Psalm
106 reminds me of my life. The writer describes God in one
verse, and then spends the next 39 describing me. He correctly
notes that I do not deserve God’s love, yet God always keeps His
promises. The psalm begins, “Praise
the Lord… for He is good; His love endures forever“.
This promise can sustain you through every slip and slide. It
is the unmistakable light in the darkness and the comfort in every
pain. He adds, “Blessed
are
they… who constantly do what is right“.
I wait uncomfortably, with my eyes downcast because I know this is
not me. He finally breaks the silence, “Remember
me… when You show favor
to
Your people“. The
writer provides the history of Israel and I see myself on every
page. Appropriately he begins, “we
have done wrong and acted wickedly“.
Many of us have a tough time confessing our own sin, but have
no problem pointing out the failure of others. To make it more
tolerable he uses the word “they” repeatedly, but “they”
sound very familiar to me.
“They
gave
no thought to Your miracles; they
did
not remember Your many kindnesses… Yet He saved them for His name’s
sake“. Throughout
my life, God seemed to tap me on the shoulder regularly to remind me
He was with me even when I did not want Him to be. “He
led them through the depths as through a desert… from the hand of
the enemy He redeemed them… Then they believed His promises… they
soon forgot what He had done“.
Can you relate?
Life
has many stages, each one filled with new activities and unexpected
challenges. The writer lists a few, “They
put God to the test… they grew envious… and worshiped an idol…
They exchanged their Glory for an image… They forgot the God who
saved them“. Too
often we focus on keeping up with the Jones’ and the appearance of
success. We are faced with choices and take shortcuts, but God
does not reject us. These are the times when, “His
chosen one, stood in the breach“.
Jesus told the self-righteous; “I
have not come to call the righteous, but sinners”
(Mark 2:17). The psalm continues, “They
did not believe His promise… They yoked themselves“.
The yoke is the heavy collar that a beast of burden wears to pull a
load. It is not easy to unburden yourself.
Those
of us that were raised to honor God often try to forge our own path,
“they
rebelled against the Spirit of God“.
Perhaps we try running with the fast crowd, “and
adopt
their customs…
which became a snare to them“.
He writes, “Many
times He delivered them, but they were bent on rebellion“.
Maybe you feel like you are too far gone or that God could not
possibly forgive you. Listen to the words of the psalmist, “He
heard their cry… He
remembered
His covenant… out of His great love“.
You see, God’s capacity to love is far greater than our ability to
rebel. No matter where you are today, our God is able to
restore you. They said, “Save
us, O Lord our God… that we may give thanks to Your holy Name“.
Our life can give hope to those around us. I’m sure some say
of me, “If God can restore him; maybe He can restore me too”.
Jesus told His followers, “Come
to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble
in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For
my yoke is easy and my burden is light”
(Matthew 11:30). Thankfully because of His great love, God does
not give us what we deserve! “Let
all the people say, “Amen!” Praise the Lord“.