“I will love thee, O LORD, my strength.”
(Psalm 18:1)
The psalmist’s declaration of his love for God in Psalm 18:1 represents a life wholly devoted to Him—a devotion of first place in the heart that transforms how one lives and relates to the world. So for us to echo this vow is to pledge a love that permeates every aspect of our existence consistently and that manifests itself in tangible ways to shape our priorities, actions, and affections.
The primary evidence of our love for God is the time we spend with Him seeking to deepen our relationship. Just as love for another person drives us to know them more, so our love for God compels us to linger in His presence, to speak with Him, to praise and thank Him throughout the day (Ps. 16:8). Does God hold this preeminent place in our hearts, surpassing all human relationships? If He does, our daily pursuit of Him through prayer, Scripture, and worship will demonstrate that He does.
Our love for God also reveals itself in our obedience. Jesus said, “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). To love God is to seek His will above our own, letting His lordship shape our behavior. This obedience will be evident in our kindness and generosity toward others (1 John 4:7-8) because true devotion produces a life marked by righteousness.
As Nicholas Byfield notes, “he constantly desires to be like God in holiness, being careful to approve his affection to God by his obedience to His Ten Commandments, so as it is not grievous to him to receive directions, but serves God with all his heart, being fearful to displease God in anything” (John 14:21; 1 John 5:3; Deut. 10:12, 11:22). Such a life reflects God’s love, shining as a light in the world (Rom. 2:29).[1]
Love for God means we delight in His favor, cherish His people, and love His house (Ps. 63:3, 11; Ps. 26:8). Our gratitude abounds for His mercy, grace, and blessings (Isa. 63:7; Ps. 63:2-8, 107:22; Job 36:24). And when we sin, we grieve deeply, longing to restore fellowship with Him. Even in suffering, our love enables us to endure with joy and patience, trusting Him as our refuge (1 Thess. 1:6; Acts 5:14; Ps. 18:1-2).
Jesus Himself set the standard: “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind” (Luke 10:27). This greatest commandment calls us to a love that consumes us, that shapes every thought, word, and deed for His glory.
Contemplations:
- Loving from Your goodness. Lord, help me to love You! Let my love for You grow out of the love, grace, and goodness You freely give to me. Help me do good before You heartily, and not out of obligation or for the praise of men. Help me be so moved with the sense of Your goodness to me that I am humbled when I have done my best, knowing that I cannot bring more glory to You than I have done (Deut. 30:20; Joshua 22:5; Matt. 4:19-20; Rom 6:17).
- Proving love through obedience. Lord, help me prove my love for You by keeping Your commandments, for I cannot strive to live holy before You without obeying Your Word in all things. I desire to do Your will regardless, even when it is against my profit, recognition, ease, or the approval of those around me, for I prefer Your love and favor above all else, even life itself. So let my obedience flow from a heart devoted to You.
- Consistent devotion in company. Help me Lord to especially consider my ways while in the company of others, so that I may demonstrate a consistent devotion to You first, no matter what they may say or do. May my love for You shine through my actions, showing others Your goodness and drawing them to You.
- Loving in all things. Help me, Lord Jesus, to consider the least commandment as well as the greatest, so that in all things I would love You thoroughly. Let no part of my life be untouched by my devotion to You, that every act may glorify Your name.
Prayer (Adoration)
O sovereign and gracious God, You are the fountain of all love, the One whose goodness and mercy draw my heart to worship. Your strength upholds me, Your grace redeems me, and Your presence fills me with joy. I adore You for Your infinite love, poured out through Your Son, who calls me to love You with all my heart, soul, strength, and mind. You are worthy of my deepest devotion, claiming first place in my life, above all earthly ties and treasures.
I confess that my love for You has often faltered. I have spent more time chasing worldly pursuits than seeking Your presence. My obedience has wavered, prioritizing my own will over Yours. I have failed to reflect Your love to others, at times living for human approval rather than Your glory. My heart has not always grieved my sin as it should, and I have neglected the joy of Your fellowship. Forgive me for these shortcomings, for placing You second when You deserve all. Cleanse me through Christ’s blood, renewing my heart to love You fervently.
Lord, I plead for grace to love You as You command. Deepen my desire to spend time with You, growing in intimacy through prayer and Your Word. Strengthen my obedience, that I may keep Your commandments with joy, even at personal cost. Let my love for You shine before others, reflecting Your goodness in all my interactions. Fill me with Your Spirit, that my life may be a living sacrifice, wholly devoted to You..
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Further References for Psalm 18:1:
Psalm 18:32; 28:8; Jer. 16:19; Nahum 1:7.
[1] Nicholas Byfield, The Marrow of the Oracles of God, (London: John Legatt, 1630), 163.
