Christian Living

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What is God looking for?

“I sought Your favour with all my heart; be gracious to me according to Your word” [Psalm 119.58 NASB]

Passivity is not actually listed among the seven deadly sins, although if there were eight, it could definitely be there. In the days in which we live, this not often mentioned attitude can be a deadly danger.

Why? The answer and our response are both to be found in this verse. At the outset, let me say that it is good and exciting to hear the word of the Lord, especially if it is applied to our individual situation.

In this Psalm, David shows a consistent dependence on the word of the Lord. Now we can all identify with him. But there may be a slight difference in our response in comparison with David's.

We all know of people whom God has spoken to who are continually and steadfastly believing God to fulfil His word; after all He cannot fail or lie.

Notice David's action at this time, "I sought Your favour with all my heart." Now this is important because David was not just waiting passively for God to act. He was doing all he could possibly do in the interim period.

David’s predecessor was called, anointed and personally given clear and thrilling words from God’s prophet, however not all of them came to fruition and development. Why not? God’s words were conditional and Saul did not conform his attitude, will and behaviour to the revealed word of the Lord.

Now, even if we were to emboss God’s words in gold and frame them, it would not make the slightest difference regarding their fulfilment. What God wanted from Saul and also from us is an obedient and willing heart.

What is the condition of your inner man? Paul said, “Your attitude should be the same that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not demand and cling to his rights as God. He made himself nothing; he took the humble position of a slave.” [Phil 2.5-7 NLT].

Is there a prolonged time lapse between the original word to you and its fulfillment? Examine yourself in the light of the above passage and bear in mind that at one time, even David, as his predecessor had been, was the object of God's unwanted attention to the details of his shortcomings [2 Sam. 12:1-9].

Why did one man fall and the other one stay standing? One was prepared to bow under God's chastisement and correction; the other, stubbornly rebellious right to the end [2 Sam. 15:16-23]. Do we need to submit and re-adjust? [David McArdle]

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