Jonah 2:8 Those who pay regard to vain idols forsake their hope of steadfast love.
I think this scripture is placed in the middle of Jonah’s story to make us think. At least it was for me. What are our idols? What are we “worshiping” other than God? What is distracting us? Most things are not idols in and of themselves, but the importance we place on them causes them to be. It’s easy to think of materialistic things (idols) being a problem, but what if we are thinking of ourselves so much that God is pushed away. What if our fear of failure, like Jonah’s, causes us to run from something God wants us to do? What if playing it safe causes us to not take a leap of faith? Aren’t we actually depriving ourselves of blessings? God’s plan will be accomplished with or without us and through all of our blunders, he is merciful and sees our hearts, but he loves us enough to let us suffer our own consequences too.
So, what is our focus on? The news and politics of the day? Social media? Work? Relationships? Our health? Even exercise can be an idol when extreme. Anything that becomes the most important thing in our lives can potentially become an idol. So what do we do if we find an “idol” in our lives? First, we can ask God to reveal it to us. Secondly, we can ask for his help to remove it, and thirdly we can seek his presence more strongly and listen for the Spirit’s guidance into fuller understanding.
I understand how life can seem overwhelming sometimes, and we just want to escape from our anxious thoughts–so many different ways. My prayer today is for you and I to run to our merciful Father not away from him, and with humility seek forgiveness and restoration. He is our steadfast hope.
Deb Hill
EFCC Member