“It is good for me to draw near to God.” Psalm 73:28

From the time I was old enough to run, I’ve been involved in just about every type of sport. Soccer, volleyball, softball, basketball, track, tennis, and even a short stint on the swim team developed my competitive nature into what it is today. Having simultaneously grown up in the church, it was not uncommon for myself or my team to pray about the outcome of games. I remember thinking that if we prayed, that would mean God was on OUR side and He would help us win. And as immature as that may seem now, I still experience situations where I have to remind myself that my focus should not be about Him choosing sides, but rather on clinging to HIS side.

We often assume that God is there to support our plans, our perspectives, our decisions, and our desires. Our challenge lies in remembering that even our best plans may not be near to what God desires.

Clearly the psalmist wants to be on God’s side when he pleads, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; . . . and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Ps. 139:23-24). When we follow the example to “draw near to God,” we can be certain that we are on His side, as His Spirit helps us measure every thought and action by His ways that are always right.

So, let’s ask ourselves: Are we on the Lord’s side? Being on His side means that we will reflect His love to the world around us in the way we interact with others. We will forgive, treat others justly, and seek peace. God’s ways are always best.

“My concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God’s side, for God is always right.” -Abraham Lincoln