Author: astherainandsnow

“Thus says the Lord to his anointed, to Cyrus,
    whose right hand I have grasped,
to subdue nations before him
    and to loose the belts of kings,
to open doors before him
    that gates may not be closed:
‘I will go before you
    and level the exalted places,
I will break in pieces the doors of bronze
    and cut through the bars of iron,
I will give you the treasures of darkness
    and the hoards in secret places,
that you may know that it is I, the Lord,
    the God of Israel, who call you by your name.
For the sake of my servant Jacob,
    and Israel my chosen,
I call you by your name,
    I name you, though you do not know me.
I am the Lord, and there is no other,
    besides me there is no God;
    I equip you, though you do not know me,
that people may know, from the rising of the sun
    and from the west, that there is none besides me;
    I am the Lord, and there is no other.
I form light and create darkness;
    I make well-being and create calamity;
    I am the Lord, who does all these things…’

“Thus says the Lord,
    the Holy One.., and the one who formed him:
‘Ask me of things to come;
    will you command me concerning my children and the work of my hands?
I made the earth
    and created man on it;
it was my hands that stretched out the heavens,
    and I commanded all their host.
I have stirred him up in righteousness,
    and I will make all his ways level.'” Isaiah 45:1-7,11–13a

God’s prophetic announcement to the godless king Cyrus unveiled His providential perfection and creative working in human history. What the world would perceive as regent against regent, swaggering power in motion, the Lord manipulated to achieve divine purposes and reveal majestic supremacy to all who would believe. He would uncover treasures now dark to reveal His unique power and faithfulness to fulfill His word, making Himself known and knowable.

How often we shrink from places of darkness, and from all we do not understand or fear uncovering. The way before us is a bronze door, unyielding. But there are treasures to be revealed in the hidden place; mysterious appointments are vaults of greatest worth. God, almighty and sovereign, is at work. He’s active in the heathen heart and deepest confusion, orchestrating in quiet His symphony of color and sound to crescendo, playing His unfolding grand piece in history and in our lives.

We must believe He is the Lord, and there is no other. We must accept by faith He has made and controls all things. Bowing before the God who knows us by name makes the way to know the light He creates. Do we seek it? Are we open to receiving everything that comes from His hand, seen and unseen, as He unfolds His perfect plans?

Are we currently struggling with limited vision, limited hope? In what situations is the devil threatening to undo us? Where do we need the Lord to adjust our eyes to the dark of circumstances so we’re able to behold His hoards held there? What facets of His mercy, kindness, generosity, and love become clear? He has our hand- will we let Him have His way?

Lord, help me seek and treasure knowing You better in secret places.

“No one after lighting a lamp covers it with a jar or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light.” “No one after lighting a lamp puts it in a cellar or under a basket, but on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light.  Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is full of light, but when it is bad, your body is full of darkness.  Therefore be careful lest the light in you be darkness.  If then your whole body is full of light, having no part dark, it will be wholly bright, as when a lamp with its rays gives you light.” Luke 8:16; 11:33-36

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.  Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16

Jesus was careful to instruct His disciples on lamp tending, the importance and whats and hows of owning and emanating His indwelling light. They were no longer living in darkness and had a charge from their Sovereign to shine distinctively in the dark world. He who was the Light of the world would not always be with them, and they needed to understand their obligation. New life meant new purpose and power. (Micah 7:8-9; John 8:12; Philippians 2:15; 1 John 1:5)

The purpose of burning a light is to reveal, to expose, to show the way. Practically, to cover that light would be to nullify its very purpose. So as Christians, we need to be good and careful lamp-tenders. We need to monitor our intake. Ingesting and applying God’s promises and hope will make for output matched in vibrancy and purity. What do we allow into our eyes and minds? What we watch, listen to, converse about, and read have an effect on the light within. What do we foster and welcome in to stoke a bright burning flame? (Luke 12:35-36)

As for illuminating the world around us, how are we reflecting, in countenance, conversation, action, the Lord’s brilliant love, mercy, peace, and joy to others? What are we doing to expose our workplaces and neighborhoods to the light of the gospel through intentional involvement and interaction, by earnest prayer? Can others recognize divine glory?

“Hark! the herald angels sing,
‘Glory to the newborn King:
peace on earth, and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled!’
Joyful, all ye nations, rise,
join the triumph of the skies;
with th’angelic hosts proclaim,
‘Christ is born in Bethlehem!’

Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all he brings,
risen with healing in his wings.
Mild he lays his glory by,
born that we no more may die,
born to raise us from the earth,
born to give us second birth.” ~Charles Wesley (1739)

Lord, keep me singing of and shining with Your light and life wherever I am, that You be known and adored.

