Not If but When

Scripture:
When they sin against You -
for there is no one who does not sin -
and You are angry with them
and hand them over to the enemy,
and their captors deport them to the enemy’s country -
whether distant or nearby ...
1 Kings 8:46

Observation: Solomon knew Israel would continue sinning, and eventually all the punishments pronounced by Moses and Joshua - concluding with exile - would come to pass. In his prayer of dedication for the temple, he repeats please about their future sin and failure, and asks God to listen to them when they repent. It isn't that Israel is so evil they cannot avoid sin, it is that everyone is evil and cannot avoid sin. Even when God speaks to Solomon directly, promising his line a permanent kingship if only he will avoid worshipping other gods, eventually Solomon himself will fail at that.

Application: It is not if, but when, I will sin. I hate this element of human weakness, and it is one of the components I cannot understand ... the fact that everyone seeks to do right but instead does wrong. Paul lamented it, and I lament it. It is a condition that affects me mentally and physically, and even when I strive to repent things creep into my mind.

I can logically think this through, wrestle with sin and Satan, and just "try harder". But what I need is more of the Holy Spirit. I need a softer heart, and a changed mind. I need full surrender.

Prayer: Lord, I do seek full surrender today. As I move forward in faith regarding the future of our children, I also trust in you with all elements of my life. Help me to repent of sin, and find a way to live according to your statutes. I seek the life of your promise, and of salvation in Jesus. Please continue your work within me. Amen.