I read this scripture tonight, and my heart couldn't help but be moved.
"Then they remembered that God was their rock, And the Most High God their Redeemer. Nevertheless they flattered Him with their mouth, And they lied to Him with their tongue; For their heart was not steadfast with Him, Nor were they faithful in His covenant. But He, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, And did not destroy them. Yes, many a time He turned His anger away, And did not stir up all His wrath; For He remembered that they were but flesh, A breath that passes away and does not come again. How often they provoked Him in the wilderness, And grieved Him in the desert! Yes, again and again they tempted God, And limited the Holy One of Israel. They did not remember His power: The day when He redeemed them from the enemy.."Psalm 78:35-42
A few things stick out to me about this passage:
1. It was a heart condition.
It always, always, always comes back to the heart. We also know that the scripture says, "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." (Matt. 6:21) What are we putting in our hearts? Is it His Truth, His love, His grace? Or is it our own wants, desires, and plans for this life?
2. No matter how merciful and long-suffering the Lord is, they continued to turn away from Him.
Now, doesn't that sound familiar? Have you ever found yourself completely doing the opposite of what you should, giving in to your flesh? Maybe even trying to lie to God, as if He didn't know the inner-most workings of your heart? It's so clear when we read of others before us that have allowed their hearts to wander, but do you believe it could only happen to them? That you could never get to this same place? Do you rely on the hope that the Lord will always show His compassion rather than His anger?
3. His Love knows no limit.
Hasn't He proven it over and over and over again all throughout time? He's shown us compassion when we deserved His anger. He's been patient when we deserved punishment. He's given forgiveness when we deserved His wrath. He gave His sinless Son, when we were sinful. He's given us the opportunity to have communion with Him...though we deserve an eternity apart from Him.
My prayer tonight...
Lord, we desperately need You. We are so quick to forget Your goodness and mercy towards us. We get so caught up in this world and slowly let pieces of our hearts be given to other things. Remind us, God, that You alone can fulfill the desires of our hearts. Search our hearts for any areas that we haven't given to You, and help us be freed from the stronghold of sin in our lives because we know You are coming back for a bride that is spotless. Lord, please use Your Truth to give hope to those without and fill us with Your Spirit. We know Your love knows no limit, and that Your love never fails. We will seek You in our rising and in our lying down because You are good and so faithful. Thank You, God, for hearing our prayers and seeing the innermost parts of our hearts, and loving us unconditionally. In Jesus' name, amen.
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I am a wife, mother, and Christ follower. Currently living in Lee's Summit, MO. Lover of sports, crafting, music, and writing. Archives
December 2015
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