As the rain and snow

“Leave your simple ways, and live,
    and walk in the way of insight…
 Reprove a wise man, and he will love you.
Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser;
    teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
    and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.” Proverbs 9:6,8b-10

“To the one who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.” Matthew 13:12

“I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands” 2 Timothy 1:5-6

“Make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.  For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ… Therefore, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall.” 2 Peter 1:5-8,10

God does nothing half- heartedly, nor does He ever grow complacent. He saves us and strives with us to conform us to Himself over the course of our days on earth, so we will be like Him upon entering heaven. His way is to add and refine and sanctify as we yield and practice and renew. God’s divine moral and economic principle is that the more we are given and put to use, the more we gain and grow. (Romans 12:2; 2 Corinthians 3:18; 1 John 3:2)

How am I adding to the knowledge I’ve been given, adding precept upon precept as I digest and exercise each one? What am I doing with the resources God has entrusted to me? How am I exercising His gifts to strengthen and perfect them, and for the good of others in His kingdom? Where am I sowing the word to effect spiritual growth, or giving generously so riches abound? What can I offer to the Lord that He may multiply? (Ecclesiastes 11:1; Isaiah 28:10; Proverbs 11:24-25; Matthew 14:16-21; 1 Corinthians 3:6-7; 2 Corinthians 9:10)

Where have I grown stagnant in spiritual growth, or complacent in service? Do I settle for knowledge of the past, with no immediate or present application? Would I confess my spiritual lethargy and ask for a fresh filling of the Holy Spirit, to obey? Are there friends who can help me fan into flame what he has given, that his glory might be magnified? Would we mutually encourage one another to do greater works than now? (John 14:12; Romans 12:11; 1 Thessalonians 5:11; Hebrews 3:13)

Lord, direct my devotion and doing to diligence. May I grow in Your gifts and give generously to build Your Body, for the sake of Your kingdom and glory. (Ephesians 4:11-13,15-16)

“Now when Jesus came, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles off,  and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them concerning their brother.  When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, but Mary remained seated in the house. Martha said to Jesus, ‘Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.  But even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you.’  Jesus said, ‘Your brother will rise again.’ Martha said to him, ‘I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.’  Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live,  and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?’  She said to him, ‘Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.’

“When she had said this, she went and called her sister Mary… [who] rose quickly and went to him… [and] fell at his feet, saying, ‘Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.’ When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled.  And he said, ‘Where have you laid him?’ They said to him, ‘Lord, come and see.’  Jesus wept.  So the Jews said, ‘See how he loved him!’” John 11:17-29,32-36

In any poignant moment, emotions run fast and deep, pulling at the heart and prompting various action. Sometimes they distort vision, sometimes they spill out in impulsive accusations or wrong conclusions. But always they are known by, and important to, our Lord. He sees through any wrongness to His good ends.

He emotes with us, always in perfect measure and purity. His hot liquid tears reflect the wrench of deep compassion in His heart at the anguish of broken lives not intended to be this way. His measureless love flows beyond the edges of our comprehension and fills moments with indescribable bittersweetness, matching pain with exquisite comfort. He also foreknows, and always sees the glory in our hardest of situations. The pain we suffer is often the perfect backdrop for us to behold God’s immense love, His promised resurrection and brightest hope. (Genesis 2:9,15-17; 3:1-7; John 11:40-44)

When we experience how genuinely Jesus loves, how responds our melting heart? How drawn are we to love Him lavishly in return, and others the same? Understanding His tenderness should tenderize us toward life’s agonies. How deeply do we care about the griefs of others, or are we too self-important or frenetically occupied to even notice a broken heart, a downward countenance, a lonely suffering friend? (Genesis 40:6-7)

“Spirit of God, who dwells within my heart, 
wean it from sin, through all its pulses move. 
Stoop to my weakness, mighty as you are, 
and make me love you as I ought to love. 

