There is a lot of influence that comes from society and those that surround us. I know that I will look on with curiosity when I come into a group, to see if there is something that I can learn and/or take away that I maybe should be more aware. I have to be careful that I am not walking into or engaged with a trapping of something that will pull me away from God due to my weakness and desire to “look good” in front of others.
This morning I was brought to Psalm 22 and where this passage is related to the question of why would God forsake me, I have to read and take more away than just the title of the passage. I again have to read to understand and not just collect information.
“6But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by mankind and despised by the people. 7All who see me mock me; they make mouths at me; they wag their heads; 8’He trusts in the LORD; let him deliver him; let him rescue him, for he delights in him!’” — Psalm 22:6-8 (ESV)
The above verses address the idea and reality of being chastised and “mocked” as a follower of Christ. Society is mean and cruel and a thorn in the side of those that adhere to the teaching of God and continue to follow Him even when there appears to be no reward for the devotion. It is easy to fall into the crowd with the mindset that I will better fit in and be accepted when I lend to the leanings of society. But, it is the steadfastness to remain with God and following him that generates the true reward as is noted in the rest of the Psalm and continues in Psalm 23 that follows.
Verse 8 above, where it is meant to be a sarcastic comment and garner some self-doubt and dig into the follower of Christ, it should also be a mantra or a rally cry for the Christ follower. Knowing that God will deliver and rescue me should be that which gives me hope. I should be fully trusting in the LORD and I should be delighting in Him at every step I take. I will be rewarded and those that mock, in order to have the same, will need to do the same once they have reconciled their sinful ways and follow Christ.
I must delight in the LORD always, and not just in times when I am alone with Him. I must carry Him with me at all times and not waver and be influenced by the cruelty of society. I will be with Him and He with me as I travel through this world on way to my final heavenly home.
What in society is getting in the way of your delighting in the LORD? Are you allowing yourself to be influenced by those around you to the point that you are turning away from God to be accepted? What if you were to delight in the LORD always and putting aside the influences of those around you as your ultimate reward is in your final heavenly home?
Trevor's Thoughts 