The Ultimate Deal

Sometimes I over-simplify things; sometimes I over-complicate things. With that in mind, I'm going to very briefly share what I think God's ultimate deal is for us. I hope you can give me grace.

God is not a TV pitchman. This isn't a Two-fer. He's not like the fast-talking guy who names a price for something, then says "But Wait! There's More!", before finishing with "Just pay separate Shipping and Handling."

But He does have the most incredible deal ever for us. It's His best deal and you'll never see another one like it. 

A Vigorous, Firm Grip

God has always had a firm grip on things. I can't imagine that He's ever NOT been vigorous, but I've never sensed it like this. I don't know why He's making this truth come extra-alive in my heart at this time, but He is. Maybe this is for you to grab hold of. Maybe it's just so that I can pray with more confidence and force in these perilous times. Whatever God's reason, I feel strongly that I'm supposed to share this with you.

Looking back through history and looking around at the perilous times in which we live, it doesn't feel as though His grip is all that firm. But Scripture is clear in many places: He will have His way with His creation. As the Psalmist said to the Lord, "All things serve You." (Psalm 119:91).

The Psalmist's Cry is My Cry

These passages from Psalms speak to where my heart is this morning. May He grant us mercy!

Psalm 130    

Out of the depths I have cried to You, O LORD;
Lord, hear my voice! Let Your ears be attentive To the voice of my supplications.
If You, LORD, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand?
But there is forgiveness with You, That You may be feared.
I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, And in His word I do hope.
My soul waits for the Lord More than those who watch for the morning— Yes, more than those who watch for the morning.
O Israel, hope in the LORD; For with the LORD there is mercy, And with Him is abundant redemption.
And He shall redeem Israel From all his iniquities.

Psalm 119:173-176 

Let Your hand become my help, For I have chosen Your precepts.
I long for Your salvation, O LORD, And Your law is my delight.
Let my soul live, and it shall praise You; And let Your judgments help me.
I have gone astray like a lost sheep; Seek Your servant, For I do not forget Your commandments.