Sunday Sermonette - Part of the Picture

I have been rereading the Book of Psalms this year ... a few psalms each morning.  I finished the book sometime last month, then decided to read through it again.  Slower this time.  Seeking to absorb each thought. Jotting down verses or passages that particularly call out to me, saying "you need to apply this particular verse to your life," or "here is a prayer that says what's in your heart."  I have been writing them down in a little notebook where I can easily refer to them, meditate upon them, & memorize them.  

When I read the verse above, I immediately added it to my notebook, thinking "what a lovely little prayer!"  When I continued reading the psalm, however, I discovered that there was a particular reason the psalmist was praying these words.  He was not simply asking for God to do something nice for His people.  To be gracious to them & bless them & make His face shine upon them so that their enemies would leave them alone, the number of their cattle would increase, or so that Obed the potter would give them a discount on bowls & water jugs. I had seen only part of the picture.  The entire picture is this ...

Do you see it?  The purpose of this prayer is not for personal gain or blessings of any kind.  The purpose is for God to do these things for us so that His way may be known upon the earth ... His saving power among all nations.  The purpose for praying this prayer is to bring Glory to God!

Sometimes we need to get our focus off ourselves.  What is our purpose for being here on earth?  Is it to have a big house, a fancy car, & closets full of clothes?  Is it to go to the gym for several hours each day & spend money on plastic surgery so we "look good?"  Is it to seek fame or notoriety for ourselves?  No ... our purpose here on earth is not to amass possessions, try to make ourselves appear 35 when we're really 65, reach the top of the ladder in our chosen profession, or seek fame & the adoration of millions.  Our purpose is to love God, & to live our lives in a way that will cause others to love Him as well.  This is the whole picture.

I wish you all a very blessed day!