not respond with an offensive retorts or bitterness; the lack of desiring unity and resolution can and will prevent me from receiving God’s very best for me. Simply put, it’s like carrying or dragging along a lot of baggage. Disunity becomes a task and toil for us, and most often affects us rather than those that have offended us or excluded us. I believe that God is telling us that he loves and will bless unity, and that we as believers are called to seek, initiate, work for, and propagate unity. It will often require extending forgiveness, extending grace, and reaching forth in love.
Our current world is the prime example of disunity in communities, government, politics, and morals. What the world needs now as sung in a well know song is “love sweet love.”
PRAYER:
Dear Lord, when I encounter or have an opportunity to forge unity, rather than disunity, please enable my eyes to see. When I am a part of the disunity, please guide me to repent. When I am able to act and make a difference, please guide me through the Holy Spirit to bring hearts together in unity. Please help me to refrain from carrying grudges like excess baggage, even when it is in silence. May my heart be a heart of love and unity.