Teach me to love you as your angels love, 
one holy passion filling all my frame: 
the fullness of the heaven-descended Dove; 
my heart an altar, and your love the flame.” ~George Croly (1854)

Lord, help me grasp the vast measure of Your divine love, and to love You, and others, for Your glorious sake. (Ephesians 3:14-19)

“Whoever is of a generous heart, let him bring the Lord’s contribution… Let every skillful craftsman among you come and make all that the Lord has commanded.

“And they came, everyone whose heart stirred him, and everyone whose spirit moved him, and brought the Lord’s contribution to be used for the tent of meeting, and for all its service, and for the holy garments… All who were of a willing heart brought brooches and earrings and rings and armlets, all sorts of gold objects, every man dedicating an offering of gold to the Lord…  Everyone who could make a contribution of silver or bronze brought it… Every one who possessed acacia wood of any use brought it. Every skillful woman… brought what they had spun in blue, purple, and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen. All the women whose hearts stirred them to use their skill spun the goats’ hair. The leaders brought onyx and stones to be set, for the ephod and the breastpiece,  and spices and oil for the light, and the anointing oil, and the fragrant incense. All… whose heart moved them to bring anything for the work… brought it as a freewill offering to the Lord.

“Moses said, ‘The Lord has called by name Bezalel;.. and has filled him with the Spirit of God, skill, intelligence, knowledge, and craftsmanship, to devise artistic designs, to work in gold and silver and bronze,  in cutting stones for setting, and in carving wood, for work in every skilled craft. And he has inspired him to teach…  He has filled them with skill to do every sort of work done by an engraver or a designer or an embroiderer in blue and purple and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen, or a weaver—by any sort of workman or skilled designer.’

“Moses called Bezalel and Oholiab and every craftsman in whose mind the Lord had put skill, everyone whose heart stirred him up to come to do the work… They kept bringing him freewill offerings every morning… The material they had was sufficient to do all the work, and more.” Exodus 35:5,10,21-22,24-35; 36:2,3b,7

God gave Moses His plans for the tabernacle, and Moses spoke to the people. Through His words, individual hearts were stirred and spirits moved to contribute toward the resplendent place of sacrifice and worship. Varied treasures and goods, particular skills and intelligence, were summoned by the Almighty in measure sufficient for His work and glory.

God is still in the business of stirring and moving individuals for His kingdom work. The beauty of His plans so inspired is that they are always met with His supply. Burnout, failure to complete, and unhealthy stress come when we fail to balance His call and gifting with margin and rest, or when a few try to do the work intended for many. Humbly acknowledging and offering our grace-given gifts, and seeking His direction and will, result in effective service that glorifies Him. (Romans 12:1-8; 2 Corinthians 9:10-14; Philippians 4:19)

To what is my heart stirred this day, and how readily do I respond? If I do not know His regular movement of my spirit, am I taking time to listen? Has my heart calloused with greed or selfishness? Where is He calling me to give or serve, and how can I encourage others to join His work?

Lord, stir my heart in love for Thee, and move me to contribute as You choose, for Your glorious sake.

“When the people saw that Moses delayed to come down from the mountain, the people gathered to Aaron and said, ‘Up, make us gods who shall go before us. As for this Moses,.. we do not know what has become of him.’ ² So Aaron said, ‘Take off the rings of gold.., and bring them to me.’ ³ So all the people took off the rings of gold that were in their ears and brought them to Aaron. ⁴ And he… fashioned it with a graving tool and made a golden calf. They said, ‘These are your gods, O Israel!’ Aaron… built an altar before it… They rose early the next day and offered burnt offerings.., [and] sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play…

“Moses went down from the mountain…  As soon as he came near the camp and saw the calf and the dancing, Moses’ anger burned hot… He took the calf that they had made, burned it with fire, ground it to powder, scattered it on the water, and made the people of Israel drink it.

“‘What did this people do to you that you have brought such a great sin upon them?’ Aaron said,.. ‘You know the people… are set on evil… I said to them, “Let any who have gold take it off.” So they gave it to me, and I threw it into the fire, and out came this calf.’

