Psalm 4:2 “How long, O men, will you turn my glory into shame? How long will you love delusions and seek false gods? Selah.”
The heavens swell with God’s praises. But on earth his glory has been turned into shame ... his magnificent creation attributed to a theory of evolution and his name taken in vain. Even his beloved children succumb to temptation and worship idols of our own choosing ... money, power, sports, self-love, even our kids. What has been my idol of choice? What is yours?
Whatever it is, God is not pleased. He warns us in the scriptures that he is a jealous God1 and he will not share his glory with anyone. Yet even his children can be lured by any old piece of forbidden fruit. Given the choice, we frequently choose evil over his glory, delusion over truth. Will we ever be able to say with Jesus, “I always do what pleases him [the Father]” (John 8:29).
And what pleases the Father? Our obedience. (I Samuel 15:22). Fortunately for us, our loving Father is quick to forgive.2 Our failures, however many, will never surpass his grace.
This pearl reminds us to seek and glorify the true and living God. I invite you to join me in prayer.
Father God, I haven’t given you the glory you deserve, and I repent. Help me return to you with the joy I once knew. May your kingdom be firmly established in my life this very day, my praises mingling with those from above. Amen.
SELAH PEARL: GOD IS TO BE GLORIFIED
1 “Joshua said to the people, ‘You are not able to serve the LORD. He is a holy God; he is a jealous God” (Joshua 24:19)
2 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).