Whose Side Are You On? By Joe Stowell Read: Psalm 73 It is good for me to draw near to God. —Psalm 73:28 Bible in a Year: Ezekiel 45-46; 1 John 2 In the heat of the American Civil War, one of President Lincoln’s advisors said he was grateful that God was on the side of the Union. Lincoln replied, “Sir, my concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God’s side, for God is always right.” What a great challenge for us who assume that God is there to support our plans, our perspectives, our decisions, and our desires. However, Lincoln’s reply reminds us that even our best plans may not be near to what God desires. Clearly the psalmist wants to be on God’s side when he pleads, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; . . . and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Ps. 139:23-24). When we follow the psalmist’s example to “draw near to God” (73:28), we can be certain that we are on His side, as His Spirit helps us measure every thought and action by His ways that are always right. So, let’s ask ourselves: Are we on the Lord’s side? Being on His side means that we will reflect His love to the world around us in the way we interact with others. We will forgive, treat others justly, and seek peace. God’s ways are always best. Father, teach us to search Your ways so that we may know how to be on Your side of the critical issues in life. Thank You that when we draw near to You, You draw near to us with gifts of wisdom and discernment. When you draw near to God, you are sure to be on His side. Insight Embittered by the prosperity of the wicked and his own suffering, Asaph complained of life’s unfairness. When reminded of God’s presence, providence, and provision in his life (Ps. 73:23-26) and the punishment awaiting the wicked (vv.18-19,27), Asaph reaffirmed his trust in God and drew near to Him (v.28).
Posted on: Wed, 03 Dec 2014 07:17:50 +0000
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