Psalms – Prayers of Honesty and Praise
Someone or something exciting comes to town and we drive to the location, climb a fence or on each other, stretch out our necks just to get a glimpse. What if we miss it? We can’t miss it. This is the talk of the town! We will be sad and disappointed to miss what everyone is trying to see. We want to be “in on it”. Right?
When the President of the United States came to our little city this very thing happened. (Please, this is no political statement, only an observation.) People lined the streets just to get a glimpse of the passing motorcade. Big events like this have happened many times in my own lifespan.
People tried to get a glimpse of the space shuttle has it flew over the school where I taught. Of course, we took all our students outside to see it! People lined the streets when slain President Kennedy’s horse drawn hearse drove through Washington DC streets. Most of us were glued to our television sets to pay honor as we sat in silence and watched. As I reflect, I also remember the whole world stopping to watch “one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind” as Armstrong set his foot on the moon. No one wanted to miss it! 
The most important life experience that I almost and could have missed was knowing the God of Creation. I almost missed out on many years of living with His overwhelming, reckless, limitless love for me. I could have and did a few times look the other way, but He graciously drew me back into His arms. As we read of all that God did for the Psalmist this morning, I am recalling all that God did for me, my family and all those around me. The song, “Reckless Love” plays in the background of my mind…Psalm 73, The Message
An Asaph Psalm
1-5 No doubt about it! God is good—
good to good people, good to the good-hearted.
But I nearly missed it, missed seeing his goodness.
I was looking the other way,
looking up to the people
At the top,
envying the wicked who have it made,
Who have nothing to worry about,
not a care in the whole wide world.
(Reckless Love)
Before I spoke a word, You were singing over me
You have been so, so good to me
Before I took a breath, You breathed Your life in me
You have been so, so kind to me
Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God
Oh, it chases me down, fights ’til I’m found, leaves the ninety-nine
I couldn’t earn it, and I don’t deserve it, still, You give Yourself away
Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God, yeah
6-10 Pretentious with arrogance,
they wear the latest fashions in violence,
Pampered and overfed,
decked out in silk bows of silliness.
They jeer, using words to kill;
they bully their way with words.
They’re full of hot air,
loudmouths disturbing the peace.
People actually listen to them—can you believe it?
Like thirsty puppies, they lap up their words.
11-14 What’s going on here? Is God out to lunch?
Nobody’s tending the store.
The wicked get by with everything;
they have it made, piling up riches.
I’ve been stupid to play by the rules;
what has it gotten me?
A long run of bad luck, that’s what—
a slap in the face every time I walk out the door.
15-20 If I’d have given in and talked like this,
I would have betrayed your dear children.
Still, when I tried to figure it out,
all I got was a splitting headache . . .
Until I entered the sanctuary of God.
Then I saw the whole picture:
(Reckless Love…)
When I was Your foe, still Your love fought for me
You have been so, so good to me
When I felt no worth, You paid it all for me
You have been so, so kind to me
And oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God
Oh, it chases me down, fights ’til I’m found, leaves the ninety-nine
And I couldn’t earn it, and I don’t deserve it, still, You give Yourself away
Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God, yeah
The slippery road you’ve put them on,
with a final crash in a ditch of delusions.
In the blink of an eye, disaster!
A blind curve in the dark, and—nightmare!
We wake up and rub our eyes. . . . Nothing.
There’s nothing to them. And there never was.
21-24 When I was beleaguered and bitter,
totally consumed by envy,
I was totally ignorant, a dumb ox
in your very presence.
I’m still in your presence,
but you’ve taken my hand.
You wisely and tenderly lead me,
and then you bless me.
25-28 You’re all I want in heaven! You’re all I want on earth!
When my skin sags and my bones get brittle,
God is rock-firm and faithful.
Look! Those who left you are falling apart!
Deserters, they’ll never be heard from again.
But I’m in the very presence of God—
oh, how refreshing it is!
I’ve made Lord God my home.
God, I’m telling the world what you do!
(Reckless Love of God)
There’s no shadow You won’t light up
Mountain You won’t climb up
Coming after me
There’s no wall You won’t kick down
Lie You won’t tear down
Coming after me
There’s no shadow You won’t light up
Mountain You won’t climb up
Coming after me
There’s no wall You won’t kick down
Lie You won’t tear down
Coming after me
Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God
Oh, it chases me down, fights ’til I’m found, leaves the ninety-nine
And I couldn’t earn it, I don’t deserve it, still, You give Yourself away
Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God, yeah
(Songwriters: Caleb Culver / Cory Asbury / Ran Jackson)
HEART CHECK:
How much effort do we put into getting a glimpse of God and what He is doing all around us each day? If we did, we would be amazed!!
What if we put as much effort, excitement, and dedication into seeing God at work as much as we strain ourselves watching human accomplishments? Think about it…
What if we not only recognized God’s goodness, His salvation work, along with His loving actions and gracious benefits, we passionately TALKED about Him and pointed in His direction so others could get a glimpse of God? Whew, I’m already excited! How about you?
Imagine pointing and yelling, “Come and see what God has done!” “Look, He’s right here in our midst!” “What a mighty, loving God!” “I wonder what He will do next?” “Watch and see!”
Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God
Oh, it chases me down, fights ’til I’m found, leaves the ninety-nine
And I couldn’t earn it, I don’t deserve it, still, You give Yourself away
Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God, yeah
Dear Heavenly Father,I am so glad I didn’t miss YOU in my life. I could have. I tried to walk away, but you brought me back. You protected me. You taught me. You have molded my mind to look to You for all help and instruction. You continue to knock of my rough edges. You shape my heart to look more like your heart. You have loved me since the day I was born. You forgive my messes and help me to clean them up. You restore me when I falter by looking to others instead of you for the joy and peace of your salvation. Yes, I almost missed it, but because of You, I did not. For that I praise you, love you, honor you with all that is in me. I love you, Lord. Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of YOU! Thank you!
In Jesus Name, Amen
