On Friday, June 27, 2014 I was as old as my father ever was. He died young – 54. Realizing that God blessed me with more time than my dad, I took some time to think of where my life had been and where it was going. I spent that day doing something that my dad would have wanted to do – playing with all my grandchildren.
I think in life we should have moments when we ask ourselves some real questions of reflection and search for real answers to make sure we’re on the right path. Anniversary, Birthday, Birth of a child, Death, sickness, Wedding, Funeral, Memorial Day, Veteran’s Day, New Year’s Eve… These all provide a natural pause in our life to reflect and review our life.
Psalm 41 was written by David during an extreme struggle in his life. He was too sick to lead the nation as he wanted, so his own son, Absalom, took advantage and promoted himself as king, along with his trusted friend, Ahithophel. This is a great psalm to use to take a personal inventory by asking and answering four questions.
1. How do I treat others?
Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble. (Psalm 41:1)
David knew the promises of God. God would show mercy to those who show mercy to others. David fully obeyed the Lord’s rules and had shown mercy to King Saul, to Saul’s grandson Mephibosheth, and to the needy in the land. We have every reason to believe that David sought to care for the poor and needy in his kingdom.
It is good to reflect on our treatment of others in our lives, especially the less fortunate. Have I given to the poor? Have I encouraged the struggling? Have I helped others on the path of life?
2. How do others treat me?
Mine enemies speak evil of me, When shall he die, and his name perish? (Psalm 41:5)
It wasn’t enough that David was sick, but his own family and friends were turning against him. These false friends visiting him and lied to him (We hope you get well soon) but they really wanted him to die, even plotted against him.
It is good to reflect on the way others have treated us. When you’re going through hard times you find out who your real friends are. It’s good to realize the goodness others have shown us.
3. How does God treat me?
But thou, O Lord, be merciful unto me, and raise me up… (Psalm 41:10)
David prayed for mercy because he knew he had sinned. When confronted with his sins, he confessed them and sought the face of the Lord.
God in His mercy doesn’t give us what we deserve, and God in His grace gives us what we don’t deserve. He does this because Jesus Christ, His Son, died for us on the cross. It is good to reflect on the goodness and mercy of God.
4. How do I treat God?
Blessed be the Lord God of Israel from everlasting, and to everlasting. (Psalm 41:13)
The main thing in our lives must be the eternal praise and glory of the Lord. It is easy to neglect God the hectic life we live. But He deserves to be praised and thanked.
When I was growing up my grandpa had a saying when we asked him about going to church. He said, “Six days a week, God is good to us and on Sundays we give thanks.” I’m afraid that many people don’t have this idea. They feel that the reason one goes to church is to get something out of it. Frankly, as a child, I’m not sure if I ever expected to get anything out of it or not. At any rate, that wasn’t the point. Where do we get the idea that what happens in church is about us? It is the Lord’s day. We go to worship the Lord.
Does God deserve to be worshiped? I believer He does. Then, the church service is the time for adoring God, for praising Jesus Christ, for giving thanks to our Lord who is so good to us. That is why you should go. That is what you should go to do. If you get blessed, it’s a bonus, a by-product. It’s nice when that happens. I hope it happens a lot – but it’s not why you should go. When it’s the Lord’s day you should go to worship the Lord.