On Sunday Justin gushed from the stage about the glorious and precious moments celebrating his niece’s wedding just the night prior. As he shared little details from the day, I could feel myself getting excited just remembering similar special moments from my own wedding day. Dear friends and family from all seasons of life gathered together in one place to celebrate with you, intentionality and time spent preparing to walk down the aisle with all eyes on you, standing next to your beloved (this hot stud who for some reason wants to commit to spending the rest of his life with you, which is kind of mind blowing), feeling small... and blessed... and experiencing a little part of a much bigger love. I got butterflies thinking back to it. I loved our wedding day.

I have to say, I don’t often get butterflies when I think about my God. Justin’s words expressed it best:

“You know the reality that you have been made clean, but day in and day out, you feel dirty. You know the reality that God has made you beautiful but day in and day out you feel ugly... You feel like God is saying to you, can you please just stop embarrassing me for a minute?”

Day in and day out, I often feel like a let down. It’s easy to get caught up in shame, doubt, guilt, and regret...which typically spurs me into a “I’ll try harder next time” understanding of the gospel. I can explain the gospel intellectually, the freedom and mercy and love of God in Christ Jesus... but it’s easy to miss the glory of the love story day in and day out.

Justin reminded us,

“Here, the God of the universe has clothed you, in a thing that makes him say “Woah.””

“God adores you. God adores you. God adores you.”

You know he had to say that three times for it to click (#preachingskills). I need sermons like these. I need truth spoken over my weary soul. I need to remember that the gospel is serious, obviously, there have been many sermons throughout this series reminding us of the wrath of God, the evil in the world, the severity of this grand story. But I also need to remember that the gospel is something to rejoice over. It’s something to get excited about. It is the truth that changes everything. The bride’s adornment, the great feast, the invitation to come and dine. Justin mentioned that our God is the one who prepares a table before me, even in the presence of my enemies. God is for his glory, and our joy. He is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him.

Psalm 23 is one of those super Christian Psalms, right? Who hasn’t studied it? Who hasn’t had someone placatingly quote a verse or two to them during a period of suffering? Who hasn’t memorized it for a candy bar in Sunday school?

I’d encourage you to take a second with fresh eyes, and meditate on this Psalm this afternoon. Read it over and over, (probably three times before it sticks--thanks for that tip Pastor) and let the butterflies come. The God of the universe is walking with you, bringing peace, comfort, provision, rest, feast, promise, goodness, mercy & dwelling. It’s a big, glorious story that we are a part of, and we need to cultivate joy, allow it to well up in us, celebrate and revel in the goodness of our loving Savior.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2     He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
3     He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
   for his name's sake.
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
   I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
   your rod and your staff,
   they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me
   in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
   my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
   all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
   forever.

~ Emily Leslie