FAITHFULNESS MEANS OBEDIENCE
You do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one. You do not want a burnt offering. The sacrifice You desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.
Psalm 51:16-17 (NLT)
There are times when following God is easy, and there are other times when the thing He asks you to do, sacrifice, or endure feels like a seemingly impossible task. It's true; there are things God will bring into your path that will crush you without divine power. The crushing is shaping, molding and creating a new kind of life to flow in and through you. I wish there were a way for this life to happen joyfully and peacefully, but so far, I haven't found that to be the case. A friend said the other day that obedience wouldn't be called obedience if it was easy. God isn't just interested in my feelings. He wants my obedience. You can't say whatever, do whatever, or go wherever and ask God to bless it. Obedience and repentance are about turning towards God and doing the right thing. They aren't always easy, but if you keep your eyes fixed on God, He will give you daily strength to keep moving forward. To keep trusting Him.
The psalm above was written after David had an affair with Bathsheba. Notice what he said: sacrifice you don't desire but rather repentance. Feelings that don't generate any change aren't obedience. Feelings are good, but actions are better. I can say I love my family all day long, but showing my love is better. I can say I love my neighbors all day long, but showing them is better. Saying you love God is good, but showing Him is better. God is the only one who can change your heart, but only you can be obedient with the new heart He has given you. Only you can surrender. Once you do, He will be faithful to fill you up! He's good! That's why David says You will not reject or let us stay in that despondent place. When we turn to God, we find He's already there waiting for us, waiting to strengthen us, waiting to help us. Remember, He chose us long before we chose Him. Trust in that today.
APPLICATION: Following God isn't based on a feeling; it's based on a commitment to Him!
PRAYER: Where is God calling you to be obedient to Him? Where have you wanted to change, but you haven't? Is there anything you are keeping from God? If so, what keeps you from trusting Him? Ask God to give you the strength to trust Him right now!
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?