Tuesday, July 24, 2012

July 24, 2012



     

Psalm 16:8  I will keep my eyes always on the LORD.  With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

For me, this verse has two parts.  I have included the pictures of Roger Federer to illustrate the first half.  I have always been amazed with the concentration and focus of Roger Federer on the tennis court.  Regardless of the score of the match, the noise of the crowd or the weather conditions, his focus is 100% on the ball.  One of my biggest challenges in playing tennis is a lack of focus on the yellow fuzzy sphere.  I look where I want to hit.  I sneak a peek at my opponent.  My mind is on the to-do list for the rest of the weekend.  As a result many of my shots are long, wide or a set-up for my opponent.


As a Christian, my focus on God and His will for my life should equal Roger's concentration on the tennis ball.  Knowing and doing God's will for my life should be all I look at as I go through life.  Circumstances, other people, the economy will distract if I allow it to happen.  When I take my eye off the Creator I make mistakes and errors.


Backaby points out an important historical aspect to this verse.  He writes, "in biblical times, the right was the most distinguished position, reserved for one's chief adviser and supporter."  Therefore when David wrote, "with him (God) at my right hand", he was acknowledging that God was the most important influence in his life.  It was God he turned to when needing direction, reassurance or advice.

If people are at our right hand, we will allow the thoughts and opinions of others guide our decisions.  If worry is at our right hand, we will be anxious and frightened.  If acquisition is seated to our right, we will allow money to be our master.  It is only by allowing God to be our "chief adviser and supporter" will we be able to find the peace and rest promised in scripture.  If God advises, and we follow, then how can it be an incorrect response?

Allow God to be our focus, adviser and supporter.  He is faithful, unchanging and "able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us."  (Eph 3:20)




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