Daily PresenceSample

I have some pretty embarrassing videos of childhood performances tucked away in my parent's attic. I’ve worn some questionable costumes, acted out some ridiculous things, and sung some crazy songs. From time to time I think back and wonder what twisted forms of “blackmail” wait on a VHS tape marked “1992.” Hopefully, no one ever finds out!

I performed a particularly mortifying song in a church musical when I was in elementary school. Not only was I already an incredibly awkward “tweenager,” but the song was…. a rap. Yes, little, blonde, 12-year-old me rapped in public. But despite the shame I feel in retrospect, the song has always stuck with me. It was cheesy and a bit scarring, but the lyrics were really solid!

The chorus rhythmically proclaimed to a group of idolatrous Israelites “You might as well pray to a bail of hay!” In short, worshiping an idol was about as useful as praying to a stack of straw. At the time I didn’t really connect the dots, but as I’ve grown older and read through God’s word, I’ve thought, “what a lyric!”

Isaiah 57:13 says “When you cry out for help, let your collection of idols save you! The wind will carry all of them off, a mere breath will blow them away. But whoever takes refuge in me will inherit the land and possess my holy mountain.”

Our “idols” may look different in the modern world, but “idolatry” is still a part of our lives. Money, fame, success, relationships, addiction, and anything else we put before God. Our idols are perhaps less obvious than wooden statues or bails of hay, but this only makes us more likely to fall prey to their worship. These things can sneak into our lives and we suddenly find ourselves on our knees seeking after their gospel. But their gospel is empty and lifeless.

When things get difficult, those idols fall flat. They’re useless and so are the prayers they receive. You may be invested in them but they’re not invested in you. They won’t lead you to life, they won’t hold you up when you’re weak. There is only one God who is worthy of your worship. When you offer Him your heart, it isn’t met with silence. He hears you, He loves you, and unlike lifeless idols, He actually has the power to answer your prayers!