Turn Us Again
I have lost count on the times that I’ve wandered from the Lord and tried to make my own way. It never works. When I turn back toward Him, I realize the foolishness of my choices. His ways are ALWAYS best. I’m not sure what experience or degree I have that qualifies me to ignore His leadership in my life. I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s pride. Pride whispers to me how “sharp” I am and even how humble I am. Pride whispers to me that I am important, and I am somebody for sure. Humility that comes from the Lord recognizes His Power and His Leadership over me. I am nothing without Him. My life is not about me – it’s about honoring and bringing glory to the Lord.
Asaph pens a psalm where I can feel the angst in his heart. The people of Israel have again gone their own way instead of following God’s way. The consequences are painful, and Asaph is pleading with God to turn them back. Check this out….
17 Strengthen the man you love,
the son of your choice.
18 Then we will never abandon you again.
Revive us so we can call on your name once more.
19 Turn us again to yourself, O Lord God of Heaven’s Armies.
Make your face shine down upon us.
Only then will we be saved.(Psalm 80:17-19 NLT)
The Lord provides the stamina and the strength to push back on the enemy. The Lord reminds us of His Power and His Presence at all times. The voice of the enemy is often loud and immediate. I think sometimes my behavior is on auto pilot – I will follow others blindly instead of stopping and seeking direction from the Lord.
I have had the Lord turn me to Himself several times. This is an honest and repentant prayer. There are things the world has to offer that are fun for a season and then there is hell to pay. When I start my day with the Lord, there is focus on Him and His call. As the day unfolds, it’s easy to listen to the voices of those around me instead of His Spirit inside me. I need to be turned again to the Lord. Turning to the Lord is a part of my journey. I need His help turning me more often than I’d like to admit. I’m thankful for His Patience and His Grace in this turning process.
Pressing On!
Dwayne