Good Morning!

We had an answered prayer this morning. Maybe it wasn’t that big of a deal. Apparently, it wasn’t because I really didn’t give praise to God as I should have. I thought, well, that’s cool. To be honest, I reacted as I would have whether I had prayed for it or not. It was like I expected it to happen anyway and the prayer really wasn’t necessary after all.

I’m reminded of a scene from the Mel Gibson movie “Maverick” in which he almost drowned while crossing a river. It was the classic scene. Raging river. The man is being swept away and is drowning. He calls out to God to save him and promises he’ll give up this and that and do the other thing if only He will save him from certain death. And, God does, and the man walks away thinking, “Whew, that was close!” and completely forgets about his oath to God.

Now, I have to admit, this was a funny scene, only because I can relate so well. First, I once almost drowned in a river. Second, I have forgotten all about far too many answered prayers. Forgotten, that is, in thanking God. Forgotten, as well, for those I have thanked him for but have simply forgotten afterwards.

I looked up verses regarding vows. It did not ease my mind. There are a ton of them. Here’s just one.

Deuteronomy 23:11 “If you make a vow to the Lord your God, you shall not delay fulfilling it, for the Lord your God will surely require it of you, and you will be guilty of sin.

So…, that’s troubling. I wonder how many times I have vowed something and completely forgotten all about it?

I think the real issue is not the fear of correction, but rather the loss of relationship with the Lord. Right? Let’s face it, God doesn’t need us or our thanks. We are the one who benefits from a relationship with God. We NEED him. When we are careless in this, we only hurt ourselves. Right?

Psalm 34 is a really good place for us to land on this topic. It is too long to put here, but it certainly is worthwhile. Let me include the first few verses, and let you go about your day.

Psalm 34:1-7 I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad. Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together. I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed. This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them.

Thank you, Father, for delivering the cat we prayed for. Yes, I took you for granted. Use this lesson to make a valuable impression upon me. Teach me to thank you as I should. Certainly, you are worthy. Amen.

Copyright © 2018 Scott Powers