How often have you been disappointed by an idol you have set up? How often do I have to be disappointed before I learn?
Oh stubborn heart, won’t you learn?
I’m reading Psalm 119 right now and I’m finding myself blown away by how many times the Psalmist declares his love for God’s law and word. At first, my rebellious heart questioned and even scoffed at “Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day.” (vs97) Really you LOVE being told what to do?!
Then I begin to see this beautiful fruit of his love for the law:
“Then I shall not be put to shame, having my eyes fixed on all your commandments.” (vs6)
“Remember your word to your servant, in which you have made me hope. This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life” (vv 49-50)
“I hope in your word” (vs 81b)
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (vs 105)
I could go on and on. What stuck me is this progression I saw- teach me, help me, show me, reveal to me, give me understanding and keep me. Those cries turned into solid ground, into shouts of praise, into hope and steadfastness. The words of God are words of LIFE! At one point the Psalmist talks about God’s rules as a wide path…a green, beautiful, wide path, a firm foundation that doesn’t disappoint.
Jen Wilkin writes, “Don’t miss this: grace teaches us to heed God’s moral law. The moral law instructs us in what is displeasing (ungodliness and worldly passions) and pleasing (self-controlled, upright, and godly lives) to God. Apart from grace, we were unable to obey it. As recipients of grace, we are both capable of obedience and commanded to obedience-to eager obedience, to be precise. Whereas the law pointed us to our need for grace, now grace points us to our need for the law.”
My prideful, foolish heart has to learn over and over that Jesus is THE ONLY thing that can satisfy. No amount of independence, usefulness, productiveness and on and on and on will set my feet firmly and bring joy to my heart. Only Jesus. I love having my very own kitchen. I love baking with my girls. I have cried sitting in our tiny kitchen, so thankful. But it is a disappointing idol. Being here in Minneapolis and serving with TLI is an incredibly sweet and humbling blessing but it is a disappointing idol. My sin followed me here. I am desperately in need of the Gospel every moment of every day. I need to treasure God’s word more and more. In His word there is life and freedom from disappointing idols.
I am thankful for this lesson…yet again. Look to Jesus. Run towards Jesus. Seek Jesus. Love Jesus and His Word. And then serve Jesus. Be filled, with your eyes set on the One who is more than enough- Jesus. He does not disappoint.
“Did I but live nearer to God, I could be of so much more help.” -George Hodges
“Lord, in this awful fight with Sin I would not just prevail; Against each lust so strong within I would not almost fail. Full, gladsome, glorious victory Should crown the Holy War; Lord! I would triumph well-would be- A more than conqueror.” -Thomas H. Gill
Press on dear friends.
With much love, Annie
