This morning, during my study through the Chronicles of Judah's Kings, I couldn't help but notice the words "But they did not follow God with their whole heart." As I look at my life, and indeed of many Christians who make their voices and opinions known in all forms of media, I can begin to understand the state of our hearts is not much different than Judah's Kings. We begin well. We begin with good intentions. And yet, we grow proud or arrogant in championing our causes. We make it about us, we make it about what we have done, and can do, and causes, even fair and just ones that the Lord lays upon our hearts, become about something other than Him. In this observation I became distressed. There is nothing new under the sun, we repeat the destructive habits of our forebears. Then I read through Psalm 77, and my heart was strengthened (See Below). I do not need to look at the world around me, but the God who rules over me! I need to remember what He has done, through His works in the word, and for me personally. When I remember the God of Israel, what He has done through His son Jesus, and that His Spirit resides in me, I find rest. Psalm 77 In the Day of Trouble I Seek the Lord
To the choirmaster: according to Jeduthun. A Psalm of Asaph.
I cry aloud to God, aloud to God, and he will hear me. In the day of my trouble I seek the Lord; in the night my hand is stretched out without wearying; my soul refuses to be comforted. When I remember God, I moan; when I meditate, my spirit faints. Selah
You hold my eyelids open; I am so troubled that I cannot speak. I consider the days of old, the years long ago. I said, “Let me remember my song in the night; let me meditate in my heart.” Then my spirit made a diligent search: “Will the Lord spurn forever, and never again be favorable? Has his steadfast love forever ceased? Are his promises at an end for all time? Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has he in anger shut up his compassion?” Selah
Then I said, “I will appeal to this, to the years of the right hand of the Most High.”
I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds. Your way, O God, is holy. What god is great like our God? You are the God who works wonders; you have made known your might among the peoples. You with your arm redeemed your people, the children of Jacob and Joseph. Selah
When the waters saw you, O God,
when the waters saw you, they were afraid;
indeed, the deep trembled.
The clouds poured out water;
the skies gave forth thunder;
your arrows flashed on every side.
The crash of your thunder was in the whirlwind;
your lightnings lighted up the world;
the earth trembled and shook.
Your way was through the sea,
your path through the great waters;
yet your footprints were unseen.
You led your people like a flock
by the hand of Moses and Aaron.