“When Moses saw that the people had broken loose (for Aaron had let them break loose), [he] said, ‘Who is on the Lord’s side?'” Exodus 32:1-6,15,19-22,24-26

Moses’s forty days on the Mount with the Lord proved too much in testing his brother. As days turned and the multitude’s impatience grew, Aaron’s fortitude and faith weakened to the point of abdication. Fear won out, giving way to pride and idolatry run rampant. His opportunity to stand firm and redirect the people to God’s promises slipped away as he gave in to their misguided wishes and rebellion. Moses’s return and renouncement set all clear, making obvious the opportunity that had been missed.

We face decisions every day whether to give in to fear or stand strong, whether to yield to wayward emotions or obey. Opportunities abound both to go astray and to do the right thing, and every step in either direction makes that way more palatable, and easy. Aaron’s choice to let angst and whine get under his skin, and to surrender to fear of the masses, led to sin that led to more sin. Perhaps getting caught in the frenzy of false worship and self-importance sullied his view of reality. Whether he deliberately lied to his brother or not, sin’s steep slope had proved too slippery to resist. Moses’s swift, firm action proved what true conviction looked like.

How are we exercising our freedom in responding to daily choices? To uphold truth, to love and serve, or go the way of flesh? We do defines what we worship. Where are we erecting our own gods to placate impatience, or alien desire? What opportunity to stretch our faith in waiting, and doing right, have we yielded to more immediate golden calves? (Romans 12:1-2; Galatians 5:13,16-17,19-23)

Lord, fix my eyes and choices on Thee. Give me courage to seize every opportunity to grow in faith, to honor and worship You alone, and rightly.

“I have called by name Bezalel,.. of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with ability and intelligence, with knowledge and all craftsmanship, to devise artistic designs, to work in gold, silver, and bronze, in cutting stones for setting, and in carving wood, to work in every craft.  And I have appointed with him Oholiab,.. of the tribe of Dan. I have given to all able men ability, that they may make all that I have commanded you: the tent of meeting, and the ark of the testimony, and the mercy seat that is on it, and all the furnishings of the tent, the table and its utensils, and the pure lampstand with all its utensils, and the altar of incense, and the altar of burnt offering with all its utensils, and the basin and its stand, and the finely worked garments, the holy garments for Aaron and his sons, for their service as priests,  and the anointing oil and the fragrant incense for the Holy Place. According to all that I have commanded you, they shall do.

“Speak to the people of Israel and say, ‘Above all you shall keep my Sabbaths, for this is a sign between me and you throughout your generations, that you may know that I, the Lord, sanctify you. You shall keep the Sabbath, because it is holy for you. Everyone who profanes it shall be put to death. Whoever does any work on it, that soul shall be cut off from among his people. Six days shall work be done, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of solemn rest, holy to the Lord. Whoever does any work on the Sabbath day shall be put to death.'” Exodus 31:2-11,13-15

The construction of God’s tabernacle was a lofty feat, and He supplied every resource to complete it. Calling specific individuals He’d filled with His Spirit and particularly gifted, He ordered every detail, matching instruction with skill. He even set out the schedule of work to mirror that of His in creation, with the intent that this great work not be the end itself, but a vital piece of the sanctification of His beloveds.

The Lord is all about sanctification of His people. That ongoing process of personal will cooperating with His Holy Spirit continues through life, ever conforming us to His image as we apply ourselves to His rhythms in our time. Industry and rest, day and night, week by week, glad obedience befits the honor of our King. Exercising our Spirit-fueled gifts in dedicated work is vital, and so is rest, according to His plan. He uses it to refresh and remind: we are mere instruments in His hand, useful only as He prescribes, not indispensable masters of our own universe. We must yield to His strategies. (2 Corinthians 3:18 ; 1 John 3:2)

When we get imbalanced and lose our way from sabbath rest, we tend to self-importance alongside burnout. This is neither a happy nor healthy combination- for us, or those with whom we live and work. Taking necessary time off from tasks to remember the Lord with awe, gratitude, renewed dependence, and refilling, elevates our spirit and reorders any affection or bent gone awry.

