Life can be monotonous: the daily commute, the piles of dishes, the endless exams, the long work weeks and short weekends, responsibilities and to do lists. Somewhere along the journey, I can misplace childlike wonder, simple gratitude, and my love for the One who made me and has called me his own. That’s when I join the people of Israel and find an idol who provides a temporary thrill in the journey and distracts me from my calling. Like the impetuous child who doesn’t get her way, I stomp my feet and declare that I am running away from the parent who truly loves me. I know how this adventure ends every time…badly.
Psalm 106 tells Israel’s story as well as my own. Maybe I don’t worship a metal calf, but it’s not beyond to me to adopt the idols of the world around me. Maybe it’s the bigger house, fatter paycheck, perfect marriage or successful children. Maybe it’s status or popularity…the choices and combinations are endless. They all have these things in common: my idols don’t love me back,leave me dissatisfied, depleted and lead to slavery.
Here’s the good news, “Listen to me, O house of Jacob, all you who remain of the house of Israel, you whom I have upheld since you were conceived, and have carried since your birth. Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” Isaiah 46:3,4. I can come home at any moment. I don’t have to stay stuck in the service of idols or in the slog of life. He invites me to wonder and delight in Him and his love, “Give thanks to the Lord for he is good; his love endures forever. Who can proclaim the mighty acts of the Lord or fully declare his praise?” Psalm 106:1.
Let the wonder begin.
Kathy
Sixty-six books in a year 