How many times in the last 30 days have you agreed to terms and conditions—especially on apps or the internet—by clicking the box and moving on. Maybe you even read them.
But you have no idea about the impact.
Take your personal data, for example. Companies that connect with millions of people online collect your personal data with your acceptance of their terms and conditions. A simple click. This is creating massive and accurate algorithms for their profit.
All while you gladly and passively use their stuff.
Sometimes we get the idea that believing in Jesus is just as easy and impactful. But neither of these is true.
God does want us to accept by faith his terms and conditions, but that means more than agreement. It means action. Real faith accepts Jesus’ invitation to walk on water by getting out of the boat.
Notice in these words today from Psalm 18 that we not only agree with God’s promises by faith, but then God wants us to take action with that faith.
God is your Rock who arms you with strength. Like arming you with a weapon that you will need to use. He trains you for a real battle. By faith you will need to fight.
God keeps your way secure. Like a deer, he wants you to bound around with joy without fearing that you’ll trip over a limb.
God is your Shield. He protects you so that you can keep moving forward, not just hunker down and hide. He is also your Path.
Acceptance is one element of faith, and an important one. Spiritually speaking, we can accept even without full understanding. That’s trust. When true trust happens, its impact means action. Works of faith. Courage in fear. Taking next steps for no other reason than God says so.
“As for God, his way is perfect:
The Lord’s word is flawless;
he shields all who take refuge in him.
For who is God besides the Lord?
And who is the Rock except our God?
It is God who arms me with strength
and keeps my way secure.
He makes my feet like the feet of a deer;
he causes me to stand on the heights.
He trains my hands for battle;
my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
You make your saving help my shield,
and your right hand sustains me;
your help has made me great.
You provide a broad path for my feet,
so that my ankles do not give way” (Psalm 18:30-36).
PRAYER: Dear God, you are my Rock, my Shield and my Path. You make me strong so that I can fight my battles. You protect me so that my mind can think with peace. You lead me so that I take steps of faith. Today I want to do more than agree with your truths. Today I want to act on them. Amen.
FURTHER MEDITATION: Slowly meditate on the words of Psalm 18 above. Carefully notice the actions that follow agreement. Faith is not passive. What is one step you could take today that puts your faith into action? Pray about it.