Where does my life need more balance to promote right worship and remind me Who is in charge? What will I do about it?

Father, sanctify me by bringing every impulse, task, and love under Your sovereignty.

“Hear, O sons, a father’s instruction,
    and be attentive, that you may gain insight,
for I give you good precepts;
    do not forsake my teaching.
When I was a son with my father,..
he taught me and said,
‘Let your heart hold fast my words;
    keep my commandments, and live.
Get wisdom; get insight;
    do not forget, and do not turn away from the words of my mouth.
Do not forsake her, and she will keep you;
    love her, and she will guard you.
The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom,
    and whatever you get, get insight.
Prize her highly, and she will exalt you;
    she will honor you if you embrace her.
She… will bestow on you a beautiful crown.’

“Keep hold of instruction; do not let go;
    guard her, for she is your life.
Do not enter the path of the wicked,
    and do not walk in the way of the evil.
Avoid it; do not go on it;
    turn away from it and pass on…
The path of the righteous is like the light of dawn,
    which shines brighter and brighter until full day.
The way of the wicked is like deep darkness…

“My son, be attentive to my words;
    incline your ear to my sayings.
Let them not escape from your sight;
    keep them within your heart.
For they are life to those who find them…
Keep your heart with all vigilance,
    for from it flow the springs of life…
 Let your eyes look directly forward…
Do not swerve to the right or to the left;
    turn your foot away from evil.” Proverbs 4:1-9,13-15,18-23,25,27

Many think of religions as structured Don’ts that restrict free expression of our deceived hearts. But life with Christ is both freeing and joyful when we keep things in proper order. He instructs and enables us with many a loving do not and do, to be applied in His strength and grace unto a fruitful life. (Jeremiah 17:9; Galatians 5:1,5)

Do not forsake, do not forget, do not turn away, because these words, when held fast, and kept, and loved, will keep and guard you. Get wisdom. Prize her, embrace her, and she will exalt and honor you. Get insight. It takes effort and determination to discern and follow this way the Lord reveals. The path of righteousness is a path of better choices matched with courage, and every not is attached to a keep, attentiveness, gaze, or inclination. God cares that we know and understand and take His good way, so He provides every instruction and ounce of will we need to do so. (2 Corinthians 9:8)

What are we doing to hide His word in our hearts to clarify right choices and guard us from falling? When confronted with decisions, do we pause for His insight, or drive ahead by our own? When He does show us His path, are we prone to rebellion, procrastination, or self-willed detours? For every ‘not’ we might resist or eschew, would we turn and embrace the positive counter-attitude and action instead? It is there we find the shining way and free-flowing springs of life. Why would we not want that? (Psalm 119:11; Proverbs 3:5-6)

Father, help me to adhere to Your nots and dos, knowing they are designed in love to make me wise, and that by walking wisely I glorify You.

“And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.” Romans 8:23

“For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.  For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling…  While we are still in this tent, we groan, being burdened—not that we would be unclothed, but that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.

“So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. Whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him.” 2 Corinthians 5:1-2,4-9

“In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.” Ephesians 1:13-14

The dichotomy between present purpose and future promise makes for a divine tension in the everyday. Paul struggled with physical infirmities and external pressures, though all he willingly received from Christ so His resurrection power and strength would be perfected and magnified. And yet, he longed for the gain of being present with Christ in heaven. In the meantime of the now and not yet, he pressed on in labor that would make an eternal difference. (2 Corinthians 6:4-10; 12:7-20; Philippians 1:21-23; 3:10-11)

We, too, balance daily challenges with heavenly call. Our bodies run well until they don’t, we enjoy health yet are decaying. Plans made in earnest meet disruption, and desired outcomes remain distant. But God calls us to be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in His work while He gives us day, and it is the hope of glory that compels us to do all we can to prepare ourselves and others for its full redemption. (John 9:4; 1 Corinthians 15:58; 2 Corinthians 4:16; Colossians 1:27)

When I groan, is it out of personal frustration with circumstances or infirmities, or displeasure in some inconvenience or difficulty? If I turned my focus from self to the triumphant Lord, an inner longing for Him would begin to dissolve present complaint. If I spent more effort thanking God for the firstfruits of His Spirit, and employing His gifts for the benefit of others, my groans could turn to song. If, rather than plodding along in drudgery I set courageously to the task of pleasing Him by faith, my sights would turn from temporal to eternal, and glisten with hope.

