May 8 - Reading 36: Psalm 106

“He saved them for His name’s sake, that He might make His mighty power known” (Psalm 106:8)

Have we ever stopped to think about what God’s purpose was in saving us? We tend to think it’s all about us: “He saved me from the penalty of my sin; He saved me so i could go to heaven; He saved me so I could have a better life here on earth.” But according to Psalm 106:8, His purpose was to “make His mighty power known.”

How can we make His mighty power known? First, we can share our testimony about how He saved us. 1 Peter 2:9 tells us to “proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” But then it instructs “Live such good lives among the pagans…that they may see your good works and glorify God” (1 Peter 2:12). We are to live such exemplary lives that non-believers will give glory to God for our good works and godly life. Now, that’s a tall order!

Remember Mission Impossible? As Christians, our mission — which we have chosen to accept — is not about us. It’s solely about bringing HIM glory. But how can we remember to do this in our daily lives? 

Let’s try this: think “Pleasing Him” as we consider our myriad of choices each day. We can even add a question mark: “Pleasing Him?” as we evaluate each decision about our language, our dress, our attitude, our business practices, our relationships, our priorities for time or resources. This phrase helps bring our focus back to Him and our mission in life.

Let’s ask the Lord to help us remember why He saved us. As we apply “Pleasing Him” to each decision, prepare to be amazed at how quickly this phrase can help our “walk” match our “talk.” But let’s also be prepared to experience what peace and joy it brings to our days as we constantly and consistently remind ourselves to stay on mission: “to make His mighty power known.”