In What Posture Are We Living?

“Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts …”

(Psalm 95:1–11, ESV)

The posture in which we live impacts many aspects of our lives.  For example, my natural physical posture is to slump, so I work to stand and sit straight, keeping my back and neck in line.  We also consider our posture toward others, particularly when they are people we find difficult or who make us uncomfortable.  As churches, our posture towards guests or people seeking assistance is to be open.

How is it people see me?  What does my stance, the look on my face, the tone of my voice, my word choices communicate?  It is important to consider what others see and hear in us (as it may not be what we hope).

Am I found approachable and caring?  Are we, as Christians and churches, as loving and caring as we say we are?  We do not want to be judged as unapproachable, but then we must be open and available to serve – with our families and neighbours, within our church families, and outwardly into our communities.

Lent is a season of reorienting our posture towards the Lord.  Are we open to Him as He is … to what He has for us?  Too often we expect God to only do what we want Him to, but this reflects a posture of distrust.  What can we do today to open ourselves towards God?  How are we using this Lenten season to reopen our eyes to His faithfulness?

In our psalm today, we often enjoy the verses of worship (1-7) as they leave us feeling good, but then we leave the “downer” verses (8-11) out.  In the middle is a key phrase … “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts …”.  Learn from the past mistakes of God’s people.  Listen to the Spirit’s voice, even when it is corrective and convicting.  Instead of avoiding God’s difficult words, lean in, listen, keep your heart soft, trust.

In what spiritual posture are we living?

The March 7th, 2023 reading from the MB Seminary Lent Devotional as contributed by Pastor Ryan van Kuik.