He Always Deserves It

Because of one slip up in forty years of dealing with the incessantly whiny Israelites, God told Moses he would not enter the Promised Land. It seems a little harsh. If it were me, I would have been pouty about it, yet as they prepare to take over their new land (and Moses faces death), he recites a beautiful tribute of praise to His God which starts with these words.

Pay attention, heavens, and I will speak; listen, earth, to the words of my mouth. Let my teaching fall like rain and my word settle like dew, like gentle rain on new grass and showers on tender plants. For I will proclaim the LORD’s name. Declare the greatness of our God!

Deuteronomy 32:1-3 (HCSB)

Moses knew he would not enter the land he worked forty years to see, yet he understood his lack of opportunity or reward or satisfaction had nothing to do with the power and glory of His Lord. He reminded the Israelites one more time of God's faithfulness to them, of His promises to be with them as long as they strictly obeyed His commands. He accepted God's plan for his life and praised Him for all He had done.

I would be wise to follow suit, whether I like the situation He's placed me in or not, even if I don't understand. He is God. And if He is God, I will pay Him the respect and honor He deserves. There are days my spirit droops, days I don't feel like declaring anything except LEAVE ME ALONE! God may seem distant and uninvolved. I may not like what He's doing or not doing. Or I just may not feel like singing. But if God inhabits the praises of His people, shouldn't I praise Him anyway?

For God's greatness is not dependent on our interpretation or appreciation or mood.

Just as we vow to love our spouses in sickness and in health, in plenty or in want, we show our love for God by lifting His name in joy or in sorrow, in celebration and in pain.

He always deserves it.

Join Patricia at Typing One-Handed for more thoughts inspired by this quote.