Integrity and Skill: Remember and be Transformed
“With upright heart he shepherded them and guided them with his skillful hand.” Psalm 78:72
Psalm 78 is an emphatic proclamation of God’s power and wonders and the necessity of remembering what He has done. Recalling the wonders of God leads us to a place of worship, surrender, and confidence in Him. Forgetting what God has done (or attributing His work to something else) leads to disobedience and rebellion. In verse 72 (above) Asaph states the nature of David’s leadership. He expresses the heart and the ability of David. David shepherded with integrity and purity. David led the people with great skill that was birthed in his dependence upon God and his remembrance of the wonders of God. Asaph begins this Psalm with a significant foundational passion and truth. Verse 4 says,
“We will not hide them from our children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and His might, and the wonders that He has done.”
This remembrance and passion to proclaim them is a great motivation to the integrity and skill that David possessed. This provides a great example and challenge to us today. Every time I read this I am driven to consider the manner in which I am a husband, father, and leader of Canyon Ministries. It compels me to my knees in seeking God’s wisdom as to how to grow in integrity and skill in every area of my life.
Grand Canyon is a place of wonder and transformation as it pulls into remembrance. We stand on the edge of the vastness of Grand Canyon 7,000 feet above sea level and are confronted with vast nature of God’s wisdom, mercy, holiness, and love. We look intently upon the fossils discovered within the walls of Grand Canyon and are transfixed by the action God took to defend His holiness and judge a fallen race. We sit mesmerized by the display of light in a Grand Canyon sunset and sunrise and reflect upon the true Light who came into our world full of grace and truth and now sits at the Father’s side. We observe the diversity of flora and fauna alive in Grand Canyon and recognize the divine creativity of our King. As we do this, a quiet stillness and peace overtakes the mind and heart. Our sin is undeniable in the reflection of God’s holiness. God speaks of His heart and power to save that which is lost and our sin is washed away by the blood of the lamb. We remember the wonders of God revealed in His account of creation. We remember the heart of God revealed in His account of Noah and the flood. We remember and we are changed. Psalm 46:10 tells us to be still and we will know that He is God. From the stillness of our hearts bursts forth a crescendo of praise and desire to live with the upmost of integrity founded upon a renewed confidence in God’s character and His word. The presence of God fuels commitment to proclaiming the wonders of God with skill and passion in a manner that draws others to the light.
Integrity and skill are direct results of the wonders of God. Let us remember and be transformed!
Praiseallujiah!
Jon
