Drawn back to God
Turn again, O God of hosts! Look down from heaven, and see; have regard for this vine, the stock that your right hand planted, and for the son whom you made strong for yourself... Then we shall not turn back from you; give us life, and we will call upon your name! Restore us, O Lord God of hosts! Psalm 80:14-15; 18-19 ESV
Psalms 80 provided the readers a picture of misery and despair when the people of God abandon their commitment to follow God. The Psalmist expressed the exasperation from relentless punishment the Israelites were receiving because of their willful disobedience to God. The consequences of their disobedience were staggering. They were ravaged by their enemies, object of humiliation by their neighbors, and experienced barrenness and futility. Because of the punishment they have been receiving from God, they prayed to Him asking Him to let them realize their erring ways so that they could be drawn back once again to God. This experience of the Israelites can serve as a reminder to those who will place their trust in God. God does not want that they will just take advantage of the goodness of God and they will not follow through in their commitment to follow His will for their lives. What happened to the Israelites could serve as a great reminder to Christians that there are consequences to disobedience and neglect. Once you made your decision to live your life for God, He does not want you to retract from your commitment. He expects that you will live your life abiding in Him so that you will produce fruit. Once you move away from His will for your life and you pursue your selfish desires, you are telling God that you know better than Him. The Israelites recognized the fact that turning away from God will result to consequence. The only way they could be restored with God is when they call on Him again and reestablish their commitment. “Restore us, O God of hosts; let your face shine” (Psalm 80:7). The only way that the people of God get restored is when they repent of their sin and return to the love of God. Do not let sin continue to dominate your life, especially when you know that sin produces death. “And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death” (James 1:15). In humility, repent of your sin, return to God and turn away from your old life. Instead live the new life “created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:24).
Blessings,
Noel De Guzman
www.my-wbc.com
