MOTIVATED

Why we do things is just as important as what we do. Doing the right thing is no good, if we do not do it for the right reasons. That truth is reflected in Psalm 67. The anonymous psalmist wrote these opening words:

God be merciful to us and bless us,

And cause His face to shine upon us,

Selah

That Your way may be known on earth,

Your salvation among all nations.

(Psalm 67:1-2, NKJV)

We should be motivated by love for God and love for others, not selfish desires.

The psalmist begins by asking for God's blessing. At first, this seems selfish. But as he continues, we see that his motives are not selfish; he is motivated by love for God and love for other people.

The request for God's blessing is not for himself alone, but for "us." He includes others in his request. He wants God to bless himself and others.

The psalmist clarifies his motivation in the second verse, "That Your way may be known on earth, Your salvation among all nations." There are two motives. First, he wants God's way to be known; this indicates love an honor for God. Second, he wants God's salvation to be known among all nations; this indicates a love for all people. The psalmist asks for God's blessing as a testimony to others of the salvation available in God, not for selfish gratification.

When you pray, what is your motivation?