“On the day that the tabernacle was set up, the cloud covered the tabernacle, the tent of the testimony. At evening it was over the tabernacle like the appearance of fire until morning.  So it was always: the cloud covered it by day and the appearance of fire by night.  Whenever the cloud lifted from over the tent, after that the people of Israel set out, and in the place where the cloud settled down, there the people of Israel camped.  At the command of the Lord the people set out, and at the command of the Lord they camped. As long as the cloud rested over the tabernacle, they remained in camp.  Even when the cloud continued over the tabernacle many days, the people of Israel kept the charge of the Lord and did not set out.  Sometimes the cloud was a few days over the tabernacle, and according to the command of the Lord they remained in camp; then according to the command of the Lord they set out.  And sometimes the cloud remained from evening until morning. And when the cloud lifted in the morning, they set out, or if it continued for a day and a night, when the cloud lifted they set out.  Whether it was two days, or a month, or a longer time, that the cloud continued over the tabernacle, abiding there, the people of Israel remained in camp and did not set out, but when it lifted they set out.  At the command of the Lord they camped, and at the command of the Lord they set out. They kept the charge of the Lord.”

“And whenever the ark set out, Moses said, ‘Arise, O Lord, and let your enemies be scattered, and let those who hate you flee before you.’  And when it rested, he said, ‘Return, O Lord, to the ten thousand thousands of Israel.'” Numbers 9:15-23; 10:35-36

Day in, week out, it would seem the Israelites were content to move or stay as the Lord commanded. Many words are used to describe a rhythm known only to God and an obedience, it seems, strictly adhered to. But we also know that trust for direction and protection was riddled with discontent in absolutes and rife with grumbling and harsh discipline. Over forty years the Lord weeded out the many who rebelled against His word and ways. Submission never comes easily, but always brings blessing. (Numbers 13:25-14:7,28-31; 16:41-42)

It can be a life-long journey to slough off the rough edges of impatience and the need to control our time and space. Waiting often brings out the worst in us, exposing willful pride and stubbornness- at least it brings up and out some snarls we need to confront. Measured against God’s consistency, care, and faithfulness, our fretful fussing is quite sorry.

Consider a day, or month, or longer, of being sequestered under God’s cloud, unable to see in the distance, knowing His presence, wondering at His unfolding invisible purposes. What might He do deep within us? How can we use the pause to learn from His word of His character, His ways with men? When His clock strikes, how ready are we to set aside our agenda and follow His lead? What will it take in surrender and trust to live on God’s timing?

Father, keep me vigilant in waiting and watching for, and following Your every move, that Your will be done.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”

“Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.  For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.  But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.  And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.”

“What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you?  You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.  You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.  Or do you suppose it is to no purpose that the Scripture says, ‘He yearns jealously over the spirit that he has made to dwell in us’?  But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’  Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” James 1:5; 3:13-18; 4:1-8

In James’ admonition to seek and apply God’s wisdom, he clearly distinguishes the outflow from heavenly versus earthly. Wisdom from above looks nothing like wisdom from below. Meekness breeds works very different from ambition, mercy and sincerity from jealousy. Gratitude and graciousness are opposite of grumbling greed. The Lord yearns over our spirits to make them holy and to lift them from groveling and grousing here below to His wisdom.

In determining where and from whom we seek wisdom, consider the works emanating from each source. Is there confusion, dependence on an imperfect person, or ongoing anxiety or consternation? Is there the goad of greed, or self-fulfillment, or pampering and ease? Is there the instigation to jealousy, or personal rights, ambition, or pride? Does the application of advice lead to a sense of superiority, chilling of compassion, dissension with loved ones, distancing from known truths? Any of these would signal the intention of the enemy to steal, kill, and destroy, and must be carefully avoided. (John 10:10)

Inquiring of the Lord and absorbing wisdom from His word yields starkly different fruit. When purity is desired and honed, and righteous character increases alongside peace, reason, and joy, we can know these gifts are from above. Divine wisdom envelops soul and spirit, and teaches mercy, sincerity, and godliness.

Do we genuinely desire wisdom? How carefully do we search for it? When will we set aside selfish ambition or pet passions to seek and receive the wisdom that is supreme?

Father, give me righteous desire and discernment to know and practice godly wisdom that sows peace and glorifies You.

“But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.  To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either. Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back. And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.

