Oct
15
Verse of the Day: Desperation
ByToday’s verse is from one of my favorite stories in Scripture-
Elijah and the contest on Mt. Carmel with the prophets of Baal.
I’m strongly encouraging everyone to read the whole passage. 1Kings 18:1-40
This verse takes a different view of desperation. Desperation based on false hope.
Here’s today’s verse -
1 Kings 18:26
So they took the ox he had given them, prepared it for the altar, then prayed to Baal. They prayed all morning long, “O Baal, answer us!” But nothing happened—not so much as a whisper of breeze. Desperate, they jumped and stomped on the altar they had made.
I think my god of false hope is my own ability, my own ideas, my own energy and drive. I will pray to it and cut myself in taking time away from my family and Him. I use my whole day sometimes calling upon every deity in my being with the same results, nothing. Sometimes I can just see myself jumping and stomping in a fit of "desperation"…..there it is….I know even though my situation may be doused in ignorance and misdirection, when I direct my efforts in His strength, He is faithful to complete His work in me.
Death to self – has anybody ever achieved this?
Those false gods can be very aluring and we can all get distracted by the glitz & glitter….but need them or call on them to come through on what you thought they offered, and every single time your jumping up and down, stopming, and pleading with them. WHY do I get caught in this trap, I know the God of the bible, I know His promises, is unfailing love, and His grace & mercy for me. I need to spend more energy being DESPERATE for HIM and less energy on this world.
I think we all get caught up in that trap from time to time. Focus and discipline make all the difference – sadly, those are the hardest things some times.