Set Apart For God

(Note: St. Augustine is famous for writing a book called “The Confessions,” which was written completely as a prayer to God. In the same spirit, I plan to write these posts as a prayer to God.)

“O men, how long shall my honor be turned into shame? How long will you love vain words and seek after lies? Selah But know that the LORD has set apart the godly for himself; the LORD hears when I call to him.” (Psalm 4:2–3, ESV)

O men, how long shall my honor be turned into shame? How long will you love vain words and seek after lies?

Heavenly Father, sometimes the weight of sin and folly in the world weighs heavily upon me. In reality, it should weigh heavily upon me more often. I see the world around me honoring things that are dishonorable and dishonoring things that are honorable. The world continues to glory and celebrate shameful things, while bringing shame on glorious things. I see the world around me twisting and distorting the truth to get their own way. I see people lying to cover up their own shame and dishonor—to make it look honorable. I see people wasting their time, energy, and words on worthless things—dishonorable things. 

Yet, Father, when I’m honest with myself, these things still lie deep within me. Even though you’ve opened my eyes to something greater—more worthy—I often find myself tempted by worthless, shameful things. I often find myself tempted to lie to justify myself or to cover up my shame.

Father, please forgive me. Please cleanse me from these sinful desires—these things that bring no joy or purpose or glory. Father, please stir my heart to desire things that are truly worthy, truly glorious, truly focused on you. Help me walk in step with your will and to pour out my life in pursuit of glorious and worthy things—eternal things. 

But know that the LORD has set apart the godly for himself…

Father, it is in this truth that I find comfort in life and in death. “I am not my own, but belong—body and soul, in life and in death—to my faithful savior Jesus Christ.” (Heidelberg Catechism, Q&A 1). You have set me apart for yourself—to be your child. You are my God, and I am your child.

Father, I may not receive honor and glory in this life, but it's not about that, is it? It’s about honoring and glorifying You—my God. It’s not about receiving glory and honor in this life, but looking forward to the reward and inheritance that you—Father—have in store for me. Help me see that inheritance more clearly. Help me treasure that inheritance more fully. Help me keep running this race of life with my eyes on your glory and honor—not the worlds. Help keep my eyes on Jesus—the author and perfector of my faith. Help me desire the crown of glory stored up for me in heaven. 

…the LORD hears when I call to him.

Father, because you are my God, and I am your child, I know that you listen to me and hear me when I call to you. I am confident that since you adopted me into your family, that you will continue to hear me when I call to you—in trouble, distress, or in joy. You are there to hear me.

Father, that’s why I continue to run to you in times of trial and difficulty—you are there and you are not silent. You are there for me when I cry out. You are there to speak to me words of truth and life. This is why I keep running to you, Father. I want to hear Your voice over the twisted lies of the world around me. I want to see Your glory and honor over the world’s glory and honor. I want to listen to You, my God, not what the world is screaming. 

You are my God, I will listen to you and look to you in everything. No where else. Amen.