Psalm 89:1 I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever;
    with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known
    through all generations.

I literally cannot read this verse without the musical arrangement of it running through my heart and mind. We don’t know who “Ethan the Ezrahite” was, but his words have certainly been fulfilled, because it has been thousands of years since he wrote them, and they still inform people of God’s faithfulness. The interesting thing is, in the 52 verses of this fairly long Psalm he goes on, from verse 38 on, to complain that God seems to have changed His mind about His people and His promises. To me, it seems he was overlooking the various sins of the people and their king, which invited the things he wasn’t happy about. As such, this demonstrates that people can have a grasp of God and His truth without having full understanding. That actually applies to every one of us, because as C. S. Lewis pointed out, when we get to heaven we will all discover that we were wrong somewhere! However, that doesn’t mean that we can’t be anointed by God and used by Him for His glory. Ethan had his blind spots, but his words have still proclaimed God’s faithfulness to all generations! We don’t have to be perfect to be useful to God. I am reminded of my father’s “trademark saying,” “Give all you know of yourself to all you know of Christ.” We should be aware of our imperfection, yet totally available to God for Him to use us however He will, for His glory.

I didn’t know how this would go when I started writing, but I think that’s part of the point. We don’t know how God will use us, and we shouldn’t try to limit Him in any way. I would be astounded if God chose to use me in some feat of physical strength, but that’s His business, not mine. However, I have gotten quite used to His using my mouth and my fingers to express His words, and I have come to expect it. That too can get dangerous, because the minute I take it for granted, I forget that it’s all grace and not my doing. He has gifted me in the area of language, but when I try to take credit, I lose the benefit. Like Ethan, I am to proclaim God’s grace and faithfulness to all, praying that my words will echo to multiple generations, but I am to recognize that my perception of God will be imperfect until I stand before Him. That said, what I do know of God is certainly worth sharing!

Father, thank You for the incredible privilege of being used by You. May I be ever more available, yet never try to take credit, before people or especially in my own heart. May all of Your purposes for me be fulfilled, on Your schedule for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!