Because it works....

For most of my adult life I struggled with heartburn. And I am not talking about an occasional rough night after a particularly spicy meal. I knew if I ate too much sugary food, or fresh vegetables, or spicy food, I would pay the price with a very uncomfortable evening and lots of antacid. It was a fairly miserable existence. I enjoy all those foods that caused me so much pain.

Then, last fall, I went to the hospital with what I thought was a heart attack. Turns out it was just the worst case of indigestion I had ever had. Don't worry, I am getting to my point. As part of the treatment, the doctor told me to pick some over-the-counter pills to combat the indigestion. I did that. And I was amazed that my heartburn problems went away. I don't mean they lessened, but they actually went away. So, now I am sold on these little pills. Why? Because they work.

All that to say this, we are commanded over and over in the Bible to have faith in God. To trust that He will do what He says He will do. If we were just to accept all that as true, we would still strive to be faithful. But God knows our weaknesses. He understands when we struggle with our belief. That is why He surrounds us with people who can remind us of all the great things He has done.

In the Old Testament, the prophets were often found reminding the people of the way God had delivered them from Egypt. In the New Testament, we see reminders of the awesome sacrifice Christ made on our behalf. And those are just broad examples. When you get down and out, take a moment and remember what God has done for you personally in the past. It will change your outlook. You will become "sold" on a life of service to the everlasting Father and Creator.

Why do I believe that you will be more devoted? Because it works. Just like that little pill is a reminder to me of what I once dealt with and am now free from. We need to remind ourselves of what we once were (sinners in need of grace) and what we are now (sinners that have received grace).

But the psalmist said it better than I have:

I shall remember the deeds of the LORD;
Surely I will remember Your wonders of old.
I will meditate on all Your work
And muse on Your deeds.
Your way, O God, is holy;
What god is great like our God?
You are the God who works wonders;
You have made known Your strength among the peoples. --Psalm 77:11-14