Daily PresenceSample

Isaiah 44 verse 20 caught my eye in a big way. “Is there not a lie in my right hand?” God used the example of how a man would cut down a tree and use some of the wood for fuel to cook meat or warm himself and then use some of the wood to make an idol and worship it. The worship of the idol is what led to the question posed—is there not a lie in my hand? I don’t do very well when it comes to drawing, carving, painting, etc. I am the master of stick figure art but even then, it’s a bit questionable as to what is a person and what is an animal. If I tried to make an idol, it would be difficult to get anyone to worship it. I would never mistake something I created as an idol artistically because it’s just too darn ugly. However, are there other idols I can put in my hand and mistakenly put my trust in? Money sure is an easy idol to follow. It is certainly necessary to live, but just how much do I need? How much do I want? The bigger question isn’t really about the amount, it’s about the fact that I can surely chase after it and want more and more of it and chase it harder and harder. Honestly, it’s easy sometimes for me to turn to a lot of things that I can control (make?) and let them make me feel better. What do I turn to or chase after when I am in need? Those are the things that can be my idols. It’s not really the item or thing, it’s whether I let that thing or item try to fulfill me. Think of it this way—I save up and buy myself a new car. It can be a loaded out, top of the line whatever brand you like. Is it wrong to buy the car? I don’t think so and I don’t think it matters how expensive the car is. But if I can’t afford it OR more importantly, I only feel good when I get the new car so that I am looking to buy another one when I feel sad or down or in need, that becomes the lie in my right hand.