For Him --- and for me?

“For I will defend this city, to save it for My own sake and for My servant David’s sake.” (Isaiah 37:35, NKJV)

We watched the last game of the Stanley Cup playoffs at a retired pastor’s home and talked about God’s interest (or not) in hockey. The pastor thought that God was interested in fair play and that the joy of the game, as with all good things, came from the Lord. Then he remarked, with some humor, “But I never know who to pray for.”

God has an agenda that overarches the affairs of human beings. We want this or that, a win for our team included. However, God is doing things for His own sake and for the sake of His people. While foolish people might accuse God of being selfish, think about it—only God is worthy of all honor and glory. If He worked to glorify anything or anyone but Himself, He would be guilty of honoring a lesser god. Is that not idolatry?

My problem with that idea is that often I have no idea what will honor God, particularly when it comes to praying for things like hockey games or even our granddaughter’s soccer games. I want the home team to win, but there are no doubt people on the other side also praying for their home team. It seems safe to ask Him to do what will most glorify Himself.

He also governs the world for the sake of His servants. That is jaw-dropping. Who? Me? Last night I was thinking if the world realized, even if Christians realized, how far the forgiveness of God extends, our lives would be utterly transformed. Even knowing that “all my sins were nailed to the cross” hardly sinks in. If I am totally forgiven for everything—past, present and future sin—would I take it for granted and just do whatever I felt like? No. Being totally forgiven takes away the hardness, the determination to go my own way.

Forgiveness is just one aspect that I cannot fully understand of all that God has done for me. This verse reminds me that there are many more things He does for me that are beyond my finite mind. If He would defend a city for David’s sake, what does He defend for my sake?

These days I am acutely aware that He defends my mind. I’m at peace with that “peace that surpasses understanding” Paul wrote about in the New Testament. Only those who have experienced it can relate, but none of us really understand it. With storms all around, how can there be peace? But there is.

These days I am also aware that God is glorifying His own name. Praise for Him comes from my heart and mouth without effort on my part. He is giving it to me, and as I pass it on, He defends me—for His name’s sake, but also for me. This is an awesome God!

P.S. I thank God for the prayers and comments of His people. You too are a great blessing!