Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him. (Psalm 115:3 NIV (1984))

What verse or passage comes to your mind when you realize: “I need God’s word right now”? My morning Psalm today was Psalm 115. It is an eighteen-verse prayer that brings together God’s sovereignty, his Shepherd’s heart, his wisdom and holiness, and the delight he offers. I needed it today.

I was a student of the late Knox Chamblin. He taught New Testament at Bellhaven College and then Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi. I was also assigned to his weekly advisor prayer group. What a blessing! He was a life-time academic and classroom teacher–with a pastor’s heart. He took requests and prayed fervently for students during class. I can still hear those prayers and his voice even now. But it was an even greater privilege to meet with him in a smaller setting on Wednesdays for group prayer.

In the midst of our various challenges and struggles as students, he once had us turn to Psalm 115:3. He read, Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him. We were reminded that day that God is in control. He is powerful. He is good. He knows the number of the hairs on our heads and the falling of each sparrow. He is never taken by surprise. And he does whatever pleases him. He is the artist who knits the tapestry of the lives of each of his children. You may be looking at the back of that piece of fabric right now and you see a large knot and seemingly jumbled threads. But God is always at work. If you have received the Spirit of adoption and call God Abba, Father (Romans 8:15), then wait on him. He will renew your strength. He has not finished his work of art. But like Paul, I am confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippian 1:6).

Dr. Chamblin completed his work on earth in 2012, but his influence upon me continues. Perhaps in some small measure I have passed it on to you. We will bless the Lord from this time forth and forevermore. Praise the Lord! (Psalm 115:18). Amen.