What will it be? Is my heart all in for the greatness of knowing Jesus and making Him known as long as He has given me breath? How will I use my groaning to fuel grace, and gratitude, and gifts of service?

Lord, may my only groaning be with sure hope, in expending effort for Your gospel, Your people, and Your glory.

“For he is not a man, as I am, that I might answer him,
    that we should come to trial together.
 There is no arbiter between us,
    who might lay his hand on us both.”

“Though he slay me, I will hope in him;
    yet I will argue my ways to his face.”

“Men have gaped at me with their mouth;
    they have struck me insolently on the cheek;
    they mass themselves together against me…
My face is red with weeping,
    and on my eyelids is deep darkness,
although there is no violence in my hands,
    and my prayer is pure.

“O earth, cover not my blood,
    and let my cry find no resting place.
Even now, behold, my witness is in heaven,
    and he who testifies for me is on high.
My friends scorn me;
    my eye pours out tears to God,
that he would argue the case of a man with God.” Job 9:32-33; 13:15; 16:10,16-21a

“For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention you… Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus… is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.” Romans 1:9; 8:33-34

When Job finds himself under the penalty of pain and in the shackles of loss and misery, he camps in the courtroom of heaven. The Lord is his only hope. His wife sneers, his friends condemn, yet taking his complaint and tears to God, he is safe. His only comfort is in knowing the Advocate, his only plea is His mercy. (Job 2:9)

Surely for our whole life, there is only One from whom we receive no condemnation, only One who saves to the uttermost. Once sealed by grace when we believe in Him, we are secure forever. Yet daily our adversary roams and takes his nips and swipes. He accuses our motives, pesters our affections, teases our flesh with doubt and self-loathing. He inflicts wound after grievous wound, exacerbating physical and emotional pain with cruelty and constancy. How can we escape? Where can we flee? To the only One able to save. (John 6:68; John 8:44; Romans 8:1; Hebrews 7:25; 1 Peter 5:8)

Not only does our Savior stand as our permanent Intercessor, the greatest truth is He has already plead our case and won. He is both witness to truth, and the perfect penalty-bearer. Our sin has been atoned for, and eternally we are free, though for this life we will endure troubles stemming from its fallout. For this day, He pleads our case knowing our predicaments and temptations. He sees, understands, and redeems our pain. (John 16:33; 19:30; Hebrews 4:16)

To whom do we go when in trouble? Would we come honestly to our Witness and Advocate, confessing known sin, taking the blame, accepting responsibility for thought and action against the Almighty? And would we then trust that He who hears our arguments stands in the gap for them? He holds both our tears and our hope.

Father, help me trust You with my complaints as my truthful witness before the Father. May I in return be a bold witness to Your life-changing gospel truth.

“To keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

“I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.” Philippians 4:11

“Be content with what you have, for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’” Hebrews 13:5

Elimination of pride. Dependence on the Lord. Sufficient grace. The power of Christ. The everlasting presence of God. All make up the content of contentment, its bubbling spring and source. Contentment, while commanded, is not something we stir up in ourselves or resolve to feel. It is an attitude borne of confidence and hope in who the Lord is and how He cares for us. It blooms continually and strong from gratitude for His marvelous ways and the hope of our heavenly future. It flourishes under the triune blessing of God’s love, the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit. (2 Corinthians 13:14)

So why are so many discontent? Because we’ve become conceited, thinking too highly of ourselves and claiming entitlement to all things pleasant and easy. Because we chafe against thorns as unfair and fight off their bleed, instead of welcoming them as God’s tools for our holiness and recognition of His grace. Because we insist on ordering our circumstances instead of accepting those God has ordained for our good. We don’t like whatever situations, and avoid them instead of learning what we can in them.

