All who are rich and have more than enough will bow down to you, Lord. Even those who are dying and almost in the grave will come and bow down (Psalm 22:29, CEV).

Forest glade, Gatineau Park, QC — photo by David Kitz

Reflection

This week’s I Love the Psalms theme is bowing.

A few days ago I heard an acquaintance remark that she was glad that her mother turned to the Lord two weeks before her death. Of course that is very good news, but it’s also unfortunate that this mother put off getting her heart right before God until the very end of her life. She missed out on years of the joy and peace that only Jesus can bring.

Why do so many people stubbornly refuse to bow before God until they are staring death in the face? The psalmist, David wrote about this phenomena.

All who are rich and have more than enough will bow down to you, Lord. Even those who are dying and almost in the grave will come and bow down (Psalm 22:29, CEV).

It seems we want to be the masters of our own destiny, until the only destiny before us is the grave. We wrongly assume that the Lord is a hard taskmaster, but the devil, the world and our selfish nature drive their own hard bargain. They are the real slave masters.

Who will you serve?

Response: LORD God, I bow before you. I want to serve you now and for eternity. Give me a willing heart to serve you and your people with joy for all the days you give me. Amen.

Your Turn: Are you serving yourself or God? Examine your heart for your true motives.