Psalm 51:16-17 "You do not delight in sacrifices, or I would bring it; You do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise."
God doesn't just want the outer trappings of my life. He doesn't want me to lip sync through life, imitating other Christians but withholding my heart.
That is a tasteless, worthless offering that He despises. God made me to give my whole heart to Him. He designed me for a deeper relationship than I can possibly imagine. To allow that, though, I have to let Him into my heart. I have to let Him break down my walls and soften the ground of my life.
It's easy enough to love God when you're in a safe environment – when things are going fairly well and parents are around to help you. There comes a point, though, when you have to decide whether or not you're going to let God love you. There comes a point when you have to decide whether you're going to trust Him or not. Whether you're going to let Him inside your heart or keep withholding it. Choosing to let Him in will hurt. It takes work and some pain to break down walls and till up hard soil. It's going to hurt.
In the end, though, your broken, humble spirit will be made whole by His hands. God wants our hearts. I don't want to withhold mine any longer.
Psalm 53:3 "Everyone has turned away, they have become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one."
Well, I'd say David is a bit depressed. Something's overwhelmed him, that's for sure.
Sometimes, I feel like David did. There's so much evil in this world. It feels as if everyone is turning completely away from God. Sometimes I feel that, perhaps, our culture isn't redeemable. Some days, it feels as if we're on a downward slope that will just keep going down. I do know that our world will keep spiraling down into the End Times, and that God will make a new heaven and new earth.
That doesn't mean there's no hope for people, though. Jesus died for people. He knew that this world will pass away; He came to save us. So, as a Christ-follower, I have a purpose. I may be dismayed by the trouble all around me, but I'm not supposed to worry. I have a sure Hope, and I am called to share that Hope with the world.
What do these verses say to you? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
Mmmm! These are both so good!
ReplyDeleteThings like this have been on my mind lately, and I especially connect with Psalms 51:17.
Yeah, so much of our struggle comes down to humility. "A broken and contrite spirit." Thanks for reading, Blue!
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