Topical Bible: Affections: Blessedness of Making God the Object of

◄ Affections: Blessedness of Making God the Object of ►

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In the Christian life, directing one's affections toward God is a central theme that permeates Scripture. The blessedness of making God the object of our affections is evident throughout the Bible, as it leads to a life of fulfillment, peace, and divine favor.

Scriptural Foundation

The Bible consistently emphasizes the importance of loving God with all one's heart, soul, and mind. In Deuteronomy 6:5, the command is clear: "Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength." This command is reiterated by Jesus in the New Testament, highlighting its enduring significance (Matthew 22:37).

Blessedness in Relationship with God

When God is the primary focus of our affections, believers experience a profound sense of blessedness. Psalm 37:4 states, "Delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart." This verse suggests that when our desires align with God's will, He fulfills them, leading to a life of joy and satisfaction.

Moreover, the prophet Isaiah speaks of perfect peace for those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in God: "You will keep in perfect peace the steadfast of mind, because he trusts in You" (Isaiah 26:3). This peace is a direct result of making God the center of one's affections.

Transformation and Renewal

The Apostle Paul speaks to the transformative power of setting one's affections on God. In Romans 12:2 , he urges believers, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." This transformation occurs as believers focus their thoughts and desires on God, leading to a renewal that aligns with His perfect will.

Eternal Perspective

Focusing affections on God also provides an eternal perspective. Colossians 3:2 instructs, "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." By prioritizing heavenly matters, believers are reminded of the eternal rewards and the imperishable inheritance that await them, as described in 1 Peter 1:4 .

Divine Guidance and Wisdom

Making God the object of our affections also results in divine guidance and wisdom. Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages believers to "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." This promise of guidance is contingent upon a heart fully devoted to God.

Conclusion

The blessedness of making God the object of one's affections is a recurring theme in Scripture, offering believers a life marked by peace, fulfillment, and divine guidance. By aligning their desires with God's will, Christians experience the profound joy and satisfaction that comes from a deep, abiding relationship with their Creator.

Nave's Topical Index

Psalm 91:14
Because he has set his love on me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he has known my name.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Will.
... Spirit to operate upon the depraved heart, making it to ... and you miss at last the
blessedness of heaven. Guard the affections of your heart with the strictest ...
/.../orr/food for the lambs or helps for young christians/the will.htm

God's Covenant with Abram
... as trust is an act of the will and the affections. ... will not impute sin,' and of the
blessedness of the ... a wonderful thought that is of a covenant-making and a ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/gods covenant with abram.htm

Thirsting for God
... in whom shall abide all power and blessedness; beyond whom ... for the feelings, home
of the affections, light of our ... the conditions under which His making of us ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/thirsting for god.htm

Consecration and Dedication
... It was God's own way of sanctification"making things holy unto himself. ... The undivided
affections now feel the blessedness of perfect unity with him ...
/.../byers/sanctification/chapter iii consecration and dedication.htm

The Object of Theology
... infinite perfection of his goodness and blessedness, who is ... cause, then, arose the
necessity of making a revelation ... which is the seat of all the affections. ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/oration i the object of.htm

On the Excellency of Religion and Divine Love.
... them,"and partake of thy infinite blessedness and glory ... be happy, till my carnal
and corrupt affections be mortified ... my soul with thy likeness, making me holy ...
/.../scougal/the life of god in the soul of man/part ii on the excellency.htm

Tenth Day. Holiness and Separation.
... is the consciousness of God's Indwelling Presence, making and keeping ... Ghost, fills
our being, our affections, and our ... Thy people need, to the blessedness of an ...
/.../murray/holy in christ/tenth day holiness and separation.htm

They Shall be Called the Children of God
... God's love in making us children is a rich ... It quickens their affections, strengthens
their faith, mortifies their ... Psalm 32:1). But what blessedness were there ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/19 they shall be called.htm

State in which Man was Created. The Faculties of the Soul --The ...
... the soul of Lazarus as enjoying blessedness in Abraham's ... when his intellect was clear,
his affections subordinated to ... singular grace of God in making man excel ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 15 state in which.htm

Ittai of Gath
... intoxicating draught of earthly pleasure and earthly affections; and as ... and I praise
gods of my own making instead of ... Such a love will bring blessedness to you ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/ittai of gath.htm