We need to Give God the Credit

Her name was Stacey. We went to High School together.  Stacey ran in different circles from me, but we did have the same English class.  I remember it was early Spring because she was prepping for a big basketball game to determine if the girls team would compete at State.  It was test day in our Junior English class. This was back when you took a test, passed it to a person behind you and then the teacher went over the answers while we graded each other's tests. I was toward the front of our row and as the tests got passed forward I was looking for my test to see my score.  I couldn't find my test; none of them had my name written in the top right corner!  There was one test with no name, but it wasn't my handwriting.  Then I saw it.  My test.  With Stacey's name in the top right corner. I was flabbergasted that someone would steal credit for what I had done and I was motivated to grab the credit back.

On that day in High School I was focused on what I believed was rightfully mine.  I was consumed with MY test, MY grade, MY reputation.  I didn't care what happened to Stacey.  In fact, I was hoping they threw the book at her, even if it meant she couldn't play in that all important basketball game. 

Sometimes our focus gets skewed. We focus on what we think and we don't make the best choices.  David learned some of those lessons the hard way (read 1 Chronicles 13). When He sets out to bring the Ark of the Covenant home to Jerusalem in I Chronicles 15 and 16, his focus wasn't skewed. He was intent on honoring God in God's way.  

DAVID'S PSALM OF THANKSGIVING

In First Chronicles 16:8-36 David honors God and expresses his gratitude. Verse 7, in fact, says that David "decreed for the first time that thanks be given to the Lord." David was firm on giving God the credit that He deserved in his Psalm of Thanksgiving. He saw all of who God is, so honor, praise and remembrance are woven through the entire Psalm.

• "proclaim his deeds among the people" (v8)
• "tell about His wondrous works" (v9)
• "Honor His holy name" (v10)
• "Remember his covenant forever --the promise he ordained for a thousand generations" (v15)
• "he allowed no one to oppress them; he rebuked kings on their behalf" (v21)
• "Declare his glory among the nations, his wondrous works among all peoples." (v24)
• "the Lord made the heavens" (v26)
• "ascribe to the Lord glory and strength" (v28)
• "Ascribe to the Lord the glory of His name…" (v29)
• "Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His faithful love endures forever." (v34)

GIVING GOD CREDIT HELPS US KEEP OUR FOCUS

I admit I was a Christian when I was in High School; I knew about turning the other check and not judging others.  Pleasing Jesus was at the top of my list of things to do, but I wasn't intentional, or determined or fixated on that goal.  I needed help zeroing in on the right target, especially when it came to my encounter with Stacey.  Can you relate? Learning to give God the credit He deserves enables us to pinpoint the bullseye. It strengthens our ability to focus on God and it enriches our spititual walk.

1. Giving God credit stops us from being focused inward; it enables us to learn humility. It's so easy for us to claim credit for something without even realizing it.  Maybe we are good at a certain task, or we have an ability that others admire.  Just like I saw the score on the test as mine, we see our gifts and abilities as ours, as something we do.  Second Corinthians 3:5 says, "It is not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God." (CSB) All our talents and potential are gifts from God, either through how He created us and/or how He enables us in a specific moment.  For us to claim credit is to steal the credit from the One who is most deserving.
2. Giving God credit enables us to release control. When we realize that it's not our name on the line, we can relax.  We don't have to prove anything or be better than anyone else.  God is the one who is in complete control and the results are all in His hands.  In Daniel 2, King Nebuchadnezzar has had a dream he wants interpreted.  He thinks the wise men and magicians should be able to tell him what the dream is before interpreting it. In verses 28 and 30, Daniel says, "But there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries and he has let King Nebuchadnezzar know what will happen in the last days. . . As for me, this mystery has been revealed to me, not because I have more wisdom than anyone living, but in order that the interpretation might be made known to the king and that you may understand the thoughts of your mind."  Daniel knew that it was only God who knew the mystery and He gave answers to Daniel because He chose to do so.  God was the one in control.  God was in charge of how everything would play out and Daniel knew he could trust God with his life.
3. Giving God credit enables us to see and be captivated by who God is. This is so evident in David's Psalm of Thanksgiving.  David was consumed with the glory and wonder of God.  First of all, David knew all the various ways God had moved on his own behalf, such as how God helped him kill Goliath, anointed him as king, and rescued him from Saul over and over. Second, David describes how God moved on behalf of the entire nation of Israel throughout his Psalm. David was enthralled with God Himself.

Giving God the credit moves us to a position where we are focused on Him. He is the One who provides, protects and saves. He is the one who pours out faithful love. He is the One who is good. And He has come to live in our midst. 

I pray that You can see Him in all His glory and majesty and splendor. 

Worship, praise and offer thanks. 

Give Him the credit He deserves.

Hallelujah!

                                                                                

Photo by Yustinus Tjiuwanda on Unsplash

Living into David's Psalm of Thanksgiving

I woke the other morning emotionally tired.  I got enough sleep, my body was rested, but my heart was “bland.”  Describing what I wasn't feeling is difficult. In those early morning moments, it seemed too much effort to conjure anticipation for the day, hope, happiness, or even quiet contentment.  I didn’t feel “blah,” because that’s an emotion of sorts. Instead, I had a weird feeling of being empty without being poured out.  Even as I sat with Jesus, I dispassionately went through the motions to move forward into my day.

