Why do I cry when I watch American Idol?
- A Heart Refined with Rachel Menard
- Mar 9, 2024
- 3 min read
I don't know about you, but I love watching American Idol snippets, and I ALWAYS cry—like ugly, snotty crying. So, literally, I asked myself out loud, “WHY DO YOU CRY AT THIS?!?!” Then it registered.
I want people to succeed!!
Now, I do have to say that I am deeply saddened when music, lifestyle, or attitude represents anything separate from the precepts of God’s Word and the character of Jesus. However, that drives me to pray for them! No matter what, though, I still want them to succeed in the gift they have been given!!!
I should insert here what I believe the Lord has shown me the definition of success is...
It is the continual learning and growing in the love and character of Jesus Christ so that we might discover—and make use of—the bounty of discipline and talent that He knit into us FOR THE PURPOSE OF HIS GLORY upon our creation (Read Ephesians 2)!
So, as I cried, prayed, and considered that definition, my heart bowed in awe of The God who has granted me purpose, and I can't help but want that for everyone!! Because of Christ, those who believe and follow get the great honor of spurring each other on to success. We all must be deeply saddened by any attitude or action that divides or distracts others from success in and for Jesus. At the same time, though, the struggle of another allows us to go deeper in prayer, which ultimately leads us closer to God!!
CAN YOU SEE IT!!! HIS PLAN IS SO PERFECT!!!
He plans to serve others through you, but at the same time, His eye is directly on you!!
He wants you!!!
In Psalm 16, David tells God how good He is for being his full portion. Commentary notes that only with the goodness that God had given, “David [was able to delight] in the people of God, despite all their failings, scandals, and embarrassments”*. He was blessed because he knew that he was in the presence of true joy and purpose.
Precious girl, when God is made most important in everything you do—when you trust Him enough to believe that His way is best—He will break your heart for another and draw you in to comfort it. Therefore, stop squandering your time and energy on fruitless pursuits.
If you draw your boundary lines, they will be selfish; thus, your portion of blessing will be limited. However, if you give God reign over your commitments, relationships, and desires, He will move you into a purpose where deep sadness and explicit joy coexist and bear righteous fruit (2 Peter 1)!!
First things first, though...God drew your boundary lines to include the discipline of joining His Bride in worship. Therefore, one of the most successful things you could do today is to bring honor and glory to Him on holy ground!
“Lord, you are my portion and my cup of blessing; you hold my future. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance. I will bless the Lord who counsels me — even at night when my thoughts trouble me. I always let the Lord guide me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore, my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my body also rests securely. For you will not abandon me to Sheol; you will not allow your faithful one to see decay. You reveal the path of life to me; in your presence is abundant joy; at your right hand are eternal pleasures.” Psalms 16:5-11
*Commentary - Enduring Word
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