READ Psalm 91:14–16. 14 “Because he loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. 15 He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. 16 With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation.”
SWEETS COMPACTED. In short compass God makes seven promises to those who set their love on him (verse 14). The first four are practical. He will rescue and protect us, answer our prayers, and be by our side in trouble (verses 14–15). The last three, however, take us to a horizon just beyond our sight. He gives us “honor,” or literally glory (verse 15). The esteem and worth we strive so hard to achieve and to get from others he bestows on us. It is beyond imagining: his high regard, his “Well done”—a gift of his grace. He also gives us endless, eternal life and a salvation of body and soul no longer waited for but known fully (Romans 8:11, 23–25). Here is truly “a box where sweets compacted lie.”88
Prayer: Father, I want applause, approval, and praise from others. But that enslaves me. At night I toss in bed at snubs, at being ignored. Criticism feels like death. Help me live out of the joy and stability of knowing that I am your child and heir and that in Christ you delight in me. Amen.