Do you believe you have everything you need?
And if you do, how did you get everything?
Where did it come from?
For me, it all comes from the goodness of God.Some days it is difficult to take it all in. To understand that despite my sinfulness, I receive God's provision and goodness.
From Romans 8:28 - 28 "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose."
John 15: " for apart from Me you can do nothing."
My thoughts ran to David as I began writing. David was not a saint; actually he was far from it. However, he possessed an unshakeable faith in God.
The recommended reading is 2 Samuel 7
David wants to build a temple to the Lord because "the ark of God dwells within tent curtains.” He mentions it to Nathan the prophet who later has a vision from God and he reports back to David his vision. God tells David he did not ask him to build a temple for Him. However what follows is God's undying commitment to David and David's total unshakable faith in God.
The Lord said, "but My lovingkindness shall not depart from him, as I took it away from Saul, whom I removed from before you. 16 Your house and your kingdom shall endure before Me forever; your throne shall be established forever.”’
David's response; " “Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my house, that You have brought me this far? 19 And yet this was insignificant in Your eyes, O Lord God, for You have spoken also of the house of Your servant concerning the distant future..... Again what more can David say to You? For You know Your servant, O Lord God! 21 For the sake of Your word, and according to Your own heart, You have done all this greatness to let Your servant know. 22 For this reason You are great, O Lord God; for there is none like You, and there is no God besides You, according to all that we have heard with our ears. 23
David had good intentions but he was also a warrior with blood on his hands and a ruthless adulterous affair and murder in his past. Yet God chose him to be part of Jesus' bloodline.( See Matthew 1.) Do you know what David did after praying this soulful prayer? He went right back to the battle field.
The relationship between God and David somewhat resembles our own. We want to move ahead of God. But we need to sit back for a moment, breathe and listen. God will direct you and me towards His path for each of us.
To gain what we have, listening to God is important. You may be praying for something which you believe is the right thing or direction for you. But God says "wait a minute - this is the direction I will take you." Often it is the complete opposite but also very fruitful. When we look back on our paths - where we started and where we are today, we smile because we know God was right along. Even when you are crawling on your belly - there is an end to your suffering! God provides!
16 You did not choose Me but I chose you, John 15:16
Take a look at this chapter, the words will stir your heart. It is heartfelt and sincere. It is an intimate conversation/prayer between God and David.
Enjoy the soulful voice of Lauren Daigle as she sings "Everything."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgvV_iQW4O0
Today's reflection was prompted by JoAnn who suggested this song. As you listen, close your eyes and block out the world around you. Focus on the words. They remind us we worship a God who is the maker of heaven and earth.
I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.
2 My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. Ps 121 (KJV)