Psalm 96:1-2 (TPT)“Go ahead—sing your new song to the Lord!
Let everyone in every language sing him a new song.
Don’t stop! Keep on singing! Make his name famous!
Tell everyone every day how wonderful he is.”
As we focus on maturity this year, it can easily become a very inward journey. Which makes a lot of sense! How else are we supposed to track maturity other than to pay attention and consider how we have grown? How have we developed and changed over a certain amount of time? Where have we observed improvements and how can we sustain them?
Of course these are excellent and important questions to be asking!
I really sense God drawing our attention this morning to the fact that as we mature, we begin to see HIM in new ways… because the journey we are on is one of relationship. With ourselves and with one another… and with the Lord!
If we think of maturity not only from the perspective of personal growth and measurable behaviour changes, but as a long-term, committed relationship with God, we begin to see him more fully and intimately!
Think of cheese or wine maturity… “The longer the aging process, the more concentrated or sharp the flavour.” (Thanks Google) Isn’t this totally what Maturing in the Lord looks like?!
When I first began to understand that God is good and that Jesus is always with me, it was incredible! I could see traces of him everywhere and it was new, and it was exciting!
And now, nearly thirty years later, when I think of the goodness of God my response is different. While the joy and excitement remain, there is also a more firm and steadfast confidence – the result of seeing him come through for me time after time after time.
This is why I believe the Psalmist tells us to sing new songs! To tell of how wonderful he is and about all the good and incredible things he has done! Later in verse 4 it says, “For the Lord’s greatness is beyond description and he deserves all the praise that comes to him. He is our King-God and it’s right to be in holy awe of him.”
As our relationship with God continues to grow and age and mature, our songs change and carry a different sound… they become more concentrated and sharp in flavour!
There’s a song by Maverick City called You Keep on Getting Better. And I feel like they communicate this so beautifully! May these be the words echoing in our hearts today and as we continue along on this wonderfully rich journey of maturity with the Lord.
I will sing of Your goodness
I will sing of Your love
Though the seasons come quickly
You have always been enough
And though the night may get darker
Though the waiting seems long
You have always been faithful
To remind me of Your love
You are good
In the morning I’ll sing
You are good
In the evening I’ll sing
You are good
You are good to me
You have always been patient
You have always been kind
You’re consistent through the ages
Oh, what a Friend of mine
So I’ll remind my soul to bless You
Standing firm upon Your truth
Knowing You cannot be shaken
Cause I’ve seen what You can do
You are good
In the morning I’ll sing
You are good
In the evening I’ll sing
You are good
You are good to me
You keep on getting better
(repeat x 1,000,000)