Bel and Nebo, the gods of Babylon, bow as they are lowered to the ground. They are being hauled away on ox carts. The poor beasts stagger under the weight. Both the idols and their owners are bowed down. The gods cannot protect the people, and the people cannot protect the gods. They go off into captivity together. “Listen to me, descendants of Jacob, all you who remain in Israel. I have cared for you since you were born. Yes, I carried you before you were born. I will be your God throughout your lifetime— until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you. “To whom will you compare me? Who is my equal?

Isaiah 46:1-5

Dear God, is it a problem if I can’t even tell what my idols are anymore? I think it probably is. Sometimes, I think I’ve created so many idols for myself that as soon as I get rid of one there is another ready to take its place.

Money. Sure money is an idol that I wrestle with from time to time, but it’s not a huge issue for me. The best way to deal with the money being an idol issue is to give some away. In fact, my wife and I have found through the years that the best thing for us to do in times of feeling insecure about money is to find a place or person to give some of it to.

Maybe that’s the pattern. My work. My children. My home. My safety. My car. My theology. My church. My intellect. My entertainment. My time. My health. These are all things that compete for my worship. How do I give those away?

I’m reminded of the hymn, “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus.” The chorus still sits in my head:

Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face
And the things of earth
Will grow strangely dim
In the light of his glory and grace

Father, help me to turn my eyes upon Jesus today. Help me to look fully in His wonderful face. I need Him. I need the Holy Spirit. I need you. Fill me and help me to charge into this day under your blessing and power.

In Jesus’s name I pray,

Amen