God whispered: “Live into 1 Chronicles 16.”

I’d been working on a blog with 1 Chronicles 16 as the focal point for several weeks.  I approached the passage at least three different ways with three completely unique emphases.  None of what I composed satisfied me.  Each piece had elements I was pleased with, but I wasn't expressing what I really wanted to say, or what I believed anyone needed to hear.  Each composition read like well-constructed words without any umph.

I drove to work with nuggets of 1 Chronicles 16 flitting in and out of my consciousness. Be thankful. Rejoice. Seek the Lord. Remember His deeds. He is good. 

Background: 1 Chronicles 15

First Chronicles 15 tells the story of David bringing the Ark of the Covenant back to Jerusalem.  He first prepared a place for the ark to dwell, then organized a big parade to escort the Ark of the Covenant from the house of Obed-edom to its new home. The Levites who were the ones chosen to carry God’s Ark were instructed and prepped. He arranged for musicians to accompany the ark, ordering instrumentalists and singers. It was to be a grand jubilee!  Everyone got dressed in their finest. They sang and danced and celebrated the return of the Ark and the favor of God.

1 Chronicles 16

In Chronicles 16 the ark is home; God dwells with His people again. Burnt offerings and fellowship offerings were sacrificed to honor God. David blessed the people and then passed out party cake to end the big gala. In verses 8-30 David presents a Psalm of Thanksgiving. He doesn't give a big speech recounting how he orchestrated the Ark's return. He doesn't wax poetic about organizing people and the celebration. David doesn't talk about himself at all; His focus is all on God and the wonder of God in their midst.

Let that sink in. Sit for a moment and contemplate what that means.

His focus was all on God and the wonder of God in their midst. 

The morning of my bland emotions is long past, but the story of David and the return of the Ark has stayed with me.  Even as I sit and write, I am searching my heart and asking, “Is my focus all on God?  Am I living in wonder over God in my midst?”

I don’t know what you are facing.  I don’t know the circumstances you are living.  I do know that life is too much some days.  We are a broken people.  And God has come to dwell in our midst. 

There is more to be discovered in David’s Psalm of Thanksgiving. I identified four concepts that David reveals in his Psalm.  I’ll blog about one concept each week for the next four weeks.  Join me on this journey to focus more on God, to realize afresh the wonder that God dwells with us. Begin this week by reading through 1 Chronicles 16:8-30, David’s Psalm of Thanksgiving. Ask yourself: Is my focus all on God?  Am I living in wonder over God in my midst?  When we’re all finished, I’m hoping we will want to throw God a parade!  We can finish our celebration with cake.

Dealing with "Nothing Good Syndrome"

photo by Anh Nguyen on Unsplash

Do you ever talk in extremes?  “Today was the worst day ever!” “I can’t do anything right!” I’m a total failure!” “I always mess up.” “Nobody cares.” “I’ll never be able to (blank).” “Nothing good ever happens to me!” 

We all have those moments when life is overwhelming.  In those moments, I often fall into a pattern of evaluating my circumstance through an emotional point of view.  I lose perspective, rational thought and hope.  I give fear and shame permission to set up camp.  There’s a part of my brain fighting for logical thinking, and I believe the lies Satan whispers in my ear.  I succumb to “Nothing Good Syndrome.”

Elijah and his “Nothing Good Syndrome”

Domenico Fetti, Elijah Calls Down Fire From Heaven, 1622

There’s a prophet in the Old Testament who gives great pointers for those of us with “Nothing Good Syndrome.”  His name is Elijah.  Elijah was a prophet with power.  Elijah took on the prophets of Baal, challenging them to a fire duel.  The prophets of Baal and Elijah each built an altar with a sacrifice and prayed to their god. The first god to light their alter on fire would be declared the true God. Elijah poured water all over his alter and God Almighty still lit the bar-b-que!  The Israelites chased down the prophets of Baal and Elijah slaughtered them.  Elijah knew God and he was well acquainted with all God can do. 

And… Elijah responded just like us when he was cornered by circumstances; he showed all the signs of “Nothing Good Syndrome.”

After the big night when God sent fire from heaven, Jezebel, the Queen, threatened Elijah’s life.  I would think after such a huge win, Elijah would’ve been saying something like, “whatever.”  But Elijah freaked out and ran away in fear.   First Kings 19: 4 tells us what Elijah said to God, “I have had enough! Lord, take my life, for I’m no better than my fathers.”  Can’t you hear him muttering to himself? “I’m a total failure.  Nobody cares about me.  NOTHING good ever happens to me!”

