Who Are We?

Psalm 2:1-4 "Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the LORD and against his Anointed One. 'Let us break their chains,' they say, 'and throw off their fetters.' The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them."

Casting Crowns may be my favorite Christian band. I love their lyrics. I love the fact that the band started as a youth ministry band. And, I love the fact that the band is still doing youth ministry on a daily basis. Their song Who Am I? reminds me of these verses.

In Psalm 2:1-4 we find the Psalmist talking about the futility that comes when we conspire against the Lord. He is obviously speaking about the enemies of Israel in this passage, but he may as well be speaking about anyone who conspires against the Lord and the Lord's plans.

When we were in the process of discerning where God would have us spend the next chapter of our lives when we were transitioning from Wooddale Church to a new ministry, my wife and I put certain limits on God. We were willing to go wherever it was that God wanted us to go so long as it meant that we didn't have to move, our kids could stay in the same schools that they attend now, and our life wouldn't be inconvenienced too much. Talk about arrogance. We were trying to manipulate our lives so that they would work out how we wanted them to instead of asking God what he wanted for us. When we finally completely yielded control of our plans to God, He took over. Our plans were in vain. God had something so much better planned for us. We just had to trust Him to reveal it.

The beautiful lyrics for the song Who Am I? are shown below. Reflect on the power of these words today.

Who am I, that the Lord of all the earth
Would care to know my name
Would care to feel my hurt
Who am I, that the Bright and Morning Star
Would choose to light the way
For my ever wandering heart

Not because of who I am
But because of what You've done
Not because of what I've done
But because of who You are

I am a flower quickly fading
Here today and gone tomorrow
A wave tossed in the ocean
Vapor in the wind
Still You hear me when I'm calling
Lord, You catch me when I'm falling
And You've told me who I am
I am Yours, I am Yours

Who am I, that the eyes that see my sin
Would look on me with love and watch me rise again
Who am I, that the voice that calmed the sea
Would call out through the rain
And calm the storm in me

Not because of who I am
But because of what You've done
Not because of what I've done
But because of who You are

I am a flower quickly fading
Here today and gone tomorrow
A wave tossed in the ocean
Vapor in the wind
Still You hear me when I'm calling
Lord, You catch me when I'm falling
And You've told me who I am
I am Yours

Not because of who I am
But because of what You've done
Not because of what I've done
But because of who You are

I am a flower quickly fading
Here today and gone tomorrow
A wave tossed in the ocean
Vapor in the wind
Still You hear me when I'm calling
Lord, You catch me when I'm falling
And You've told me who I am
I am Yours

I am Yours
Whom shall I fear
Whom shall I fear
'Cause I am Yours
I am Yours

Dear Heavenly Father,

We don't want to be like your enemies, who willfully plot against You. We want to be people who seek to live every day for Your glory, and for Your renown. Help us not to be people who live for our own vainglory, but for You. Thank You that You love us like You do. We choose to stand for You.

In Jesus' name,

Amen.