Readings for today: Psalms 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118
For the glory of God alone. This is the overarching purpose for all of human life. Every human being around the world. Every human being throughout history. Every human being yet to be born. All are created for this one purpose. To live for the glory of God alone. This is how it was in the beginning. In the Garden of Eden. Adam and Eve living naked and unashamed before the Lord. This is how it will be when Jesus comes again and the Kingdom of heaven comes to earth. There will be no need for a sun or a moon anymore for the glory of the Lord will light all of creation and the nations will walk in it.
I have been blessed this week to meet men and women who live for the glory of God alone. On the outside, their lives are full of pain and hardship. They live in life-threatening poverty. They live in conflict zones. They live in areas where there is tremendous persecution. They are often the only Christians in their communities. But because they live for the glory of God, they are filled with inexpressible joy and all-surpassing peace. They testify to miracle after miracle of God’s provision and protection. They talk of signs and wonders they have seen and performed. Healings. Exorcisms. Resurrections. They are salt and light in the dark places they go. They not only preach the gospel but they plant gardens and give away food to those who are starving. They care for those who are sick or imprisoned. They show compassion to those who are hurting or grieving. They love and pray for their enemies. These are not just abstract concepts to them. They are spiritual practices they engage in everyday life. It’s beautiful and humbling to bear witness to their deep and abiding faith.
I have to admit, I feel so impoverished when I travel to Africa. If I am honest, I know I struggle to live for the glory of God alone. I am constantly tempted to steal some of that glory for myself. In the digital age where social media rules, it is so tempting to engage in self-promotion. So tempting to put out the humble brag. So tempting to claim a little credit for myself. It’s something I have to resist constantly. And part of my resistance is to turn my heart to praise. When I focus my attention on God and praise Him with all my heart, the desire to look in the mirror fades. When I meditate on all God’s works and all He has done for me, my frustrations with what I feel I may lack diminish significantly. When I fear the Lord and walk in obedience to His ways, I find my life enriched in all sorts of ways and my desire to provide for myself goes away. This is why reading and praying the Psalms is so important. It lifts our eyes above the cares and worries of this world so we can catch a glimpse of the glory of heaven.
Readings for tomorrow: 1 Kings 1-2, Psalms 37, 71, 94