All of our kicking and resistance make it hard to get our minds off of ourselves. We are consumed with what we have that we don’t want, or what we wish we had or could do that we do not. But if we desire true contentment, and tie it to Jesus, all can be well with our souls whether we have abundance or dearth. We will find that in godliness, in the fear of the Lord today and the hope of seeing His likeness one day, there is deep and satisfying contentment like nothing else. (Psalm 17:15; Proverbs 19:23; 1 Timothy 6:6-8)

Where do we look for satisfaction? What do we treasure most, and where do we attach our longings? Are we currently in a state of angst, fretting, negativity, or discontent, and what circumstances or attitudes got us there? Contentment teaches us to rejoice in trials because they produce endurance, character, and assurance of a reward in heaven. Contentment in Christ Jesus secures our treasure and our longings for the present and future. (Matthew 5:11-12; 6:21; Romans 5:3-5; Philippians 3:20)

Lord Jesus, keep me blooming in that place of full contentment, where Your spring wells up, and I delight in You day and night, and am never thirsty forever. (Psalm 1:1-3; John 4:14)

“Behold, I send an angel before you to guard you on the way and to bring you to the place that I have prepared. Pay careful attention to him and obey his voice; do not rebel against him, for he will not pardon your transgression, for my name is in him…

“When my angel goes before you and brings you to the Amorites and Hittites and Perizzites and Canaanites, the Hivites and Jebusites, and I blot them out,  you shall not bow down to their gods nor serve them, nor do as they do, but you shall utterly overthrow them and break their pillars in pieces. You shall serve the Lord your God, and he will bless your bread and your water… I will fulfill the number of your days. I will send my terror before you and will throw into confusion all the people against whom you shall come, and I will make all your enemies turn their backs to you.  And I will send hornets before you, which shall drive out the Hivites, Canaanites, and Hittites from before you.  I will not drive them out from before you in one year, lest the land become desolate and the wild beasts multiply against you. Little by little I will drive them out, until you have increased and possess the land. And I will set your border from the Red Sea to the Sea of the Philistines, and from the wilderness to the Euphrates, for I will give the inhabitants of the land into your hand, and you shall drive them out before you…  They shall not dwell in your land, lest they make you sin against me; for if you serve their gods, it will surely be a snare to you.” Exodus 23:20-21,23-31,33

When God Almighty foretold Israel’s conquest of Canaan, He promised His angel would go before to guard and lead. But He also set expectations: I send My angel, obey him and all shall be well, in time, and in My way. However, ensnare yourselves with their gods, entertain strange allegiances, and the deal is off.

How sweet is the Lord’s promise of direction and protection! As we embark on every day, we can watch for the angel of His presence- indications from His word and Spirit that lead us. He does not abandon us in query, nor fail to make our paths straight when we come un-ensnared to acknowledge and trust Him. He keeps on as Companion when the road is hard and pests ensue, to dispel the hornets and bring us through. His promised way is not guaranteed easy, but it is sure, not always understood by us, but known by Him and blessed with His peace. (Proverbs 3:5-6; John 16:33)

The Lord’s voice must not be one of many, but our sole Guide in the midst of worldly clamor. He is our wisdom, He our Captain. We can’t pick and choose from His word, nor embark on our own plans and expect His blessing. When foreign voices tease and taunt, we can hold high the knowledge of God. (2 Corinthians 10:3-5)

When faced with choices and conquests in work, spiritual life, or relationships, to whom do we pay most careful attention, and obey? What offerings of the world easily distract from focus and devotion to God? Before stepping out anew, would we pause to behold Him?

Lord, cause me to trust Your hand to guide me daily.