Refusing my American Idol

S - Isaiah 44:21-23 (NIV): "Remember these things, O Jacob, for you are my servant, O Israel. I have made you, you are my servant; O Israel, I will not forget you. I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to me, for I have redeemed you." Sing for joy, O heavens, for the LORD has done this; shout aloud, O earth beneath. Burst into song, you mountains, you forests and all your trees, for the LORD has redeemed Jacob, he displays his glory in Israel."

O - The verses conclude a chapter which reviews and highlights the futility and the stupidity of idol worship (e.g. Isaiah 44:16-20). How did/does idol worship work?  It engages three primary dynamics, culture: control and desired outcome/success.  These are the basics of all idolatry and they work today and in all religious expressions.  They ignore our origins and design, redirect us from the real issue and inspire us by fear.  In direct contrast the Lord affirms his will on earth and our place in it, his unflickering commitment to us in relentless love, defiant mercy and unbounded grace and calls us to come near and stay near. 

A - The Lord says we are not alone and we are not on our own.  Idolatry says we pretty much are. Idolatry is about us gaining control, manipulating the circumstances and obtaining what we want.  Real life is about God's control, our relationship with him and his direct interface with us and all the events of earth.  His ways are his own and higher than the highest heavens.  His desire for us has been made plain and set in the context of the unending witness of creation. Today will take my inspiration from things I fear or from his love?  Will I pursue what I want or pursue him? Will I act like I'm on my own or not alone?  Today I choose to come near and stay … come what may.  I will remember these things and live them out loud.

P - God of all and God of me,

Thank you for not leaving us alone and for not leaving us on our own.  I do not want to work for you (I'm in control) but with you (you're in control).  I don't want my inspiration to come from what I fear but from who you are.  Lord, today I welcome you and your promises mixing them with faith. Today, I lay my head on your chest and seek, knock and ask according to your open heavens, open doors and open purse.  Lord, I do love you back.  Lord, the time I am afraid I will trust in you!

Steve