I bow down toward your holy temple and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness, for you have exalted your name and your word above everything. (Psalm 138:2)

              Over the past weekend, the Tour de France bicycle race was in Barcelona, Spain. Yes, the Tour de France sometimes ventures outside of France. Anyway, they rode past the Sagrada Familia Basilica, an incredibly ornate and beautiful church that towers over the city. The Sagrada Familia has been under construction since 1882 and, according to the broadcast, it is expected to be finished in 2035.

              The church was designed by famous architect Antoni Gaudi, known for his art nouveau style. With the cross atop the Tower of Jesus, it is the tallest church in the world standing at 556 feet. However, as the broadcasters were commenting on the church, they noted that Gaudi insisted the church spire could not reach higher than the hills surrounding the city. Gaudi believed nothing should rise higher than God’s creation.

              “Above everything” the Psalmist says of God’s name and God’s word. Our God is “above everything.”

              How often do we place other priorities over and above our relationship with God? How often do let our own wants and desires push God aside, even if we promise ourselves “just this once?” And how often do we find ourselves wondering why we’re not happier or why we feel an emptiness inside?

              Remembering God above everything helps us to keep our priorities in line and will still leave time and space for other things. Keeping God above everything can even magnify the joy we find in those other things.

              We can build some great towers, in the world and in our own lives. But no matter how high we go, give thanks for God’s steadfast love and faithfulness and with the Psalmist, praise God above everything.