My Way or Yahweh?

By Mark Swegar

Psalm 73, written by Asaph, begins the third of five large thematic sections in the Book of Psalms, and with good reason. The author opens by saying “God is good to the pure in heart,” and then laments his own struggles with maintaining a good attitude. He talks about being jealous of those who do not struggle with health and finances as much as he does, and says it feels like a waste of time to remain pure (vv. 4 and 13). Then he has a little chat with himself, and says that he is behaving like a wild animal due to his bitter heart (v. 22). Finally he comes back to his senses, saying that his relationship with God is worth more than anything on earth (v. 26).

I like this man’s candor with himself and his Creator. The fact is, many times I have settled into comfortable denial rather than being honest with myself and God about my attitudes. Then bitterness creeps in and I become like a wild beast, doing it my way instead of His way. But you know the old pun: I can either do it my way or do it Yahweh. If I do it the Lord’s way, then He will bless my efforts and purify my heart. Ah, the punchline – God purifies my heart. I cannot cleanse it myself, any more than I could do my own brain surgery! We need Jesus to do the work for us. Fortunately, He already has, so we need only to receive it and apply it in our lives.

The word purify comes from the Greek root puro; from it we get the word purge. We also get the prefix pyro, as in pyromaniac, someone who loves fire. When gold is purified, it is heated with fire until all the dross rises to the top and is removed. What remains is pure element, literally fire-purged gold. When God cleanses us, he turns up the heat in our lives until the impurities come to the top to be removed by Him. None of us desires to stand in the fire, but the Lord gives us a willing spirit so we can be purged of our bitter hearts. Let’s be honest, at times we all get jealous of others doing better than us in this difficult economy. But the psalmist said that all of life came into proper context when he “entered the sanctuary of God” (v. 17). That is the key to purity... worship! It is the expression of a grateful heart, the celebration of our relationship with The Father, and the key to a successful life. Whatever problems come our way, the solution is always the same. Worship is the answer. It leads us to a pure heart. It is our greatest privilege. It is the way to know Him even as He knows us. What a reward! “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” Matthew 5:8

Mark Swegar writes from Medford, Oregon. markswegar@yahoo.com