DO OUR LIVES INVITE OTHERS
TO THE SAVIOR?
Psalm 62:8-12
8 Trust in him at all
times, O people;
pour out your heart before
him;
God is a refuge for us.
Selah
As David reminds himself
of the meticulous care of God and of His sovereign protection, he turns to invite
the children of Israel to also trust in God.
Dear friends, as children
of God, have you stopped to reflect on your purpose? What is your duty, as you
look around and live in a world that is oblivious of the God of the Bible?
What impresses the people
around us, as they observe the way we live? Are they able to see our dependence
on God, our complete trust in Him? Our responses to stressful situations - what
we say, our calmness in the storm - will be a loud testimony. The more
difficult our situation, the more impactful our testimony will be to those who
observe us. It will be our humanly-impossible reactions that will cause the
grace of God and His work in us to shine brightly.
David’s invitation is to
avoid placing our trust in our own strength, or in other fellow humans.
9 Those of low estate
are but a breath;
those of high estate are a
delusion;
in the balances they go
up;
they are together lighter
than a breath.
10 Put no trust in
extortion;
set no vain hopes on
robbery;
if riches increase, set
not your heart on them.
These are such good
reminders, for by our human nature we are prone to think incorrectly. We tend to
think that if our life was different, our reactions would be different. If we
only had more means, or a better environment, our testimony would shine. But it
is good to remember that our times of pain or want last only for a short while,
because our lives on earth are so short. Being powerful and rich only bring an
illusion of well-being. Looking for our situation to change in order to find
peace is unwise, for the psalmist also warns against the temptation to escape
it through sin.
Even if our material
circumstances do improve, God, through the psalmist, is reminding us not to
become attached to them. God does not want anything to turn our attention away
from Him. He wants our dependence upon Him to increase daily.
Are you frustrated by your
present situation? Are you disappointed in people? Are you feeling overwhelmed
by obstacles that seem impossible to overcome? Are you finding yourself
constantly desiring that your circumstances would change? Check your heart and
trust in God!
11 Once God has spoken;
twice have I heard this:
that power belongs to God,
12 and that to you, O
Lord, belongs steadfast love.
For you will render to a
man
according to his work.
God is powerful and He
loves you! His power is unmatched! Even those who seem to have the control over
your circumstances have received their power from God!
God’s disposition towards
us is driven by His steadfast love. His love is perfect, constant, faithful,
unwavering, and undeserved. We did not do anything to invite it and we cannot
do anything to divert it. Our trials are filtered through God’s eternal love.
What does that mean,
practically? Well, it means that we should not complain and we should not be
anxious for anything. Our frustration is only an expression of rebellion
against God!
This psalm is both helpful
and rebuking. I certainly cannot change the reactions I had yesterday, but I
must recognize the sinful ones and repent of them. Today, I must begin with an
awareness of God’s meticulous care, and appreciate the privilege of knowing the
eternal, loving God of the Bible. Overall, my life should be a light to others,
to lead them to Christ. And remember that our testimony begins at home, with
our family who most closely observes if we are truly trusting our God!
And above all, remember
that God will reward and punish everyone righteously. May our awareness of
God’s watching eyes both encourage us and cause us to be careful in what we do.
No comments:
Post a Comment