I have been in a deeply unhappy place that last few weeks. I couldn't shake it. I had some good days and some bad, but the baseline of my emotional reality was unhappiness. I had been in dialogue with the Lord about this for a while. I was not getting any answers, not until today.
Last week I ran across Psalm 74:25-26 "Whom Have I in Heaven but you? And beside you I desire nothing on the Earth. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever" This has been a favorite for years, and I knew the Holy Spirit was highlighting it for me but I still didn't really get it! Today the Lord confronted me in this.
My problem is this - I have been asking for blessing. I have been reciting God's promises to myself to "encourage myself in the Lord", but I have been reinforcing my own idolatry and worse I have been prostituting the Lord to serve my idolatry! I have idolized provision,blessing, money and favor. Don't take me out of context here. God loves to provide for and bless His children, but He hates anything that steals our affections from Him. I have exalted God's gifts over His goodness.
Father I ask you for forgiveness now. I openly and publicly confess to idolatry and longing more for your gifts than for your presence. I have been a fool! I ask you now oh God to change my heart. Turn my eyes away from these things that pass away and set my heart on fire desiring the eternally worthy God. I have been so unsatisfied because I was made to be satisfied only by you! Forgive me Lord! I pray now the prayer of Moses from Exodus 33 - SHOW ME YOUR WAYS THAT I MAY KNOW YOU!!!! Don't send me forward from here unless you are going with me! SHOW ME YOUR GLORY!!! It is YOU I desire. Forever. Amen
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Monday, May 4, 2009
The Deepest Reason This News is so Good
Back to the Good News -
Colossians 1:16 For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him.
Someday I am going to write a book about the first cause or what I like to call the "final because". Kids love to ask "why", and parents usually love to answer, but when each answer is followed by another "but why?" it gets annoying fast. We usually end the string of questions with something like, "just because, ok? Now sit down and be quiet!" I think the kids are onto something however, there is a final answer to the "why?" questions. There is a reality upon which all other reality rests like a house on a foundation. It is God Himself. What He does, He does for Himself, even the things He has done for us. The whole of the history of the universe has one beautiful reason behind it. He did it all for Himself, and, believe it or not, that is the reason the good news is so good.
Through all that has gone on from the beginning God's nature and character is exalted and revealed. God's ways are proved righteous and true. God's love and His beauty are unfolded before watching eyes in Heaven and on earth and those who behold it rejoice and enjoy. God Himself beholds the reflection of His own Glory in His Son and He is pleased. This is the final because and this is the best news there could ever be. God's glory is held high as the most valuable reality because it IS the most valuable, worthy, exalted reality. Let all of Heaven and Earth rejoice because God is glorified in His Son! If this were not true the Gospel would not be good news.
Colossians 1:16 For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him.
Romans 11:36For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.
Someday I am going to write a book about the first cause or what I like to call the "final because". Kids love to ask "why", and parents usually love to answer, but when each answer is followed by another "but why?" it gets annoying fast. We usually end the string of questions with something like, "just because, ok? Now sit down and be quiet!" I think the kids are onto something however, there is a final answer to the "why?" questions. There is a reality upon which all other reality rests like a house on a foundation. It is God Himself. What He does, He does for Himself, even the things He has done for us. The whole of the history of the universe has one beautiful reason behind it. He did it all for Himself, and, believe it or not, that is the reason the good news is so good.
Through all that has gone on from the beginning God's nature and character is exalted and revealed. God's ways are proved righteous and true. God's love and His beauty are unfolded before watching eyes in Heaven and on earth and those who behold it rejoice and enjoy. God Himself beholds the reflection of His own Glory in His Son and He is pleased. This is the final because and this is the best news there could ever be. God's glory is held high as the most valuable reality because it IS the most valuable, worthy, exalted reality. Let all of Heaven and Earth rejoice because God is glorified in His Son! If this were not true the Gospel would not be good news.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)