Going against God’s will comes naturally. Our wants and God’s needs seem to be at odds with one another. It’s part of our sinful nature that needs our constant attention and never-ending vigilance.
Psalm 107 describes the outcome when we become careless or lax or when we do not struggle to stay close to God. It presents a picture of those who have strayed from God as “sitting in darkness,”...“ in the shadow of death” and being “bound in affliction and in irons.” Here, this “darkness” is what life is like without the Light of God in a person’s life. And we also know that when God is not present and active in our lives death looms large!
This struggle to be obedient and close to and with God is nothing new. Rebellion and self-centeredness began in the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve. They rejected God’s requirement for them to be obedience and faithful. And when they disobeyed Him, the battle against sin and any desire that anyone would ever have to do what right in the eyes of God began. But the battle to be righteous and the desire to please God are certainly possible.
Notice this reminder from the Psalmist: “They cried to the Lord in their trouble and He saved them from their distress.” Any “trouble” we may have had, are having now or will have in the future is included when anyone at any time from anyplace cries out to God for His deliverance.
Our loving, gracious, merciful and faithful God will never desert us no matter how far we have strayed or how sinful our lives may be. “Call on me and I will answer!”
Prayer: Father, as we enter this year cleanse, forgive and deliver us from all of our sins and restore our joy. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Scripture for Today: Psalm 107:13 Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress.
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