Devotional/Discussion thought of the day…

The older I get, the more I see that most of my problems (and I would guess probably yours), boil down to issues with the first commandment of the ten commandments.

Yet, how often do I find myself trying to play God, how many times do I want control, do I get upset when I cannot see the wisdom of God, when I cannot see how He will fulfill what He has promised – especially that thing about God working all things for good for those that love Him (that is about you and I – right?) and are called according to HIS purposes.

I mean – I could lay out the perfect life, I could cause people to react to the word being proclaimed – so that everyone would love each other, I could just….force..it all to happen.  And no one would ever wail…”Why God, why did you allow this to happen?”  or softly moan “Why God – why couldn’t I have…”, midst a river of tears.

As I’ve done that, and I have observed those tears, those cries for some insight, some understanding.  I’ve tried to use my reason, my discernment to try and explain God… and there is no answer that doesn’t result in relief, that doesn’t leave me still questioning God – but this time – more as a judge and prosecutor. So where does that leave us?  Where is the hope?

Here again the first commandment.

Exodus 20:2-5 (NLT) ² “I am the LORD your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt, the place of your slavery. ³ “You must not have any other god but me. ⁴ “You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea. ⁵ You must not bow down to them or worship them, for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods. I lay the sins of the parents upon their children; the entire family is affected—even children in the third and fourth generations of those who reject me.  

Most of us would never bow down or worship some statue – even made of gold or wood, or some image of a creature.  Our gods are more demanding – our dreams, our understanding of what  a perfect life is, our hopes and expectations for our children/grandchildren – what they will be, their perfect marriage, their perfect lives.  In reality, our “god” becomes our will, our desires, in short us.   And when this “god’s” rules and laws are violated, we find ourselves in anger, great trouble in our heart, and a desire to confront the real God, the one who saves us, the One who comes to us, the One who picks us up and heals our heart.

By the way, part of knowing that He is God, is turning to Him for comfort and forgiveness, when we find ourselves playing God. Not to go into some guilt crazed phase… for God is a God of love, a God of mercy, a God who loves us enough to come to us, to make it right – as He planned (some translations use ordained) before the foundation of the world.

Trusting God, having faith in His plans in His will is challenging, as is guarding ourselves from trying to play God…and turning to Him for forgiveness when we do.  It means getting that the wisdom of having no other gods comes after the realization that we have a God – who rescues us, delivers us, saves us. and brings us peace.  It is from that point – knowing His work, that the commandments begin to make sense.

It’s about realizing His love, and learning to rest in it, even when we struggle with not having the answers…. It’s about standing before God, being unable to speak as we take in His glory, as we hear His voice… and yet worshiping the Lord who does what He promises… He does deliver us…even if we can’t see it yet…

Like those who hung around a cradle – looking at the one named Jesus – which means – He who will save His people… and thirty three years later….did. (again – not the way we would have planned….but I won’t ask Him to change those plans)

Lord – help us to cry out for, look for, and rely upon your mercy.