Psalm 11 - Bad Things

We are all capable of bad things, even those of us who are searching out the good things. We are still capable of bad. I would imagine that to be one of the reasons David was constantly asking God to search his heart. Maybe Jeremiah put it best when he said, “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?”

“For look, the wicked bend their bows; they set their arrows against the strings to shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart.” – Psalm 11:2

Even for evil, there is a time of preparation. We dig in our heels and consider the best course of action. We bend our bows, we set the arrow against the strings, and we shoot. Who can understand it? Even in our “evil”, Psychologists say that each of us want to be right. With that want comes an innate need for someone else to be wrong. Many times we sabotage the scenario, see the experience through filtered lens, and do whatever we have to do to be right… although our actions may be filled with self, greed, pride, neglect… evil. Sometimes when we don’t even know it.

This is bad news, but there is hope. That time of preparation gives us a moment to fight the action.

“In your anger do not sin…” Psalm 4:4

“…Each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.” – James 1:14-15

But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” – 1 Corinthians 10:13

When we are angry, we can choose not to sin. When we are tempted, we can choose not to sin. When we are enticed, we can choose not to sin. In the same way, we can bend our bows, and still choose to stop. We can set our arrow against the string, and still choose to stop. It’s not too late, as long as we have yet to release the string. Here’s the rest of the Psalm 4 reference:

“In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent. Selah. Offer right sacrifices and trust in the LORD. –Psalm 4:4-5

Heart Transformed

The trajectory of my life has been changed because of Jesus. It’s hard to tell exactly how changed since I came to faith at the age of six. (I really can’t remember how year five was for me) But I know the trajectory was adjusted. However for years, even in my adulthood the journey had seemed slow, laborious, and at times painful. Although I took part in bible study after bible study, there were seasons that were filled with as much confusion as clarity. I’ve learned that that is a part of the journey (among other variables). But one thing that has always held me hostage was the foreign concept of a truly and fully “transformed heart”. There were seasons when I felt like I never quite had one. That’s a tough confession.

In my reading of 1 Samuel 10 this morning, it tells the story of the anointing and proclamation of Saul as King by Samuel. God gave some amazing evidences of his hand and favor to Saul in this chapter, but the verse that stood out to me was verse 6 that says, “The Spirit of the LORD will come upon you in power… and you will be changed into a different person.” And I realized I had a fresh understanding of life change.

I’m a different person than I was a few years ago. I don't think I was a bad person. And I’m not saying that now I feel that I’ve "arrived" or feel at all worthy or close to anything near perfect (Geeze no!). But what I do feel is transformed, for the first time and completely. My heart has changed. My pursuits and passions have changed. And I want to live externally of myself. I want to live for others. I’m still learning how to do that, and how to lead others to do the same, but I’m committed to being a part of the answer… even if I gain nothing in return. I don’t know how it really happened other than the Spirit’s prompting. But what I do know is that it started with a homeless guy… and the idea of a free cheeseburger.

Maybe the reason Jesus told us to feed the hungry was because He knew that we would be the one’s who would become full. His ways are certainly higher than ours.