Honor:
Noun:
- high respect; great esteem.
- adherence to what is right or to a conventional standard of conduct.
Verb:
- regard with great respect
- fulfill (an obligation) or keep (an agreement)
I recently read a Bible devotional that talked about how God honors us. Initially, it rubbed wrong and I had to stop and ask myself why. Growing up in the church, I was taught that we are to honor God. Similar to the biblical command to honor our parents, it was my responsibility to honor God. He is so far above me, why would He honor me? It seems to be upside-down logic.
March 5, 1999… I was sitting in an unforgettable, evening worship service. It was the first time that God spoke to me in graphic pictures. A series of vignettes, seemingly unrelated to each other, flashed through my mind as I prayed and waited in God’s presence. After the pictures ended, I asked Him what they meant and what I should read in my Bible. He said, “Psalm 45”. I read the psalm and cried in amazement. The pictures played out in order with the psalm. While I have many rabbit trails of meaningfulness that came from this experience and psalm, I will only touch on what I was reminded of today – that which relates to God honoring us.
In one picture, I saw a princess-bride at her dressing table, in a beautiful dress, and I knew that it represented me. My view was interchanging between looking at her to being her. In the next scene, she (I) was walking in front of two lines of women who followed behind her (me). They were all dressed beautifully as well, like bridesmaid-princesses.
The verses that related to these pictures are these:
“All glorious is the princess within her chamber; her gown is interwoven with gold. In embroidered garments she is led to the king; her virgin companions follow her and are brought to you. They are led in with joy and gladness; they enter the palace of the king.” Psalm 45:13-15
By God directing my heart through pictures and His Word, I had a glimpse of how He sees me. It was intimate and connected deeply with my heart. He saw me! He knew of my struggles and desires and longing to be His bride. He knew of my struggles with my earthly father and family. It made verses 10 and 11 so much more meaningful in a personal way.
“Listen, O daughter, consider and give ear: Forget your people and your father’s house. The king is enthralled by your beauty; honor him, for he is your lord.”
He is my Lord.
I can release the shame that I carry from my past and the shame-burdens of what my parents have done. These weights of worthlessness, hopelessness, and fear can fall from my shoulders. He covers me in purity, costly sacrifice, and beauty. He anoints me with joy and gladness.
“You love righteousness and hate wickedness; therefore God, your God has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy. All your robes are fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia; from palaces adorned with ivory the music of the strings makes you glad. Daughters of kings are among your honored women; at your right hand is the royal bride in gold of Ophir.” Psalm 45:7-9
As much as Psalm 45 speaks of honoring God, it also clearly demonstrates how God honors Christ and His Bride.
As I have online, Christian radio playing while writing this – at this very moment – this is the song playing… “Stand in Your love”
Lyrics:
When sorrow comes to steal the joy I own
When brokenness and pain is all I know
Oh, I won’t be shaken, no, I won’t be shaken
When I stand in Your love
My fear doesn’t stand a chance
When I stand in Your love
My fear doesn’t stand a chance
When I stand in Your love!
I am not a captive to the lies
I’m not afraid to leave my past behind
Oh, I won’t be shaken, no, I won’t be shaken!
When I stand in Your love
My fear doesn’t stand a chance
When I stand in Your love
My fear doesn’t stand a chance
When I stand in Your love!
There’s power that can empty out a grave
There’s resurrection power that can save
There’s power in Your name, power in Your name
There’s power that can break off every chain
There’s power that can empty out a grave
There’s resurrection power that can save
There’s power in Your name, power in Your name!
When I stand in Your love
My fear doesn’t stand a chance
When I stand in Your love
My fear doesn’t stand a chance
When I stand in Your love!
Oh, my fear doesn’t stand a chance
When I stand in Your love
My fear doesn’t stand a chance
When I stand in Your love
My fear doesn’t stand a chance
When I stand in Your love!
I stand in Your love
Standing on the rock
Oh, I’m standing, standing in Your love
an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging.
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy place where the Most High dwells.
God is within her, she will not fall;
God will help her at break of day.
Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;
he lifts his voice, the earth melts.
The Lord Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Come and see what the Lord has done,
the desolations he has brought on the earth.
He makes wars cease
to the ends of the earth.
He breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
he burns the shields with fire.
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.”
The Lord Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Beautiful post! Truth! HE is so worthy of honor and prayers. I love that song 🎶 as well. God bless you!
Thank you for your sweet encouragement. ♡ May God bless you.