Tag Archives: control

August 24

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Jeremiah 43:1-44:30; Psalms 71, 116

Psalm 116 is a psalm of hope and filled with praise. The writer reminds us that “The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion” (vs 5). It goes on to say God protects and gives rest, that he answers prayers and gets us through tough times. 

And how can we repay God for all he does for us? Verses 12-14 tell us God wants us to obey him, to live lives that honor him.

But then in verse 15 the psalmist throws in a verse that seems kind of random to me. “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” It’s really the only verse in this psalm that talks about death.

I know this verse has been used at funerals and is a comfort to those of us who grieve over the home-going of a believer. But because it seems so out of place here I wonder if the psalmist isn’t talking about another kind of death.

Jesus used the example of a seed that dies before it can grow. Paul said he was crucified with Christ, yet he lives. Dying to self is a theme repeated often in the New Testament. And I wonder if this isn’t what the psalmist is talking about, too.

He goes on to say, “O Lord, truly I am your servant”. 

Just a thought. And a reminder that this life isn’t about me. It’s about God. May I give up control, die to self,  and allow God to have his way in my life. Then I can say with the psalmist:

“Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the Lord has been good to you.” (vs 7)

May 7

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2 Samuel 5:13-16, 13:1-15:6; I Chronicles 14:3-7, 3:4-9

Did you ever want something so badly you couldn’t think of anything else? This thing, or this person would become your obsession. You’d think about what it would be like to have it, you’d dream about it, agonize over it. You get to the point where you believe you’d never be happy without it.

Maybe wanting this thing began to effect your day-to-day. You became moody or depressed or angry. You may have prayed God would give it to you, even if you knew it was a sin. You convince yourself you deserve it.

But does getting that thing ever bring the happiness you envisioned? Amnon took Tamar and once he had sex with her he hated her. His obsession ruined his life, Tamar’s life, and effected his  entire family.

Do you find yourself thinking… I’d be happy “if”? If I got married, if I had a different job, if I had a nicer house or drove a better car.

God is reminding me that if my focus is on anything or anyone other than him I am worshiping an idol. And he is very adamant about me not worshiping anyone or anything but him.

Amnon allowed himself to entertain sinful thoughts which became his focus. As he continued to feed his thoughts they grew until he was out of control. The result? Let’s just say it ended badly for all of them.

May the thoughts we think, the desires of our hearts be acceptable to God. And if we find our focus is on anything other than God, may we recognize it as sin and repent of it before we, too, are out of control.