I love the fact that God stepped in and took care of Elijah, sick with “Nothing Good Syndrome.”  First God let him sleep off his frustration, anger, and fear.  Then He sent an angel with food to feed Elijah.  Elijah was so exhausted, he ate and promptly took a nap. The angel woke Elijah and encouraged him to have a snack before going on a journey. Elijah traveled 40 days and nights to reach the mountain of God.  Once there, Elijah bluntly expressed to God exactly how he perceived things.  In verse 11 of 1 Kings 19 God told Elijah, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the Lord’s presence.” Elijah obeyed; he remained on the mountain waiting for God’s presence to be revealed.  Elijah finally heard God whisper to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 

What are you doing here?

I think that’s the question God asks us when we begin showcasing symptoms of “Nothing Good Syndrome.” The story of Elijah provides us with 5 steps to move us toward healthy living.

1.       Step away from the noise that overwhelms; rest and refuel your physical body.  I know we can’t run away from most circumstances like Elijah did, but we can step away from making a decision or position ourselves to experience less stress.  We all learned in kindergarten what a benefit naps and snack time are; carve out moments to stop and rejuvenate.
2.       Seek God; go where you know you’ll find Him.  Elijah went to the mountain of God.  I sit in the chair where I have my morning quiet time, or out on my deck when the weather is warm.  Where do you find God on a regular basis? Go there; read His Word and pray.
3.       Be open and honest.  Elijah didn’t hold back; you don’t need to either.  God isn’t going to be surprised by anything you tell Him.   He can handle all your hurt, pain, disappointment, and fear. 
4.       Wait in God’s presence until you’ve heard His voice.  If you can literally wait, do that.  That’s not always possible, and you can still be waiting on God as you do the daily tasks that demand your attention.  Keep listening for his wisdom.  Keep speaking to Him of your need.  Elijah went on a 40 day and night journey of discovery.  God doesn’t always answer as quickly as we might like.  And just as He saw Elijah and provided for his physical needs through an angel, God sees you and will provide what you need as you wait.  
5.      Follow through in obedience.  God told Elijah to go back.  Sometimes He tells us the same thing, and we must live through facing our fears.  God also reassured Elijah that he wasn’t alone, there were 7000 others who had never bowed to Baal (1 Kings 19:18). God will provide the encouragement we need to be obedient. 

 

We may not be taking on a herd of prophets or challenging someone to a fire duel, but we fight battles just like Elijah.  And we have access to the same powerful God.  We need to keep our focus on who He is when we are threatened with “Nothing Good Syndrome.”  God knows the war we are in, and He is ALWAYS good. 

 

 

Photo by Anh Nguyen on Unsplash

 

Keeping God in the Loop

I recently got a phone call from my brother-in-law.  He doesn’t normally call me; it was odd.  He left a message on my cell phone after I had gone to bed, requesting I call him back the next day so he could fill me in on my sister.  So many possibilities ran through my head when I heard the recording.  I listened to his message several times attentive to any helpful nuances in his voice.  So many questions:  why wasn’t my sister calling?  Had she been in an accident?  Was he planning a surprise for her?  Is he already up at 5am? 

Short story: he called to keep me in the loop.  My sister had a scheduled colonoscopy with less than desirable results.  Our family history is thick with cancer, and he knew if our roles were reversed, my sister would’ve been furious if she was uninformed.  There were still questions, and I was invited into their journey.

“In the Loop”

I began to process this idea of keeping others “in the loop.”  It’s all about relationship; it’s declaring someone is important and keeping them up to date on one’s experiences, thoughts and feelings is a priority.  Including someone in my journey implies I value his input or her point of view.  I am reassured when people I declare significant are in the know about my life.

The Holy Spirit formed the question: Do you intentionally keep God “in the loop?” 

I realize that God knows all things; I recognize that He knows what is going on long before I experience any situation.  AND… including God declares I value Him and our relationship.  It reminds my heart that I value His input and His holy point of view.  I find comfort when I pour out my heart and soul to Jesus, my friend and Savior. AND… sometimes it’s difficult to be honest with God.  Know what I mean?

Keeping God in the loop is a bit different than keeping my sister in the loop.  

• My sister is a smart cookie and God always knows best. 
• I like making my sister happy and God is the one I long to delight most. 
• My sister gives sound advice, and God is the one who is in control of all things.
• My sister and I are similar in many ways, so she gets me, and God is the One who created me. 
• When I keep my sister in the loop I talk and talk and talk.  It’s all about me.  When I keep God in the loop, I need to remember it’s still all about Him.

 

Psalm 141

The Psalmist David gives us tips about keeping God in the loop.

1. Our prayers are to be like incense.  It’s not just us talking all about us.  We are to be worshiping, recognizing God’s holiness, and honoring Him (verse 2).
2. We need to listen as much as we talk. David gives God permission to set boundaries, and to stop him from acting inappropriately or sinfully. We need to willingly hear God speak “no” even when we want Him to declare “yes” (verses 3-5).
3. Trust the Almighty to provide what you need and be your comfort as you journey wherever He determines. Only God has the power of life and death.  He is our ultimate refuge (verses 8-10).

 

So many things happen in our day to day lives-- good things, hard things, random things, fearful things, goofy things.  God wants to hear from us.  He wants to be kept in the loop. Always. My prayer is that you’ll carve out time and invite God into the loop of your life.

Photo of phone by Pawel Czerwinski on Unsplash