The God Who Works For Us
In Psalm 68, David recalls the ways that God has cared for Israel, led them through the wilderness, daily bears Israel up. It goes on to celebrate God's victory over the Gentile nations. David remembers the works of God - leading, bearing, caring, and fighting for Isreal. And in verese 28 he utters amazing words - "Summon your power, O God, the power, O God, by which you have worked for us."
Is David getting a little greedy. Isn't it time for David to do a little work for God - to pay off a little of the mounting debt for all that God has done? No, David knows this God who is utterly unique in His Sovereign power and needs nothing. In fact to try to give to God in order to supply a perceived lack dishonors him. David, like Isaiah knows that, "no eye has seen a God besides you, who acts for those who wait for him." (Isaiah 64:4).
Consider a few of the mighty works of God toward you:
He raised you from the dead. He really did! When you were dead in sins, he gave you life in Christ. This life included the gift of faith so you could repent and believe in Christ (Ephesians 2:4-9).
He has brought you home, reconciling you to the Father who loves you (John 14:6, Romans 5:10-11, 1 Peter 3:18).
All your sin (past, present, and future) has been forgiven and judged on the cross so that there is now no condemnation (Romans 8:1).
God is currently at work in you the kind of changes that please him (Philippians 2:13).
God is the Great Benefactor and we are the beneficiaries. Why does God do this? For his glory and our good. I need Him and what He provides - so my soul rejoices and is satisfied in him when he is the Giver. And he is glorified both in the giving and in my enjoyment of Him.
So are you trying to work for God or are you leaning on Him to work for you? In other words, are you living a life of faith in His grace, His power, and His promises. Like David, recall your God who has worked on your behalf, defeated your enemies (sin, satan, and death), daily bears you up, led your out of captivity, and provides all your needs.
Then as you look at your day, week, or life with all its challenges, difficulties, joys, and possibilities, say with David,
"Summon your power, O God, the power, O God, by which you have worked for us."
Then go in faith and work out what God, by his power, works in you!
More in Blog
April 7, 2023
Good Friday Was No AccidentNovember 21, 2017
Are You Thankful?November 14, 2017
The Heart of Jesus