“If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High… Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.” Luke 6:27-36

Jesus’s teachings introduced unexpected dichotomies and upended natural thinking. The One from heaven infused earthly reason with new possibilities. As astounding as His commands was His ability to change human nature to make them doable. The only way to love others, even enemies, with no strings was to stay attached to the Almighty and act in His Spirit.

Demonstrating affection and care to loved ones can come easily, an impulse borne of comfort and desire. To love and give with no expectation for return can rise from generosity of heart and compassion. But to spend ourselves with the likeliness of loss, hurt, rejection, even abuse, never comes naturally. Only in and with Christ is it possible.

Jesus left His place of glory to come to earth. Day by day during His public ministry He spent Himself, surrendering privacy, comfort, and personal preferences for the sake of His Father and the good of His people. His love exercised was unconditional, His tie to His Father imperishable. In Gethsemane and on the cross, He sacrificed the ultimate- His will and very life, to finish what the Father had sent Him to accomplish. For all He’s done for us, how can we not do the same? (Luke 22:42; 23:46)

How can we give with no strings? Use the measure of Christ! How can we return reviling with blessing? Speak from a heart filled with His Spirit! How can we forgive offenses and unjust wrongs done to us? Keep tied to Calvary! (Luke 6:38,45; Romans 12:14-21; Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 4:32; 5:18; 1 Peter 3:9)

With whom do we find life among and love toward particularly difficult? What rights is God calling us to surrender? In what greedy hollows do we need His supernatural filling? Cling to Jesus!

“I hear the Savior say,
‘Thy strength indeed is small,
Child of weakness, watch and pray,
Find in Me thine all in all.’
Jesus paid it all,
All to Him I owe.” ~Elvina M. Hall (1865)

Lord, keep me inextricably tied to You, my only hope and strength for ongoing, selfless, lavish Christ-like love to others.

“Satan incited David to number Israel. So David said to Joab.., ‘Go, number Israel, from Beersheba to Dan, and bring me a report, that I may know their number.’ But Joab said, ‘May the Lord add to his people a hundred times as many as they are! Are they not… all my lord’s servants? Why require this? Why should it be a cause of guilt for Israel?’ But the king’s word prevailed…

“But God was displeased, and he struck Israel. And David said to God, ‘I have sinned greatly in that I have done this thing. Now, please take away the iniquity of your servant, for I have acted very foolishly… I am in great distress. Let me fall into the hand of the Lord, for his mercy is very great, but do not let me fall into the hand of man.’

“So the Lord sent a pestilence on Israel, and 70,000 men fell. God sent the angel to destroy, but… relented from the calamity. He said.., ‘It is enough; now stay your hand.’ The angel was standing by the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite. David lifted his eyes and saw the angel of the Lord standing between earth and heaven, and in his hand a drawn sword stretched out over Jerusalem. Then David and the elders, clothed in sackcloth, fell upon their faces. David said to God, ‘Was it not I who gave command to number the people? It is I who have sinned and done great evil…’

“The angel of the Lord had commanded… that David go up and raise an altar to the Lord on the threshing floor of Ornan… King David said to Ornan, ‘I will buy for the full price. I will not take for the Lord what is yours, nor offer burnt offerings that cost me nothing.’  So David paid Ornan 600 shekels of gold by weight for the site. And David built there an altar to the Lord and presented burnt offerings and peace offerings and called on the Lord, and the Lord answered him with fire from heaven upon the altar. Then the Lord commanded the angel, and he put his sword back into its sheath.

“Then David said, ‘Here shall be the house of the Lord God and here the altar of burnt offering for Israel.'” 1 Chronicles 21:1-4a,7-8,13-18a,24-27; 22:1

Godly David was vulnerable to sin as any other. His folly of the census, spawned from a poison drop of pride late in his reign, brought hellish justice from God and a beautiful picture of sanctification. The very place of sin and judgment became the place of sacrifice and staying the hand of death, redeeming brokenness with the Lord into His temple of ongoing communion. How graciously the Lord works good from man’s uncontrolled depravity.

And oh, how Satan incites! We are never here on earth free from his wily plots, yet we have the sacred altar, the throne of grace, to which we can fly in time of need. Do we understand the calamity, the cost, the completion of the vindication? The moment of our sin is met with Christ’s mercy and power, the place of transgression is covered with His blood. (Hebrews 4:15-16; 1 Peter 5:8)

How sensitive are we to conviction from the Holy Spirit? Do we immediately humble ourselves and confess? What will we offer, of possession and praise, in gratitude for God’s grace?

Lord, help me remember and rejoice in Your perfect sacrifice, for Your glory.

