Wednesday, April 27, 2016

Wise But Uncomfortable Choices

Reflections for this date are based on the following scripture passages:
John 21 Psalms 69

Contrary to what we might want to think, the wise choice is not always the easiest or most comfortable choice. So we must decide whether we want to be wise or be comfortable. More difficult even than choosing wisdom over comfort is to choose wisdom when others consider you a fool because of your decision. Not only is the choice uncomfortable, but the ridicule of others can cause you to doubt your choice.

Such was the situation expressed by King David in Psalms 69. He chose to be a devoted follower of God and to devoutly worship Him. But it brought him ridicule. Not just a little ridicule but he was a derision in the eyes of many. People sat at the city gate and talked about him and made up songs ridiculing him. Why? David described it this way: "because zeal for Your house has consumed me, and the insults of those who insult You have fallen on me. I mourned and fasted, but it brought me insults. I wore sackcloth as my clothing, and I was a joke to them."

His ridicule came not only from the drunkards but also from city leaders who made up part of the crowd at the city gates. Many of these were supposedly religious people and devout Jews. There is no doubt that David was discouraged. In fact his prayer in Psalms 69 was a request that God would not hide His face from him, but would draw near to him and comfort him and not let "the floodwaters sweep over me."

But David did not give in to the ridicule or doubts. He did not decide the cost too great to stick with the wise choice of going with God. Instead, he appealed to God for help and chose to praise God.

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