Scripture:
Psalm 106:43-45 ESV
[43] Many times, he delivered them, but they were rebellious in their purposes and were brought low through their iniquity. [44] Nevertheless, he looked upon their distress when he heard their cry. [45] For their sake, he remembered his covenant and relented according to the abundance of his steadfast love.
Observation:
GOD’S chosen people seemed to always forget about HIM. This psalmist was making note of it over and over. HE would save them from the trouble they brought on themselves. The term rebellious in their purposes is sticking out to me. Knowing that GOD has a plan and living inside that plan are two different things. Isreal would get so far away from GOD, and life would start to hurt. They would cry out, and the LORD would deliver them. Another term that is hitting me is “brought low through their iniquity.” They would run from GOD, and life would hurt. Then they would cry out to HIM, and HE would bring them back. It seemed to be a repeated cycle for them. However… the LORD never said ok you have gone too far. I’m going to ignore your cry of desperation. HE was always faithful to HIS promises. HE had an unconditional love for Isreal that is clearly seen in HIS word. There is no mistaking it. Over and over, they would allow selfwill to run riot doing whatever they wanted to find themselves in a spot they were not trying to go. Once there, they would remember how good HE was and, in desperation, cry out, turning back to HIM. HE was always faithful.
Application:
This sounds like my life. I can’t tell you how long I ran from GOD only to end up hurting myself, and when my own desires were causing me so much pain that I couldn’t stand to live, I would shake my fist at the only one who could do anything about it like it was HIS fault. Only to find out it was mine. I was giving into the enemy and saying I’m under attack from him. Reading the Bible has opened my eyes to all the damage I had done to my life. But it did not open my eyes the first time through. I have been reading it for years now. I don’t know that I will ever stop.i can see how GOD is a perfect gentleman. HE will not force HIMSELF on you. HE will not make you take what HE has to offer. HE will let you do what you want until it hurts. Well, I just do want to hurt anymore. I have struggled long enough. I am going to walk in victory. The truly amazing thing about GOD is that HE is always standing right there. HE doesn’t leave you in your mess. HE waits until you are ready and pulls you out of it. You might ask how HE knows when I am ready? You will cry out in desperation. That’s how, and you will only do that when it hurts so bad that you don’t want what you got. The enemy is sneaky. He gets us off track little by little, with promises of feel-good fun. We never see the hook because of the worm, and before you know it, you are being pulled against your will in a direction you don’t want to go because of one bad decision. If you want it to stop, cry out to GOD. Submit to HIM resist the devil, and HE will flee. GOD is faithful to HIS promises. Let’s take a quick look at the practical son. He made a choice to live for the world saw that was painful and changed his mind. When he chose to return, his father was waiting, hoping praying that he would come back. When he did. His father received him and restored him. It started with a cry in the pig pin. GOD hears our cry. In fact, HE is waiting for it. HE is faithful to HIS promise. If you cry out, HE will restore you. Just expose your heart it’s not like HE doesn’t know it anyway. HIS way is perfect. HIS plan means you no harm. It’s for your future and ment to give you hope. Take a minute and read Jeremiah 29:10-13
Prayer:
Father, the more I learn about you. The more I see it’s not your way that hurts. It’s mine. So listen, I don’t want my way. I want yours. Help me to see the red flags. We do not want to be blinded by our own desires. As they come up, help us to remove them before they hurt us. We are truly tired of the pain. Your way is the only way to peace in our lives. It’s honestly all I want. The pain was too much. This is our cry ABBA Father help. We need you more than we need anything else. Our relationship with you comes first, and anything that moves us away from that has to go. Thank you for being faithful to your promises. For saving us from our own choices. You are a good, good father. It’s just who you are. Guide us through your word to the promised land it’s in the mighty name of Jesus I pray amen.