Enjoy Life, Enjoy God

A GODLY FOCUS

March 23, 2011

The Puritans prayed that they would not be too comfortable dwelling closely to sin. "Hast thou sought joys in some creature comfort? Look not below God for happiness; fall not asleep in Delilah's lap." In other words, it's not a summons to prudishness, but an awareness and a focus on the things of God.

I will sing of your love and justice; to you, Lord, I will sing praise. I will be careful to lead a blameless life--when will you come to me? I will conduct the affairs of my house with a blameless heart. I will not look with approval on anything that is vile.
                                              - Psalm 101:1-3 TNIV

When I first read or pray Psalm 101, I conclude, "This guy ain't me!" He's so careful, so concerned with honoring God, so focused on God. I'm miles away from the Psalmist. But why? It's not the Psalmist's problem, it's mine. We have been raised in such an anti-prudish world, even in the church, that we are comfortable dwelling closely to sin in our lives. Mind you, I'm not talking about condemning others; I'm talking about self-discipline and self-restraint.

Look at the care the Psalmist takes to stay focused on God. (Read Psalm 101 now; it's short!) Maybe our discipleship would accelerate if we practiced such self-control. Maybe our Godly focus would invigorate us, if we were a little less comfortable with the casual world around us. Maybe God would honor such a prayer as "Lord, I will conduct the affairs of my house with a blameless heart. Have mercy on me, dear God."

Joyfully,

Dale Patterson