Worthlessness
How long, O you sons of men, will you turn my glory to shame How long will you love worthlessness and seek falsehood? Selah Psalms 4:2
There are very few things in this world that are worthless. Some things can only be purchased with money, which makes them worth their price to the one who buys. Even free things have value and worth to the one receiving. Whether it is a benefit or gift, there is always a price that was paid by someone. There is pretty much some use and worth to every tangible thing in the world around us. Even dirt is important to grow and produce food and plant life. The air, though it cannot be seen in essential to life. I am thankful that it has not been discovered yet how to charge for that.
In the reading today, it speaks of loving worthlessness. It defines worthlessness by what a person is seeking, putting energy into and pursuing in life. Most of the time that can be easily identified by where people spend their lives. If they are pursuing a life of idleness and ease, it is evident in their habits of not going out to be a contribution to society. They love worthlessness. On the opposite side of that is pursuing riches and a life of luxury and leisure. It seems like that life is full of worth based on the amount that is in the bank or worldly investments, but in chasing after those things as the ultimate goal in life, all ends in worthlessness.
Depending on what is done with wealth and funds you have worked hard to earn is how you can truly identify the worth of a person’s daily efforts. If working is important just to be comfortable in this world and to play all of your days, that is what the Psalmist is calling worthlessness.
The rest of this chapter gives some clear directions on how to pursue things that are valuable. This is not to say that you should not work and pursue work when you do not have a job. Doing your best for your employer and contributing to the good of a community through employment is directed in scripture and a godly principal to follow. But the instruction in this Psalm is different than that. It gives us some clear ideas what to be doing in our down time.
Vs.3 – call on God
Vs. 4 – it is ok to be angry, but do not let it lead to sin. Also meditate God’s Word in your heart when you are laying down to rest or sleep. Be still (not scrolling)
Vs. 5 – sacrifice desire for personal fame for a right relationship with the God of heaven. Put your trust in the Lord in every area of life.
Vs. 6 – seek God’s favor instead of man’s approval
Vs. 7 – God’s gladness is worth more than all natural increase
Vs. 8 – When you pursue these things, you will lay down each night in peace and sleep soundly. God alone keeps you living in safety. He is the most worth-y pursuit for all people.
On paper, these things do not look like they should be hard to seek after, but in reality, it will take some focused attention and intentionality. Here are some practical ways that you can be assured that all your pursuits are not worthlessness.
- Spend time talking with and reaching out to your heavenly Father everyday you are alive.
- Don’t let anger make decisions for you but rather look to God’s Word for solutions to any conflicts. Selah
- Spend time each day meditating some of God’s Word. Write out a scripture in the morning that the Holy Spirit puts on your heart and then take it with you and read it before you take time to look at your phone.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to direct you each day to encourage someone who needs it.
- Turn every area of your life over to God for direction and protection
- Ask the Holy Spirit each day how you can be helpful in the plan of God for today.
Today I want to encourage you to pick one of these practical steps to start pursuing a life of worth and value. Begin your day talking with and communing with your Father in heaven. Take a scripture with you through the day to meditate as time permits and make a concentrated effort to consider what you are pursuing the things you are going after. Then, encourage others along the way. Commit to living all areas of you life by the power and direction of God’s Word and His Spirit and check in often with Him to stay on track. Don’t let the end of your days here in this world end without purpose and value. Instead, Seek first God’s Kingdom and His righteousness. Then everything He adds to you will count for all eternity.
Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 4
1 Answer me when I pray, O God, my defender! When I was in trouble, you helped me. Be kind to me now and hear my prayer.
2 How long will you people insult me? How long will you love what is worthless and go after what is false?
3 Remember that the Lord has chosen the righteous for his own, and he hears me when I call to him.
4 Tremble with fear and stop sinning; think deeply about this, when you lie in silence on your beds.
5 Offer the right sacrifices to the Lord, and put your trust in him.
6 There are many who pray: “Give us more blessings, O Lord. Look on us with kindness!”
7 But the joy that you have given me is more than they will ever have with all their grain and wine.
8 When I lie down, I go to sleep in peace; you alone, O Lord, keep me perfectly safe.
The Daily Dose 