Over and Over Again

This morning I was reading in II Samuel about David becoming king over Israel. I read how the Philistines came against him as soon as they heard about his new position as king and how he sought God before going into battle with them. God assured him of the victory and David won over his enemy. Despite this, however, the Philistines chose to come against David once more. As David prayed this time, he was given a different answer. God had a different plan, one perhaps that David was not familiar with, but one that he followed none-the-less. David knew something about his God, indeed, about our God; he knew that our God would not let him down, that our God would fight the battle for him. I love what it says in verses 23 and 24.

When David inquired of the Lord, He said, "You shall not go directly up; circle around behind them and come at them in front of the balsam trees. It shall be, when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, then you shall act promptly, for then the Lord will have gone out before you to strike the army of the Philistines"  (II Samuel 5:23-24).

What a picture you get when reading this chapter! I can see David and his men "sneaking up" behind the enemy and then waiting, ever so patiently. Then, all of a sudden, they hear the sound of marching. God has fulfilled His word. He has come. He is fighting for them.

David, no doubt, learned a lot on his journey from shepherd to king, not the least of which was learning to trust God. David knew that God would not let him down. How? He had seen firsthand the faithfulness of God. 

Doubt? Doubt is inevitable, but like David we have only to remember what God has done to know what He can do. 

Father God,

   I thank you for the words that ring out to me over and over again this week. "You are faithful!" I am thankful for the times in my life that I can look back on and see what you have done. I am thankful for how that urges me onward and calls me to continue to put my trust in you. I love you, Lord. In Jesus' name, Amen.    

  

Every Season

Long ago, God began to teach me to be thankful for every season of life: the ups, the downs, and the in-betweens. I find this lesson to be relevant for today just as much as ever. I have found that sometimes everything in life is just ok, and to tell you the truth, I welcome those moments. I love those moments of sweet contentment and peace, and I am thankful for the times when everything is just as it is supposed to be. I am even more thankful that the God who is with us and cares for us in our lowest valley and who brings us joy and rejoices with us on our highest mountain is the same God who walks with us in our everyday life. He doesn't just show up at the moments that are convenient for Him. He just always is, and for that I am thankful.


Father God, 
   Thank you that you do not change. Thank you that you never leave us to wander aimlessly alone. Thank you for walking with us and guiding our footsteps even when we don't recognize that you are doing so. Thank you for being faithful to us in every season. I love you, Lord. In Jesus' name.
Amen. 

Common Things

Our weather forecast this week has been calling for snow and ice, so our little community has been gearing up for what is to come. The grocery store shelves have been emptied and my pantry shelves filled, flashlights have been placed within easy reach, and my family is here with me to reap the benefits of a warm fireplace should the power go out. We are well prepared. 

As I think about our need to make preparations, I am reminded of two things. First, I am reminded of all I have to be thankful for: a warm home, resources to buy food and other necessities, and a wonderful family with which I get to spend time. I am also reminded that just as we make preparations for our physical needs, we must also make sure that our spiritual needs are met and that we are prepared for the "snow storms" that loom in the distance. We can know the warmth of communion with our heavenly Father through prayer, the satisfaction of spiritual nourishment from time spent reading God's word, and the joy of family as we fellowship with other believers. 

So today, enjoy all that you have to be thankful for and be thankful for opportunities to strengthen your faith.

Father God,

   Thank you for all of your blessings, both physical and spiritual. Thank you for the opportunity to spend time with loved-ones and for the situations that teach us to put our trust in you. Thank you for opportunities to develop our faith and to know the joy of walking with you. I love you, Father.

Love, Your Daughter,

Heather