The Only Way We Can Hear

5.2.2011

Psalm 106:15 15 So he gave them what they asked for, but sent a wasting disease upon them. NIV

Sometimes God’s answer is ‘yes’; sometimes it is ‘no’. Sometimes He says ‘wait’; and sometimes he says, “If you insist”. Psalm 106 is David’s recounting of the nation of Israel and the wanderings in the wilderness; and God’s giving in to their insisting. This song speaks of all their sin and rebellion, but sums it all up by saying, “But [God] took note of their distress when he heard their cry; for their sake he remembered his covenant and out of his great love he relented.” (Ps 106:44-45 NIV)

Sometimes the only way we can hear God is when He gives us what we demand; only to find how grievous our demands were. Sometimes we get the “…if you insist…” because God allows us to see how foolish our demands truly are. God opposes pride and stupidity but chooses to let them happen so that we can see clearly at the end of it all that the true choice, the real choice’ and the right is only Him. God disciplines those He loves (Hebrews 12.5ff). 

God won’t let us wallow in our stupidity forever. He knows when we’re in too deep; He hears the cries of our hearts when we can’t. God’s discipline is divinely designed to get us to respond correctly – it has purpose in mind for our good. And when God sees that we get it, He relents and embraces us again. Discipline finds its birthing place in the heart of God. 

At what price are the things we crave; at what cost is having our own way? So He gave them what they asked for, but… and even the ‘but’ is for our own good.

Father in Heaven,

You only are wise and true. You lead nations and men and seek for them to do what is right and persist in it always. Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but only You make them succeed. Help me to succeed in walking teachably and humbly by Your side – joyfully doing Your bidding in the world around me… amen.