Grievous To Imagine!

There is a passage in the psalms which for a long time has struck me to be the worst thing David (the writer) could imagine. David had been guilty of grievous sin and his relationship to God was in jeopardy. He knew he needed God’s help to create within him a clean heart ( Psalm 51:10) and bring restoration. ( Psalm 51:12) However, sandwiched between those two acknowledgements we have an earnest plea regarding David’s relationship with God.

David cried…
“CAST ME NOT FROM YOUR PRESENCE, and take not your Holy Spirit from me.” ( Psalm 51:11 ESV)

Perhaps there was no other thing imagined which could have grieved David more. When we look at the life of David we see he had a heart which constantly drew him toward God. He cherished the relationship. He could not imagine life without God. And though, like us, David was an imperfect being, whenever he fell his repentant heart would always turn him back to God. Truly, to be SEPARATED FROM GOD was the worst thing that could happen to Him. (note Matthew 10:28) Would not the same be true for us as well.

David was described by God Himself as a man after His own heart. ( 1 Samuel 13:14; Acts 13:22) It was the right heart of David which grieved at any thought of being SEPARATED FROM GOD. But is that not also the great desire within the heart of God? Is God not also grieved at the thought of man being SEPARATED FROM HIM? Could that not also be the worst thing God can imagine; those created in His very image to be eternally cast from His presence?

God is grieved by sin. Sin is what causes separation from God. However, God so wants that SEPARATION FROM HIM to not exist that He has gone to great lengths and our Lord Jesus Christ literally went to great pains to make renewal of the relationship possible.

Paul pointed to this provision of God in these words:
“(10) For if while we were enemies we were RECONCILED TO GOD BY THE DEATH OF HIS SON, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. (11) More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we HAVE NOW RECEIVED RECONCILIATION.” ( Romans 5:10-11 ESV)

In Christ the means has been made possible for our being reconciled; no longer SEPARATED FROM GOD, but brought back into a right relationship with Him. But, like David, we also need a penitent heart which continually draws us toward God and His Will. May we “rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ” as we accept the means in Him to continue in a right relationship with God. He so desires for us to remain His!

Have a great day CONTINUING IN KINSHIP WITH THE FATHER!
Carl

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