“Acknowledge and take to heart this day that the Lord is God in heaven above and on the earth below. There is no other.” (Deuteronomy 4:39, NIV)
When I drop my kids off for an evening with a sitter, I’m a flurry of last-minute instructions. “Remember how we act. Eat everything they serve you without complaining. Don’t ask for anything greedy, don’t forget to be grateful and respectful, and be a good example for your sisters.” Suddenly I feel compelled to cram nine years of training into two minutes of lecture.
Perhaps Moses felt similarly. Forty years of leadership, coming to a close as Israel prepared to enter Canaan without him. “What are the most important things to say when time is running out?” Moses reminded Israel of her responsibilities and of God’s character. “And above all,” Moses said, “remember that our Lord is God. There is no other.”
How often do I forget that fact? How frequently do I, in my heart, dethrone the God of heaven and earth? When I worry about my finances instead of trusting His provision, I dishonor Him. When I spend more time on that which is self-absorbed instead of God-honoring, I don’t acknowledge Him as Lord. When I “worship” other things—my children, my computer, or even my ministry!—I forget that truly “there is no other” God but Him.
God, You alone are Lord of heaven above—bigger than any problem and more powerful than any circumstance. You are also God on earth, here in the middle of my intimate, secret fears and doubts. Today I acknowledge You as Lord. Help me to take this to heart, and worship You as the only God. There is no other but You, Lord. Amen.
-amystorms
From the archives. This post originally published March 2, 2009.
Sixty-six books in a year 