The other morning I read through Psalm 78, disclaimer, it is a long one. But, it summarizes the story of Israel: God’s people, their salvation, their foolishness, and His unwavering jealous heart FOR THEM. The Psalm outlines miracle after miracle that God provided. Getting them out of Egypt, the wilderness, saving them from themselves over and over again. And yet, they kept on sinning. They kept on turning away from God. Honestly, this is like us today, like me. But today, it is almost worse because back then, they only had the hope of Jesus coming some day. In today’s world we have the hope of Jesus, we have the promise of the Holy Spirit and yet, I often see or hear people walk out their faith with this mindset, “Oh Jesus saved me, I don’t have to do anything else, I can live however I want to.” But that is the thing, you can’t. Not if your eyes and your heart are fixed on Jesus. Not if you want to fully embrace who God intended you to be. God was after the hearts of His people back then, and He still is today. No matter how much the Israelites sinned, He kept saving them (vs. 32-39).
Yet he was merciful; he forgave their iniquities and did not destroy them. Time after time he restrained his anger and did not stir up his full wrath. Psalm 78:38
No matter what they did, God was always merciful. His love for them was steadfast. And today, through Jesus Christ, we see that love for all people and we see just how unconditional His love is. No matter what I do, God still loves me. I am saved by grace alone. But, it is through faith that that saving grace becomes real.
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9
So, yes, Jesus saved you on the cross. But, He doesn’t want your words. He doesn’t want you to just say, “Thanks for saving me Jesus” and keep moving on with your life. He wants your heart. And unless your heart posture is turned toward God, the good news of Emmanuel is lost, the hope of an eternity in heaven becomes almost non existent. That is the harsh reality. The thing is, God knows your heart, He trusts your heart above your words. He sees you struggling and He is chasing after you. Whatever it is you say with your mouth, it falls short because He trusts your heart above your words.
But then they would flatter him with their mouths, lying to him with their tongues; their hearts were not loyal to him, they were not faithful to his covenant. Psalm 78:36-37
You will never be perfect. God does not expect that nor want that. All He wants is a faithful heart. As we enter into this Christmas season, check your heart. Is your faith in God? Do you know how loved by Him you are? As we prepare for the celebration of Jesus’ birth, are you also preparing your heart for what this season is really all about, Emmanuel, God with us? This is a last minute add in because I just started reading my favorite devotional again (Emmanuel by Ruth chou Simons). But she had this quote on day one and it tied directly to our heart posture, “Our only means of coming home to Jesus is to welcome and prepare Him room right where we are.” Come as you are to the feet of Jesus this Christmas season. He is waiting with open arms.
I am the biggest fan of Christmas. I love the lights; I love the movies, the music; I love the decorations; I love the joy that everyone seems to have. And I too, during this season have to stop and check my heart. This year has been a wild one. I have questioned God. I have cried out to God. I have yelled at God. I have fought with God on my emotions and yet, God has been so faithful, in every season. I heard in a church message the other day, “Are you seeking His presence or presents of the world?”
Both, if I am honest. In my heart, I am fully after the presence of God, seeking Him first in all I do and say. But, just like the Israelites, I am flesh and blood. My mind gets caught in the presents of the world. I get caught in the nostalgia that Christmastime brings about, I get caught in the expectations of time with my family and friends, sometimes holding even those relationships above God. From Psalm 78, what I was reminded of was this: keep turning back to God. Keep readjusting your heart posture. Keep seeking His presence. And as I pause to reflect on 2023, I see the evidence of His goodness intertwined within my year, my life. Despite death, despite fire and devastation, God was there, always providing, always making a way. God was faithful to me not because I deserved it, but because He knew my heart. And in my weakest moments, I turned to Him. I relied FULLY on the goodness of God. I still am. So I end this post, the beginning of this Christmas season with a Hallelujah to my Lord and Savior and also a surrender to expectancy in this season. God, come and continue to work on my heart. Amen.
Love and blessings,
Radical Road 