"Will"

Okay, this is just to get your attention. But aren't my three young men cute? Not exactly best friends, but good enough for temporary roommates. Willie, the little black guy, will be leaving this weekend to return to his real home in Tennessee. And so I named this post after him.

Actually, I'm looking at Psalm 57 and noticing all the "will"'s there. When man "wills" something, it means that he determines it, purposes to complete a task, sets his mind to it. When God "wills" something, it is a promise that we can count on. Can we count on our wills? Not usually. But we can still be intentional about proclaiming them, as David was.

In Psalm 57, we see David "willing" to take refuge in the shadow of God's wings, willing to sing and make melody and awaken the dawn, willing to give thanks and praise to the God who rescues him. He determines, as ought we, to trust in the Lord with all his heart. Why?

Because God will send from heaven and save us, He will put to shame him who tramples on us, He will send out His steadfast love and faithfulness. He alone is the one who is worthy, and we do well to "will" ourselves to praise Him. Does He owe us rescue? Not in the least bit. But He graciously gives it because He loves us.

Recognizing and acknowledging and praising God's greatness and gracious condescension to us keeps our trials in their proper perspective. After all, no trial lasts forever. Only God's love does that.

In the end, it's God's glory alone that matters. And His glory results in our good. Because that is the purpose He promises in verse 2 to fulfill. Determine today to exalt Him not just in spite of, but because of.

Bon Voyage, Willie!