“For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God… 

“For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.” 1 Peter 2:15-16,19-23

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Matthew 5:10-12

Countering the natural reaction to sorrow, suffering, and persecution, these writers soften their blow with the truth that it is a gracious thing to endure these hardships with Christ. Mindful of Him, God’s children understand better what He went took on their sake. Undergoing adversity for doing good, they taste His sufferings. Not only can they practically learn from His example, but are blessed in doing so. (Philippians 3:10)

A gracious thing? How can these weighty trials and anguish be a gracious thing? When considered in the light of Christ Jesus’s unjust condemnation and horrific crucifixion, enduring the cruelest death to serve our sentence and win our salvation, we are humbled. We see the trusting submission, the higher purpose, the agony endured for the joy ahead, and can begin to follow. The way is not easy, but it is strewn with grace and love and strength we would not otherwise know. (Hebrews 12:2-3)

What currently distresses us at work or home? Is there a trauma or tribulation that presses us down, and sad? Where are we struggling for breath to take the next step, or face the onslaught, or hope in the darkness? What if we claimed our freedom in Christ to walk with Him through the vale, and began to apply His example of trust, and submission, and enduring for the joy ahead? How might we begin to share His glory, and shine it to those who watch?

“Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed,
for I am thy God, and will still give thee aid;
I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,
upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.

“When through the deep waters I call thee to go,
the rivers of sorrow shall not overflow;
for I will be near thee, thy troubles to bless,
and sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.” ~R. Keen (1787)

Father, help me welcome every hardship as a gracious thing leading me to holiness.

“They brought in the ark of God and set it inside the tent that David had pitched for it, and they offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before God. And when David had finished the offerings.., he blessed the people in the name of the Lord  and distributed to all Israel, men and women, to each a loaf of bread, a portion of meat, and a cake of raisins.

“Then he appointed some of the Levites as ministers before the ark of the Lord, to invoke, to thank, and to praise the Lord, the God of Israel… to play harps and lyres,.. to sound the cymbals, and… to blow trumpets regularly before the ark of the covenant of God. Then on that day David first appointed that thanksgiving be sung to the Lord by Asaph and his brothers.

“Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name;
    make known his deeds among the peoples!
Sing to him, sing praises to him;
    tell of all his wondrous works!
Glory in his holy name;
    let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice!
Seek the Lord and his strength;
    seek his presence continually!
Remember the wondrous works that he has done,
    his miracles and the judgments he uttered…

Sing to the Lord, all the earth!
    Tell of his salvation from day to day.
Declare his glory among the nations,
    his marvelous works among all the peoples!
For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised,
    and he is to be feared above all gods.
For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols,
    but the Lord made the heavens.
Splendor and majesty are before him;
    strength and joy are in his place.

Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples,
    ascribe to the Lord glory and strength!
Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;
    bring an offering and come before him!
Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness;
    tremble before him, all the earth;
    yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved.
Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice,
    and let them say among the nations, ‘The Lord reigns!’
Let the sea roar, and all that fills it;
    let the field exult, and everything in it!
Then shall the trees of the forest sing for joy
    before the Lord, for he comes to judge the earth.
Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
    for his steadfast love endures forever!..
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel,
    from everlasting to everlasting!” 1 Chronicles 16:1-12,23-34

The placement of the ark of God’s presence in Jerusalem was cause for great joy. David took opportunity to gather Israel in celebration with sacrifices and thanksgiving. His appointments of music and sacred praise established a rhythm of worship for God’s people that resounds today.

A heart right with God knows its place, and Who holds the highest place. All comes from Him, all gladness and praise is due Him. Though we owe the Lord Jesus nothing for our salvation because He paid all, we owe Him everything in gratitude. Regular thanksgiving becomes a holy habit and fills our souls to spill over to bless others. What is my song this day? When will I sing, and with whom will I share God’s bounty? (1 Chronicles 16:37-43)

“For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.” Romans 11:36

Lord, fill my soul and mouth with the joyous praise You deserve, forever.

“David assembled all Israel…  And [they] went up… to Kiriath-jearim that belongs to Judah, to bring up from there the ark of God, which is called by the name of the Lord who sits enthroned above the cherubim. And they carried the ark of God on a new cart, from the house of Abinadab, and Uzzah and Ahio were driving the cart. And David and all Israel were celebrating before God with all their might, with song and lyres and harps and tambourines and cymbals and trumpets.

“And when they came to the threshing floor of Chidon, Uzzah put out his hand to take hold of the ark, for the oxen stumbled.  And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Uzzah, and he struck him down because he put out his hand to the ark, and he died there before God. And David was angry because the Lord had broken out against Uzzah… And David was afraid of God that day, and he said, ‘How can I bring the ark of God home to me?’ So David did not take the ark home into the city of David, but took it aside to the house of Obed-edom the Gittite.”

