BECAUSE

“I love the
LORD, because He has heard My voice and my supplications. Because He has
inclined His ear to me, Therefore I will call upon Him as long as I live.”
(Psalm 116:1-2 NKJ)

Four-year old Grant
asks, “Why, Poppa?” And I reply, “Because . . .” No matter
how innocuous my answer, Grant always asks again, “But why?” Then I
respond the same way again. Over and over, again and again until his understanding
is complete or his interest turns to other things.

Because. It is the
reason we do what we do. It is the reason why. Because explains our decisions.
It tells our reason for the hope we have. It explains our actions. It is the
foundation of our faith . . . because God loved the world so much . . . because
he gave his Son . . . because his Son died for our sins.

In today’s
Scripture, the Psalmist declares his love for God. Why does he love God?
Because God heard him when he was in trouble. Because God listened when he
called. Because God responded to his requests for help in time of need. Good
reasons!

Because. It is also
the springboard for further actions, the catalyst for commitment. The Psalmist
leads the way. Because I love the Lord, I will call upon him . . . I will
worship him . . . I will be faithful to him . . . as long as I live! Ah, what a
relationship!

And that’s why I
love him so . . . our relationship.

Dear Father, thank
you for the relationship we have with you through Jesus Christ. Empower my
resolve to love you even more in 2013. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN

Love Christ because
. . .