Cling to the LORD

"Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs." - Jonah 2:8 (NIV)

An idol is something more than a grotesque statue with big lips and a ruby in its navel. It's a God-substitute. It's something - anything - that we value higher than God. In order to cling to such an idol, we make a trade...

Those who turn from God to embrace a God-substitute suffer terrible loss. Why? Because they were made to find joy in God, not the substitute. They swap God's present and future blessing for something they can immediately see, taste, or feel. But that something never satisfies.

- Randy Alcorn, The Purity Principle

Idols aren't just stone statues. No, idols are the thoughts, desires, longings, and expectations that we worship in the place of the true God. Idols cause us to ignore the true God in search of what we think we need...

Of course having godly relationships is a blessing and a source of happiness, and there is nothing sinful in desiring them; but if they are the source of our joy... if they take top priority in our lives, then they are our gods. That's why Jesus said, "Seek first [God's] kingdom" (Matthew 6:33). If God is the top priority in our lives, everything else will fall into place. It's then that these beloved blessings will fade in importance and God will take His rightful place in our hearts.

- Elyse Fitzpatrick, Idols of the Heart: Learning to Long for God Alone

What worthless idols are we clinging to?

"Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did. Do not be idolaters..." - 1 Corinthians 10:6-7 (NIV)

"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry." - 1 Corinthians 10:13-14 (NIV)

"Dear children, keep yourselves from idols." - 1 John 5:21 (NIV)

My soul thirsts for the living God
My soul thirsts for You alone
My soul thirsts for the living God alone

Praise, praise
I lift my voice and raise, praise
I sing of Your amazing grace
To the living God
To You my living God