“David knew that the Lord had established him as king over Israel, and that his kingdom was highly exalted for the sake of his people Israel… David inquired of God, ‘Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will you give them into my hand?’ And the Lord said to him, ‘Go up, and I will give them into your hand.’ And he went up to Baal-perazim, and David struck them down there.”

“Then David said that no one but the Levites may carry the ark of God, for the Lord had chosen them to carry the ark of the Lord and to minister to him forever. David assembled all Israel at Jerusalem to bring up the ark of the Lord to its place… [He] said to them, ‘Consecrate yourselves, you and your brothers, so that you may bring up the ark of the Lord… Because you did not carry it the first time, the Lord our God broke out against us, because we did not seek him according to the rule.’” 1 Chronicles 13:5-13; 14:2,10-11; 15:2-3,12-13

The harsh justice of God brought a stab of anger that without contrition, turned to fear. David distanced himself from the blessing of God’s presence. He knew God, but held a blindspot that the Lord, in love, had to address. Though it seems to have taken some time, he humbled himself, named his prideful folly, and returned to this holy and merciful God whom he now revered and trusted in a deeper way. Communion fully restored, he set out to bring up the ark to its place in God’s prescribed way.

When we genuinely humble ourselves and are honest before the Lord, we will verbalize where we’ve gone astray. We confess pompous attitude and blatant action, and He will redirect us in the right path. Obedience always pleases Him and brings great joy. (1 Chronicles 15:16,25-28; 16:1-4,7-12)

When have we intentionally asked God to reveal blind spots? Meditating on His holiness as we review our head to toe attitudes and actions allows His light to expose our grunge. Would we then name our sin as the affront it is, and repair our way? Restoring His Name to its rightful place results in gladness we find nowhere else.

Lord, keep me ever humble, and joyfully obedient, before You.

“Now these are the men who came to David at Ziklag, while he could not move about freely because of Saul… the mighty men who helped him in war.”

“These are the chiefs of David’s mighty men, who gave him strong support in his kingdom… Jashobeam was chief of the three. He wielded his spear against 300 whom he killed at one time.

“Next to him was Eleazar… He was with David at Pas-dammim when the Philistines gathered there for battle. There was a plot of ground full of barley, and the men fled from the Philistines. But he took his stand in the midst of the plot and defended it and killed the Philistines. And the Lord saved them by a great victory.

“Three of the thirty chief men went down to the rock to David at the cave of Adullam, when the army of Philistines was encamped in the Valley… David was in the stronghold, and the garrison of the Philistines was at Bethlehem. David said longingly, ‘Oh that someone would give me water to drink from the well of Bethlehem!’ The three mighty men broke through the camp of the Philistines and drew water out of the well that was by the gate and took it and brought it to David. But David would not drink it. He poured it out to the Lord and said, ‘Far be it from me before my God that I should do this. Shall I drink the lifeblood of these men? For at the risk of their lives they brought it.'” 1 Chronicles 12:1, 11:10-19

In his early days when fleeing the vitriolic king Saul, anointed-but-not-yet-installed king David had taken in destitute stragglers. They were drawn, perhaps by his magnetic boldness and bravery, perhaps by the promise of who he would become. Time spent with him and under him and following him emboldened them. They came needy, depressed, and bitter; they became strong, courageous, and self-giving. Always the leader who trusted the Lord in impossible situations, David set an example they gradually learned to live out themselves. The encouragement they’d received and applied they became able to exhibit and return in great measure. (1 Samuel 22:1-2; 1 Chronicles 12:1-2,8,14-18,21-22)

Isn’t this so in our lives? There are seasons when we flee, needy and weak, to mentors and the more experienced from whom we draw wisdom, guidance, and strength. As we mature and encounter life ourselves, we become not only more able to handle things, but to set an example for others. We can return the same truth in exhortation, the same reminders of God’s faithfulness, the same loyalty and encouragement, to those who’ve poured so much into us.

Who are some individuals in whom we have taken time to invest spiritual sustenance? How well do we care for them, pray for specific needs, put aside our own agenda to become part of theirs? What growth has God given us both?

When was the last time we thanked someone who came alongside us at a pivotal time and made a difference? How have we blessed them back? Where can we pay their gift forward to another? Mutual support and the sharing of lives reap rich benefits for all.

Lord, in gratitude for all who’ve helped me, make me a bold, generous, loving helper to others so You are trusted and exalted.