Are you Devoted? | Truth time: is God number 1? (Psalm 82-88)
All the words in the world are nothing but empty talk when spoken by a compulsive liar. Do you expect them to match their actions with their words? The old (Biblically-based) phrase comes into play, ‘If you’re going to talk the talk, you have to walk the walk.’ Yet, our lives can often resemble a similar picture within our relationship to God. Are you devoted… to Him?
Our relationship with God
Reading through the Old Testament brings about a sense of astonishment when reading that the Israelites swayed from the Lord again. Over and over, they just never seem to get it right.
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I mean, c’mon people, can you not just follow the Lord?!
That’s when reality hits and I realize they are a shining example of my very own walk and the process it has taken to get me where I am today. It’s a journey and it’s similar to the Israelites’ in many ways.
Devoted to what…
Most psychologists try, once you’re emotionally capable, to get you to understand the truth about your situation. To face your past, your sins, the sins done against you, etc. It takes a certain strength to see things for what they are so you can deal with them appropriately.
Our relationship with the Lord is not much different. (Except, we can face the past better through His guidance and care.) We need to evaluate the truth about our situation. Where is your relationship with God at? Are you devoted to Him? Are you sorta devoted to Him when Sundays roll around? Is your devotion growing?
These can be tough questions to face because they bring about a reality of our own deficiencies.
What does being devoted mean?
For David, being devoted was a way of life. He was continuously coming to the Lord, whether in praise, prayer, or pleas.
Preserve my life, for I am [devoted to you]; save your servant, who trusts in you—you are my God. Be gracious to me, O Lord, for to you do I cry all the day.
Psalm 86:2-3
The Hebrew for the phrase “devoted to you” is ‘hasid‘, which usually refers to “the godly” or “the saints”. To better understand, we can jump to another Psalm of David’s that uses the same phrase.
But know that the Lord has set apart the godly for himself; the Lord hears when I call to him.
Psalm 4:3, emphasis added
An adjective meaning kind, benevolent, merciful, pious. The word carries the essential idea of the faithful kindness and piety that springs from mercy…. Occurrences of this word usually refer to those who reflect the character of God in their actions or personality. The word denotes those who share a personal relationship with the Lord; the state of one who fully trusts in God; and those who manifest the goodness or mercy of God in their conduct. More importantly, though, it signifies the nature of those who are specifically set apart by God to be the examples and mediators of His goodness and fidelity.
Strong’s concordance
Honest evaluation time…
Take your time to truthfully answer this question: does your life signify one who is set apart by God as an example of Him as a light in this world?
If your answer is a flat no, start praying that your honest assessment will only be the beginning of your journey to become a shining example! We all start somewhere and traverse the course at different speeds and through varying barriers. Your journey is looking up as you strive to be dedicated to Him! Your prayer life can reflect this desire!
Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name. I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever. For great is your steadfast love toward me; you have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol.
Psalm 86:11-13
The Bible never leaves us alone in the situations we face, there is always guidance when we look for it. If we don’t know something, we learn from the Bible to pray for it… including a dedicated heart.
Different answers…
Your answer to the question may not look the same as ‘no’, but the same prayer applies just the same to your life. We will never be there, and we always have the opportunity to learn more.
God’s wisdom is never-ending and all-encompassing. We all need to pray for God to teach us and grant us a heart for Him. I love the interpretation the NIV gives for verse 11.
Teach me your way, Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.
Psalm 86:11, NIV
Why do we ask God to teach us? So THAT we can rely on His faithfulness. We are being taught to trust in Him in every area of our lives.
Why do we want an undivided (dedicated) heart? So THAT we can fear His name. A holy reverence and understanding of the greatness of God is tantamount to our foundation.
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Devoted at all times…
In good times and bad, we can take a lesson from David. He remained devoted to God during all seasons of life. When he came upon a trial, it was then he could fall back on his faithfulness and confidently come before the Lord with his requests.
David knew he may not receive the answer requested, but he came knowing God cares for his ultimate good. He was taught to be devoted to God and trust in Him! While not a Psalm of David, Psalm 84 highlights the same theme.
For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness. For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly. O Lord of hosts, blessed is the one who trusts in you!
Psalm 84:10-12
…from those who walk uprightly! May you be truly devoted to Him in all your walks of life.
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Oh, to be a shining example. Teach me your way, Lord. These things I pray.