Important Things

My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and salvation: he is my fortress; I will never be shaken...Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him...Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. Lowborn men are but a breath, the highborn are but a lie; if weighed on a balance, they are nothing; together they are only a breath. Do not trust in extortion or take pride in stolen goods; though your riches increase, do not set your heart on them....Surely you (God) will reward each person according to what he has done. 

-Psalm 62:1-2, 5, 8-10, 12b

What is really important in life? David was a picture of resting in God no matter what happened. He was chased by Saul and almost killed on more than one occasion. He had people all through his life jealous of him, even his own brothers. He had others assault him without reason, lie about him, take away his power, and mock him. I think David’s life is a picture of Jesus, even though his life was imperfect. Maybe this is why God calls him a man after his own heart.As I read through Psalm 62, I was challenged with how I react or treat others when they mistreat me. I enjoyed reading David’s thoughts about his soul finding rest in God, God is his rock and salvation, He is David’s fortress, and he won’t be shaken. In spite of all that comes against him in life, he knows where his true strength lies.Another thing I’m reminded of in this Psalm is to trust God above all as we are all but a breath, so even though some people get rich being dishonest; while others work very hard and make an honest living, we must not set our hearts on riches. All power belongs to God alone and we must rely on His unfailing love. At the end of it all whether we are rich or poor in this life it won’t be about our wealth or even how well we’ve shared it, it will be about our relationship with God and others. David ends this psalm by saying “You (God) reward everyone according to what they have done.” This makes sense of how we live our lives in Jesus and trust in His ways.Jeremiah 19 warns the same thing by saying don’t turn to the gods of this world and worship them! You may think, “Well, I don’t serve idols”! Often there are things in our own lives that we don’t associate with idols of bible times, yet really are idols. I will admit I can be attracted to the things this world tempts me with–whether things I can buy or even gossip to elevate myself. There are so many ways we can get off track in life.Revelation 18 is another warning from God that judgment will come on people who don’t worship Him. Salvation comes through Christ alone and we need to believe He is the one who saves. Nothing we have done will save us. However, believing and resting in him gives amazing inspiration to do the works he has created us to do.All these thoughts spur me on as 2024 begins. I want to look fully at my own heart and ask Jesus again to help me keep my focus more on Him. We are looking forward to some exciting change and refurbishing in the buildings of our church campus and I pray this reminds us to be open to refurbishing our hearts as well. We must keep in mind that no matter how well-groomed the outward appearance is, it’s the heart that will be judged at the end of our lives.May we all pray for Jesus to send a wonderful measure of his Spirit to fill us and refurbish us to shine in 2024 as children after God’s own heart! Because after all, we are “expected in Heaven!”