Truth and Consequences

In this picture are Kiara and Taryn  as Good and Not So Good Fruit trees.  They were great sports as our children's church stuck them with apples.

As I read Psalm7 the word “consequences” kept coming to mind.  Even for Christians – those who have had their past, present and future sins washed away by the blood of Christ – there are always consequences for our actions.  Our liberty in Christ does not give us license to sin.

David is seeking refuge and protection from his enemies.  But he’s also cognizant that his consequences may be of his own doing.  He humbles himself and gives God permission to search him, evaluate him, and see if there’s something he’s done wrong to deserve what he’s going through.  If he is guilty of wrong-doing, he’s ready to face the consequences of his actions, even if it means death.

God doesn’t usually intervene when we’re about to make a mistake.  He lets us make our own decisions and choices.  But he does stand waiting on the other side ready to forgive us if we ask, and redeem the situation if we let him.  Either way, consequences can still be far reaching, life-changing…permanent. 

So David cries out for refuge and deliverance, but is also willing to face any consequences God so chooses.  But then comes another plea and praise of God.  Rise up.  Take charge.  For those who follow Him, God is their shield.  He’ll save the righteous.  He’ll judge rightly.  He’ll fight for us and with us.  While consequences still unfold around us, we can be assured that God’s love and faithfulness remain steady even when ours doesn’t. 

Even when we mess up.  When we repent, God forgives.  When we humble ourselves, God redeems.  God doesn’t forsake us just because we mess up.  He may let us reap the consequences, but he doesn’t leave us.

And speaking of consequences, the ones for unbelievers - those who reject God and deliberately rebel against Him - those consequences are doozies.  V16 says the trouble he causes recoils on himself, his violence comes down on his own head.  Ouch!

So consequences or not, we should always give thanks to the Lord for His righteousness.  We should always sing His praises.  And when we mess up, we should repent.  Repentance means a sincere turning away from ourselves and our sin, and turning toward God.  It means an about face and new direction – in mind, heart, and action.

It’s tough to ask God to search me, convict me, point out what I’ve done wrong.  But I know He only does so out of love and for that reason it’s a bit easier.  I sincerely want to please Him so awareness, confession and repentance are just part of the process.

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14