Psalm 147:1-11
Psalm 147, Day 1, the second of the five closing “Hallelujah” psalms.
The LORD lifts up the humble … His delight is not in the strength of the horse, nor His pleasure in the legs of a man, but the LORD takes pleasure in those who fear Him, in those who hope in His steadfast love. (vv. 6a, 10-11) It was sometime in years past that I first heard a “theology” that it’s not us doing anything, but it’s the Lord working through us – or some words to that effect. It’s not a theology that troubles me at all, but it’s one that I have a hard time fully embracing. I understand God’s grace, His care for us, His provision for our needs. And I understand that He has gifted each of us in special ways and that He delights in our use of those gifts to His glory. But then – is it us using those gifts, or Him working those gifts inside us bringing outcomes that glorify Him? I remain confused.
Beyond all that, I have some understanding of humility and I find myself less prideful of past accomplishments than I used to be. I am thankful to the Lord for giving me the ability to do whatever I do or whatever I’ve done in the past. And again I ask, was I doing anything or was it God at work inside me doing those things? The answer to that question doesn’t matter; it’s more an intellectual issue than a theological barrier. But I continue to wonder…!