Text: Psalm 119:73-80
Key Verse: Your hands made me and formed me; give me understanding to learn your commands vs 73 NIV
The first thought about words like ‘made’ and ‘formed’ is not about the thing that is made but the maker. That is always the purpose of everything that is created-to show the skillfulness of its creator. The question then follows, ‘Who made this?’
God is the one who made and formed man. We are not products of an arbitrary, unintelligible and unintentional act. God made us for Himself Is 43:21; He made us for a purpose Is 45:18- for His glory Is 43:21; and to serve Him Is 44:21.
The idea of being ‘formed’ indicates that God has the power of determination to do with us as is fitting in His sight. Listen to Paul, what he has to say about this- But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? “Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, ‘Why did you make me like this?'” Rom 9:20 NIV. That may not sit well with some folks, they fear that God might do with them what they do not want. Yes, God will most likely do certain things we don’t want, but for our own good and His glory. Hear the Psalmist, “I know that your regulations are fair, O LORD, and that you were right to make me suffer” Ps 119:75 GW. Every decision God makes is right and fair- whatever (unpleasant) circumstance He allows in our lives.
Some think a good God cannot and should not allow evil. That is the god of our imagination. It is the god we don’t want to be Sovereign- the god we don’t want to be God. The Sovereign God is independent and free; but He is good and just. He is worthy of our trust because He loves us- we can cast not just our cares but ourselves upon Him. The irony is we have never left His hands, “For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring” Acts 17:28.
God wants to make us a beauty to behold- our lives a wonder and testimony but hear God’s ‘frustration’ about us, “How I wish my people would listen to me; how I wish they would obey me! I would quickly defeat their enemies and conquer all their foes. Those who hate me would bow in fear before me; their punishment would last forever. But I would feed you with the finest wheat and satisfy you with wild honey.” Ps 81:13-16 GNB
Are you struggling to submit to God’s workings and instructions in your life? May you receive grace to let go and let God.
Prayer– Give me understanding that I may obey your commands