SCRIPTURE
"In spite of all this, they kept on sinning; in spite of his wonders, they did not believe. So he ended their days in futility and their years in terror. Whenever God slew them, they would seek him; they eagerly turned to him again. They remembered that God was their Rock, that God Most High was their Redeemer. But then they would flatter him with their mouths, lying to him with their tongues; their hearts were not loyal to him, they were not faithful to his covenant. Yet he was merciful; he forgave their iniquities and did not destroy them. Time after time he restrained his anger and did not stir up his full wrath. He remembered that they were but flesh, a passing breeze that does not return." (Psalm 78:32-36)
OBSERVATION
Whenever we read "in spite of this" we need to pay attention. The Psalmist was describing a cycle of life which keeps repeating itself (much like living in a hamster wheel).
- God would bless the people.
- In spite of this they did not believe and kept on sinning.
- God disciplined them (he slew them).
- They were sorry and would seek him again.
- Now closer to God, they would flatter him and lie to him because their hearts were not faithful.
- He did not destroy them but restrained his anger.
- Even in the face of his grace they did not return, in spite of this...and the cycle repeated itself.
APPLICATION
The problem with living a hamster wheel life is that there is a lot of motion but no forward progress. God wants more than lip service,he wants our hearts. Going through the motions (flattering mouths, lying tongues) is a vicious cycle. In those times when we experience God's grace he wants all of us (heart included) to be faithful.
Life on the wheel is tiring. Running and running and running and running...without ever going anywhere. God wants my heart not just lip service. That is a life lived on the Rock. There is security, stability, and strength. God disciplines me to seek him but this cycle will not last forever. Not because of who God is but because of who I am (I am flesh, a passing breeze). I need to seek God with my heart, with all that I am. Living on this relentless wheel makes it seem like something is happening but in the end it's still just a rat race.
PRAYER
Lord, I seek you with my whole heart. In the face of your grace, I stand on the Rock.
