Praying the Psalms: Psalm 106

106.  Longer than I thought it would be.  Sadder than I expected it to be.  Seriously, I found myself near tears at some points in reading this, just wanting to beat the Israelites about the head, as they repeatedly strayed from God.

Straying from God, in my head, is one thing – but then yoking yourself (or actively taking on the teachings) of the enemy in the form of Caananite idols is another.  I liken it to not just ignoring God and quietly forgetting your faith and relationship with the One who created the entire universe, but loudly proclaiming from the rooftops that He is not enough for you, that you seek solace and provision elsewhere.

I was near tears at this point, at how we break God’s heart.  Then I read the line about sacrificing sons and daughters to demons and it was all over for my emotions!

So as I am reading this all, it’s looking pretty grim and feeling pretty sad – and YET – God still takes note of their (our) distress and remembers his promises to them, for their sake.  God does indeed save us from our wanderings, as he did indeed repeatedly save and show grace to the Israelites.

Thank God!  And as it ends, praising the true God, I am left with the comfort that no matter how far our mind strays, no matter how down we think we are, or how far from Him, He is the one who saves.  He is the one who gathers us to Him, that we may know we are His, and give him the praise that is rightfully His.

Love this rollercoaster ride.  Amen.