Fully Devoted

FULLY DEVOTED

a prayer to open

Here’s my heart, Lord. Speak what is true.

Here’s my life, Lord. Speak what is true.

Sing a new song to the LORD!

Let the whole earth sing to the LORD!

Sing to the LORD; praise his name.

Each day proclaim the good news that he saves.

Publish his glorious deeds among the nations.

Tell everyone about the amazing things he does.

Great is the LORD! He is most worthy of praise!

He is to be feared above all gods.

The gods of other nations are mere idols,

but the LORD made the heavens!

Honor and majesty surround him;

strength and beauty fill his sanctuary.

O nations of the world, recognize the LORD;

recognize that the LORD is glorious and strong.

Give to the LORD the glory he deserves!

Bring your offering and come into his courts.

Worship the LORD in all his holy splendor.

Let all the earth tremble before him.

Tell all the nations, “The LORD reigns!”

The world stands firm and cannot be shaken.

He will judge all peoples fairly.

Let the heavens be glad, and the earth rejoice!

Let the sea and everything in it shout his praise!

Let the fields and their crops burst out with joy!

Let the trees of the forest sing for joy

before the LORD, for he is coming!

He is coming to judge the earth.

He will judge the world with justice,

and the nations with his truth.

Even though many of us have a deep sense that it isn’t good or healthy to idolize things or people, idols have a grip on most of us in one way or another, in ways we don’t even realize. We tend to turn things that are otherwise good—such as a desire for relationship, adequate income, a fulfilling job, or God-given talents—into idols as a way to cope with difficulty or unresolved wounds. Idols take over our minds and hearts. They tempt us to pursue them instead of God. This psalm reminds us of what we already instinctively know but easily forget: All gods but God are idols, unable to provide satisfaction, help, or hope. How might our lives be shaped if we were to get honest about the things that have a hold on us?

• Read this passage again slowly. What word or phrase stands out to you? Why do you think that word or phrase speaks to you? What does it say?
• What things and people absorb your thoughts and heart more than God (your job, money, image, family, singleness, pain)? What do you pursue more than you pursue God (sex, intimacy, alcohol, drugs, recognition, success, freedom, approval)?
• Who in your life can call you out when you begin to allow those things to take your heart away from God? What’s a step you can take this week to get honest with that person about what idol has a hold on you?

I deeply desire, Lord, that my heart would be fully yours. Why do I get pulled away so easily? Why do temporary pleasures or fixes that bring short-term satisfaction have such a hold on me at times? Help me see clearly what I’m placing ahead of you as idols, and help me be honest with someone in my life about those things so they can help me be free. May my full devotion be to you. Amen.