In Joel 2:12 the Lord says, "Turn to Me with all your heart." Other translations say return to me while there is time. Later in this passage comes the gathering of the congregation assembling for worship. Putting God in His rightful place has everything to do with worship. We know that we are "prone to wander from the God we love" and on a regular basis need to return to Him if we are to put Him in His rightful place both as individuals, as the church, and yes, even as a nation. Our forefathers knew this and expressed it on a regular basis.
Early in Chapter 3 of Lamentations we are reminded of the faithfulness of our God. Our response to that revealing of Himself is seen in verses 40, 41, and 42 where we are challenged again to examine our ways and return to the Lord! Again, then comes the worship - " . . . lifting our hearts and hands in confession" and seeing what happens when we don't put Him first. Worship is putting Him in His rightful place. It is so in our own hearts and lives. It is so in the life of His church. And, it is so in the life of a nation. "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people. Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord."
As we have celebrated our Declaration of Independence this week, let us make a declaration of our dependence upon the One who is to be honored with first place - because of His work in our lives and in our land. Our supreme trust is not in man, not in government, but rather in our God. In God and God only do we trust! May our prayer for America be that we return as a people to putting Him first! mjm
