Fall is often a time for sports, outdoor events and other large gatherings. The other day when I was at a football game I noticed how many people were there to watch a couple of men play a game. I also noticed how passionate the people around me were following what was happening on the field. This is certainly not something that only happens in a football game. We see it at concerts, with celebrities in public, and even on social media. We often find ourselves passionately involved in something we like. Something that gives us joy and has meaning. Something that draws us closer to others.
This is part of God’s design for us, to be drawn to worship. That worship was meant for God alone (Exodus 20:3), and unfortunately we tend to give it to other things. When our worship is focused on something other than God, it creates feelings of isolation, fear, sadness, or anger. We begin to place expectations on those things that can never fulfill what we expect, because only God can fulfill such things. In Phillipians 4:19, the apostle Paul writes “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” In Matthew 6: 24-34, Jesus talks about the challenges and shortcomings of trying to serve more than one master and putting our hope and trust in things other than God. This is not meant to condemn us, but to encourage us that he is able to provide all that we could ever need. He alone is our hope, strength, and foundation.
No matter what you may be going through in this season, God is there with you. He wants to hear from you and to be intertwined in the daily ups and downs of your life. Deuteronomy 31:8 says “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” God alone deserves our worship, for he has been with us every step of the way. He has also been faithful and true, in our lives and throughout all time, and will continue to be faithful. Thank you Lord for knowing us and loving us.
Written by Evan Pergrim