Forgetful or Faithful

“He rebuked the Red Sea also, and it was dried up… and the waters covered their enemies: there was not one of them left… They soon forgat his works” (Psalm 106:9-13).  “Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?” (Proverbs 20:6).  Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of Me this night… Peter said unto him, Though I should die with Thee, yet will I not deny Thee… After a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech betrayeth thee.  Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the Man… And Peter remembered the word of Jesus… and wept bitterly” (Matthew 26:31-75).

With walls of water on each side,

All Israel saw what had been done:
For them the Red Sea had been dried,
Which drowned their enemies, each one!

They soon forgot their Lord’s defense;

It only took a few short days. 
In spite of such great evidence,
Their grumbling soon replaced their praise. 

How often do we do the same?

Are not we likewise so inclined?
Like most, our goodness we’ll proclaim,
But faithfulness is hard to find.

We learn from Peter’s awful night,

It only takes a little while
For confidence to turn to flight
And boldness to become denial.

Like Peter, we are called to pray,

Yet this is where we often fail.
That’s all it takes to go astray
And to discover we are frail.

Though Peter followed from afar,

That distance did not serve him well.
We likewise find out who we are:
If Christ is distant, time will tell.

So soon again it’s time to heed

The lesson that our flesh is weak.
Our willing spirits surely need
To find in Christ the strength we seek.

O Lord, we cast ourselves on You;

We know there is no other place
To find the strength You will renew
As You impart to us Your grace. 

Lord, find us faithful as You draw

Our hearts in worship closer still,
To love You more, to stand in awe,
And lean on You to do Your will.