I dont want to wait until He slays me

May 18, 2010

Psalm 78:34-37 "Whenever God slew them, they would seek him; they eagerly turned to him again. They remembered that God was their Rock, that God Most High was their Redeemer. But then they would flatter him with their mouths, lying to him with their tongues; their hearts were not loyal to him, they were not faithful to his covenant."

The Psalmist is once again reminding Israel of all the Lord has done for them from the time they were in Egypt to the time of David. He reminds them of God's faithfulness, and of their own unfaithfulness. I am struck by this section of verse this morning because it reminds me of my own faith so often. "Whenever God slew them, they would seek him." Why does it seem that so often we only seek God when we are in trouble? Why do we only cry out when we are in despair? And, perhaps even more perplexing; why after turning our hearts to Him when He responds, do we then turn around and reject Him again? "But then they would flatter him with their mouths, lying to him with their tongues; their hearts were not loyal to him, they were not faithful to his covenant."

What will our faith story look like when it is being recalled in the future? Will we have a story like the Israelites; God was faithful but they weren't? Will we even have a story of faith to be told? I want my story to read different. I want my story to read; "He cried out to God in trouble, and God heard him. He remembered that God was his Rock, that God Most High was his Redeemer. And after he remembered that, he continued to cry out to God. In times of trial and times of joy, he cried out to God, giving God all the Glory. He learned of God's faithfulness, and he remained faithful to God all the days of his life. And he taught others of the goodness of God, and God's name and power were known throughout the land."

That's the story I want told about my faith. That is the story I want to be able to tell about the faith of those around me. It is our responsibility to encourage each other, to build each other up, to take this faith journey together. So that when we reach the end of the story we all hear "Well done, my good and faithful servants. Enter into the Joy of your Lord."

Father, I beg forgiveness for the times I have not remained faithful. I beg forgiveness for the times when I have only acknowledged you in the midst of my pain. I beg forgiveness for the times I have not acknowledged you at all. Help me to be faithful. Help me to live a faith story that inspires others and brings you Glory. I love you Jesus,
Amen