READ Psalm 97:6–9. 6 The heavens proclaim his righteousness, and all peoples see his glory. 7 All who worship images are put to shame, those who boast in idols—worship him, all you gods! 8 Zion hears and rejoices and the villages of Judah are glad because of your judgments, LORD. 9 For you, LORD, are the Most High over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods.
WORSHIP HIM, ALL YOU GODS! We must forsake our idols (verse 7). Idols are often good things that have become ultimate sources of meaning. Good things need not be removed from our lives, but their place within our hearts must be transformed. In an interesting phrase, these gods are called to “worship him!” (verse 7). When we make our career into a god, it demands, as it were, to be considered an end in itself. It whispers, “Only if you have me, only if you are successful, will your life be valid.” Instead you must let God’s love and regard for you be the new ground of your identity. Then your career can be made to say, “I’m important, but not all-important. I’m just a way to serve God.”
Prayer: Lord, your grace has cut down the tree of sin in my life, but the stump and its roots are still there and go deep. “Lord! Must I always guilty prove, and idols in my heart have room? Oh! Let the fire of heavenly love the very stump of Self consume.”95 Amen.