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A few months ago, a friend of mine asked me to read Psalm Seven and share some of my thoughts and reactions concerning it with him. I gladly accepted.
Over the course of the week I read and meditated on the Psalm. We learn from the prescript to the chapter that King David was under much distress and persecution caused from a man named Cush. Throughout the rest of the Psalm, David wrestles with and pleads for God to help.
Each time I read or thought about this passage I was bothered by Cush. Who was he? How did he know David? What did he do to cause David such great anguish? Why did he attack him? Where did Cush end up? When was the conflict resolved? These and questions like them have nagged at me each time I have read or thought about Psalm 7.
My friend, Jason, rightly stated in his blog post “First Impressions of Psalm 7” we know nothing about this man or the distress he caused David outside of the heading of this psalm. Yet, I must confess I’m still curious…. It was at this point that my inquisitive mind took a turn from attempting to figure out why we know nothing about Cush, to how come God doesn’t tell us more about him?”
At first, I was tempted to think that Cush and his attacks against David are not mentioned because they weren’t that important compared to the many other hardships David faced. However, that didn’t sit very well with me, for these attacks were very significant to David. He described the situation in verse 2 as “tearing at his soul.” Moreover, our Heavenly Father is concerned with all things in our life regardless of their size or perceived significance to others. Remember, He even counts the hairs on our heads. So then, what could it be?
Then, it hit me. God doesn’t tell us who Cush is, or the kind of trouble (big or small) he brought to David, because these details are not the focus of the Psalm; but rather David’s response is.
When faced with soul-tearing adversity: David first runs to the Lord in verses 1-2 telling Him about his problems and seeking His help. When he is safely in the arms of His Sovereign, David reflects on his own guilt in verses 3-5, asking the Lord to reveal any wrongdoing in his life that may have caused this to happen.
After some soul searching, He remembers the Lord’s sovereignty in verses 6-16, that the Lord is in control and justice falls from His hand. Comforted by God’s presence and character, David rejoices in verse 17 in the Lord’s care. Knowing and finding hope in the promise that God will deliver, avenge, and care for him.
We all have “Cushs” in our life, people or situations that tear at our soul. Instead of focusing on the cause, size, or whys of them, we should heed David’s example and run to the Lord, reflect on and examine our lives with God’s Word, and to remember and rejoice His sovereign care. This may not change our circumstances or ease our affliction, but it changes our attitude and outlook.
Remember, God cares for you and all the details of life.
Many of you who know me, are aware that I am a proud parent of two beautiful girls, whom I cherish and love deeply. There isn’t much that I would not do for them. In fact, like many parents, I receive great joy in giving them gifts. Things that are nice, things of value, things I have spent time and thought over and are certain they will enjoy. However, one of the most frustrating things I, and many parents experience, is watching our offspring misuse, abuse, and often times destroy these gifts.
Feelings of anger, hurt, rejection and frustration, often boil to the surface as we struggle to understand why our kids can’t appreciate and take proper care of the gifts we have given them. At times, we take the way our children treat the gifts we give them, as a personal insult and attack against us. However, this is usually not true. Instead, our children fail to fully appreciate the complete extent of the gift, sentiment, and value of it.
However, each one of us has been guilty of doing this very same thing. We have received many gifts of great value and worth. Yet at times have not treated them with the respect and care they deserve. Not only have we done this with gifts from our parents, but from our Heavenly Father as well.
Yesterday was “Earth Day.” Some may not have been aware of that, and others could care less. For many earth day conjures up images of longhaired hippies driving around in VW bugs worshiping the trees, rivers, and animals.
In fact, many of us are tired of the color Green, don't care about a carbon foot print, wonder what “eco-friendly” really means, and question the science behind global warming or “Global Climate Change.” While it is true that Earth Day has become a vehicle for many to promote evolutionary and new age concepts and political agendas, this is a perfect time for Christians to evaluate what our role is in maintaing the environment.
In Genesis chapters one and two we are reminded that God established the earth. He created everything, birds, trees, land, water, sky, even light itself came from God. In Colossians 1:16-17, we are told that God also sustains all creation, by carefully watching over it and holding it together! Again in Psalm 24:1 and I Corinthians 10:26 we reminded that all creation is still His; in fact He rules over it. All creation belongs to the Lord.
Yet, Genesis further teaches that God entrusted His creation to the care of man. Verses 15 states “The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” It was always part of God’s plan for man to care for, watch over (or protect), and keep up all that He has created. God placed man as a watchman, steward, and a guardian over His creation. He was to watch and care for it, defending and keeping it in the best condition.
This command still rings true today. People are to be good stewards of all that God has created. This is not done to save the planet, for we know that this world will too someday pass away, nor is it done in honor of “mother earth.” Caring for creation is an act of obedience and worship to the almighty God. He cares for His creation, and we should too.
This is also a wonderful opportunity to enter into spiritual conversations; for people of all shapes, sizes, creeds and backgrounds care about the environment. Sadly, many are focused in the wrong direction. Yet, Romans 1:20 tell us that all creation shows the glory and nature of God. Lets the seize the moment, and direct their interest away from the creation towards the Creator.
If you haven’t done so already, only a few more days remain until your taxes must be filed. At this moment, people are scrambling to gather all their receipts, 1099, and other miscellaneous forms, hoping that this one certainty in life (taxes) will not lead to the other (death). But before you grab your ledger and adding machine let’s consider for a moment what Christ has to say about this topic.
In Matthew 22 we see the Pharisees trying to trap Jesus in saying something cross about the Roman Government, in hopes to have Him arrested and killed. As a result they sent some of their own to go “ask Christ’s advice” on the highly explosive topic of Roman Taxation. In Verse 17 they said “Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”
Christ knew their hearts and intent and asked them to bring Him a coin. Then in Verse 20 He asked them, “Whose portrait is this? And whose inscription?” “Caesar’s,” they replied. Then he said to them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” They left speechless, impressed by what He had said.
Christ’s words stand as a testimony for us today. What is your heart and intent when filling out your taxes? Are you tempted to cheat, not report some income, or to fudge a little on your deductions? Are you filled with anger and bitterness for the amount of money you’re paying, while your neighbor seems to be getting a much better deal? Maybe your stomach is in knots as you worry about how you will make your tax and house payment in the same month.
Well, take Christ's advice. Go grab some coins or a paper dollar. Whose portrait is there? Christ’s? No. A leader in the Christian faith? Most likely not. Instead a headshot of an important man who played a vital role in shaping the history of America. What’s the inscription? “The United Sates of America.”
As a citizen of this country we are bound to its the laws and regulations, even if we don’t agree with them. As a citizen of God’s Nation we are called to respectfully obey our leaders and the laws they pass. We are called to live a life of integrity and honesty in all matters of life and faith; even those we disagree with.
Consider Christ’s words in Matthew 17. He was accused of not paying the temple tax, and although, being the Son of God, He was exempt; in verse 27 He said this to Peter, “But so that we may not offend them, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours.”
Look at your coin again. There is another inscription found on all US currency, “In God We Trust.” Do you trust God with your money? Do you trust Him enough to be completely honest in all your financial dealings? Regardless of how grim the situation looks?
Just as Jesus provided the coin in the mouth of the fish to pay Peter’s Temple tax; He will provide for all your financial needs as you trust and obey His Word. May you seek to live a life of honesty and integrity in all of your financial dealings.
Labels: Caesar, Cheat, Christ, Coin, Devotions, Dollar, Financial Needs, God, God’s kingdom, Government, In God We Trust, Integrity, IRS, Matthew 22, Pharisees, Roman, Tax, Temple, United States of America
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