Chapter 2 of Proverbs reminds us that wisdom and knowledge come from the Lord. We may think we know a thing or two, but that sense of pride and reliance on self sometimes gets us into trouble. The Message translates verses 12 through 15, “They (wisdom, knowledge, and good sense) will keep you from making wrong turns or following the bad directions of those who are lost themselves . . . traveling paths that go nowhere, wandering in a maze of detours and dead ends.”
By Lauri Lemke Thompson “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16
Jacob’s story gives me hope. Why would He choose me with all my faults and flaws? But that is not how grace works. Grace is undeserved favor. And that grace has spilled over me, rendering me lovable and worthy in His sight. My imperfections are covered by His blood. Fully known yet fully loved. This is the gospel of grace.
I lie awake thinking of you, meditating on you through the night. Psalm 63:6 (NLT) Sleeplessness was familiar territory to David. Instead of a soft bed in the palace, he
We look ahead through each changing yearWith mixed emotions of hope and fear —Hope for the peace we long have sought,Fear that our hopes will come to naught.Unwilling to trust in
But God … That’s the game-changer
When God steps in, He brings promises and hope
He will not leave us to wallow in our sorrow because He loves us too much to leave us there
Joseph’s soul was in anguish while he lingered in the pit (Genesis 42:21). He pleaded for rescue, but his calls went unanswered – by his brothers, that is. But not by God. Ultimately, Joseph was rescued from the pit.
Because the pit was not his destiny.
Neither is yours.
Your pit may be of your own doing.
You and I cannot allow those seeds of envy to take root. The moment we realize we are entertaining thoughts of “I wish…” or “If only I had…” is the moment we need to fall on our knees and ask God to dig out those seedlings of envy and plant gratitude in their place. Then we worship, give praise, and start counting our blessings. We may discover, in the process, just how much the Lord has done.
I’ll be the first to admit that I have a few ‘weeds’ that keep cropping back up. The thing is, I know they’re there. God knows they’re there. It’s no secret to either one of us. So, in an effort to eradicate them, I have had to alter certain behaviors. I have asked the Holy Spirit to ‘prick me’ whenever I am about to turn away from the way God wants me to act. The process is slow and often painful, but it is necessary if I want to be Christlike.
Distractions sometimes divert my focus. At times, waves threaten to submerge me. Yet it is precisely in those moments that I need to trust my Father all the more.
With His arms underneath me, I am held.
I am secure.
I am sustained.
I am free to live life on the peaceful side of the storm.
