“Blessed is the one you choose and bring near, to dwell in your courts! We shall be satisfied with the goodness of your house, the holiness of your temple!” (Psalm 65:4 ESV).
David wrote Psalm 65 as a song of praise to God for His grace, power, and abundant provision. He began, in verse one with “Praise is due to you, O God,” and then described the blessedness of the one whom God chooses and brings near. David did not attempt to explain how or why God chooses. He simply celebrated the blessing of being among the “we” that are “satisfied” at being chosen and brought near to dwell in God’s presence.
The same emphasis appeared centuries later in Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. Paul wrote that God “chose us in him before the foundation of the world” (Eph. 1:4). Yet later in the same chapter he also wrote, “when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him” (Eph. 1:13).
Scripture therefore held together two truths that we may struggle to fully reconcile. God sovereignly chooses, and people are genuinely responsible to hear the gospel, repent, and believe. The Bible does not remove this mystery. Nor did David or Paul pause to solve it. Their response was worship. David said, “Praise is due to you.” Paul began, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Eph. 1:3).
We do not need to unravel the mystery of God’s election before we can rejoice in its grace. Rather than turning God’s choosing into a debate, we can let it lead us to humility, assurance, gratitude, and praise.
We did not bring ourselves near to God. Sin had separated us from Him. Yet through Christ, God has brought us near by His blood. We heard the gospel, believed in Christ, and discovered that behind our believing stood the gracious purpose of God.
So let us never boast in ourselves. Let us bless the God who chose us in Christ, brought us near, and satisfies us with His presence. This is the blessing of being chosen.
PRAYER: Dear Father, we praise You for choosing us in Christ and bringing us near through His blood. Keep us humble before the mystery of Your sovereign grace and faithful in proclaiming the gospel so that others may hear and believe. May our response always be gratitude, worship, and praise. In Jesus’ name, amen.