Let Idols Go

Scripture: Jonah 2

Key Verse: Jonah 2:8

We live in a success-oriented society. We often showcase our success by purchasing and showing off nice things we’ve gotten for ourselves or the people we care about. It is easy to become obsessed with the idea of success or even wealth. We begin to do whatever it takes for people to notice us. Maybe you aren’t attracted to the idea of success, but attention. You are constantly trying to gain more likes or followers on your social media platform even at the expense of your own character. Well, today, God has sent me to tell you it is time to let those idols go. 

When Jonah took it upon himself to run away from God, God had to get Jonah’s attention. So, he sent a big fish (Jonah ch.1). We must understand this part of the story for two reasons. First, it is important that we recognize that the bible identifies the animal as a fish despite man’s attempt to classify it as a whale. I know that this seems very minute but this obsession with logic can be an idol. Because it is only when things don’t make logical sense that man has no choice but to recognize God’s involvement in the matter. Secondly, God provided the fish to swallow Jonah. Even when we are running from God’s direction, He will still try to connect with us. If you stop going to work, will the money just magically show up to check on you? If you don’t reach out to your social media friends that you crave attention from for long periods of time how many of them will try to connect with you to ensure that you are taken care of? Very early on we can see the danger of these idols. 

While Jonah was in the belly of the fish, he prayed to God (ch. 2, v. 2). It is important that we reach out to God when we realize the err of our ways. The blessing is that, when we call, He will answer. Many of us have idols in our lives that we try to call on and they don’t listen. We call our family members, partner, or close friends. Some of us have even slid into the DMs (direct messages) of celebrities in the hopes that one day they will just give you the assurance you crave. It is time that we let go of these idols. While these people are valuable, they are not God. They cannot supply your every need. They are human just like you. So, when you up are late at night or early in the morning stressed, sad, or upset, it is likely they will be sleep when you call. But God never sleeps. He is waiting to hear from you. He wants to help you. The fact that you are awake at a time that you should be sleep could be Him trying to get your attention. Samuel thought it was the voice of the high priest calling him before he finally realized it was the voice of the Lord trying to get his attention (1 Samuel ch.3).

So maybe you don’t care that your idol doesn’t provide for you or answer you, but you should know that by having an idol you are turning away from God’s love (Jonah ch. 2, v.8). God wants all of your heart at all times. He doesn’t want to compete for the love He deserves from you. Afterall, He is your creator. He is your provider. He is the one who will listen to you when you feel that you are all alone. The idols can not answer your prayers. The idols cannot shower you with blessings that you don’t have room to receive. So maybe you have to go on a fast. If you find yourself becoming obsessed with your media appearance, you may need to disconnect for a while. If you find yourself relying to much on a certain person, you may need to ask them for some space. There may be something else in your life that constantly consumes your heart and mind. Pray and ask God how you can distance yourself from it, so that you can give more time to Him. God desires to have your attention, so you have to let go of your idols. 

Prayer: Lord, thank you for getting my attention. Thank you for providing for me, listening to me, and loving me unconditionally. Lord help me to remove idols in my life. I want to give more of myself over to you. Please fill up the empty spaces in my heart and comfort me on this journey. In Jesus’ name, Amen.