As the rain and snow

“There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.  He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.

“The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world… (John bore witness about him, and cried out, ‘This was he of whom I said, “He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.”’) For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.

“The next day again John was standing with two of his disciples,  and he looked at Jesus as he walked by and said, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God!’  The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus.” John 1:6-9,15-16,35-37

“In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah when he said,

“The voice of one crying in the wilderness:
‘Prepare the way of the Lord;
    make his paths straight.’”

“I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” Matthew 3:1-3,11

“You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him.’ The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete. He must increase, but I must decrease.” John 3:30

Conceived by God’s gracious help to a barren mother, sent from God at a particular time with specific purpose, John the Baptist took his role seriously, proclaiming and pointing to the Lord of light. He was a witness, a preacher, a voice, a preparer of Christ’s way. Deflecting attention, his sole purpose was to spotlight and magnify his Lord- the worthier, mightier One. (Luke 1:5-17,24-25)

Am I so captivated by Jesus? Do I live and breathe to make Him known? It is common to revolve our worlds around ourselves, working hard, accomplishing good things, and making sure our experiences are noticed and opinions are valued. But the Lord calls us to turn the spotlight to reflect the One who made us. He planted us where He expects us to serve and flourish for His sake and fame. (Acts 17:26-27)

Into what wilderness- work colleagues, neighbors, friends- has God sent me to proclaim and reveal the light of Jesus? What about my life cause others to seek out and follow Him? How boldly and faithfully do I exalt His greatness and grace? In what situations am I tempted to take credit myself, even subconsciously, drawing attention to my experiences or good works or successes? How can I begin to think and talk about myself less and spotlight the Lord more? How can I better hide behind His majestic superiority, so those around me will be drawn to love and honor and live for Him?

Lord, moment by moment, let there be less of me, more of Thee, to Your glory. (John 3:30)

“Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said, ‘Rulers of the people and elders,.. let it be known… that by the name of Jesus Christ, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead—this man is standing before you well. Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you… And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.’

“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. They recognized that they had been with Jesus… They conferred with one another,.. ‘Let us warn them to speak no more in this name.^‘ So they… charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered them, ‘We cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.'” Acts 4:8,10-13,15,17-20

Filled and ignited by the Holy Spirit, Peter addressed the curious, annoyed rulers with biting truth: It was by the name of Jesus, the One they’d crucified, that the lifelong lame beggar had been healed. He’d been raised from the dead. Him they’d rejected. In Him alone was salvation. There was no turning back for these disciples trained and transformed by Jesus. They could not help but proclaim the gospel, show forth God’s wonders, and make disciples. Their all-in devotion expressed itself in faithful obedience that became bold, holy compulsion. (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 3:1-8)

While we’re constrained by certain parameters of necessity, we do what we choose to do. Driven by demands, pressures, or desire, mostly we speak and act of our own accord. We say we cannot help habitual reflexes, over-indulgence, usage of certain language, expressions of temper, anger, or weepy emotion. I’m wired this way. I can’t turn off the drive. This is who I am. What if every compulsion were infused with and directed by the Spirit of God?

How might our capabilities be used to spread His good news? How might daily living make an eternal difference? How might the Lord transform our mundane and ordinary into spiritually, everlastingly extraordinary? Would we ask to be filled with His spirit and that He direct our paths? (Proverbs 3:5-6; Ephesians 5:18)

What’s my primary passion? Are my energies directed Godward or self-ward?From what could it be said I cannot be held back, for what message can I not be squelched? (Philippians 1:21-25; Colossians 3:23)

“Take my life and let it be
consecrated, Lord, to thee.
Take my moments and my days;
let them flow in endless praise.

Take my hands and let them move
at the impulse of thy love.
Take my feet and let them be
swift and beautiful for thee.

Take my voice and let me sing
always, only, for my King.
Take my lips and let them be
filled with messages from thee.

Take my silver and my gold;
not a mite would I withhold.
Take my intellect and use
every power as thou shalt choose.

Take my will and make it thine;
it shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart it is thine own;
it shall be thy royal throne.” ~Frances Ridley Havergal (1874)

Lord, define my daily living by attitudes and actions that cannot help but magnify Your gospel and glorify You.

“The serpent… said to the woman, ‘Did God actually say, “You shall not eat of any tree in the garden”?^‘ And the woman said, ‘We may eat of the fruit of the trees.., but God said, “You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.^“‘ But the serpent said, ‘You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you’ll be like God, knowing good and evil.^‘ So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and a delight to the eyes, and to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she gave some to her husband.., and he ate. Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew they were naked. They sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths.

“And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden… and hid themselves from [his] presence among the trees. But the Lord God called to the man.., ‘Where are you^?’ He said, ‘I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked, and I hid.^‘” He said.., ‘Have you eaten of the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?^‘ The man said, ‘The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate.^‘ Then the Lord God said to the woman, ‘What is this you have done?’ The woman said, ‘The serpent deceived me, and I ate.’” Genesis 3:1-13

God had created a magnificent Eden for Adam and Eve, and fashioned their senses to be able to enjoy it in every way. From color to texture to shape, from scent to taste to sound, their garden was a delightful, satisfying home. Until it wasn’t. Until the crafty deceiver cast doubt on God’s goodness and truth. His wily lies tangled Eve’s senses to lose their sensibility. Her questioning led to doubting led to disobeying the Lord God who’d provided her with all she needed. The eternal consequences serve as warning even as they made way for the only avenue to avoid them. (Genesis 3:14-24)

We love our senses and the pleasure they bring. We relish delights of the flesh, indulging in extravaganzas of food, frolic, song, beauty, affection. God fitted humanity with capacity to interact with all aspects of His creation and be fulfilled. But in enjoying worldly enticements, we’re often tempted to upend God’s order and yield to foreign influences that distort pure loves. Ignoring or eschewing consequences, we bite at immediate (vapid) gratification. Untamed senses lead to shame and blame only Jesus can remedy. (Ephesians 1:7)

Where do we intentionally or lazily indulge our flesh? What senses tend to trip us up the most? What entertainment or conversations open the way for corrupting what the Lord’s intended for good? Recognizing areas and situations of weakness, and setting firm direction and boundaries ahead of temptation, help keep senses in check.

What truths and standards of conduct have established a daily mindset and choices? What accountability with a spouse or friend do we maintain? How can we hone our sensibilities?

Lord, help me exercise every sense You’ve given to enjoy and bless Your creation, and so magnify Your excellencies.

“In those days Peter stood up among the brothers (the company of persons was in all about 120) and said, ‘Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke beforehand by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus. For he was numbered among us and was allotted his share in this ministry… For it is written in the Book of Psalms,

“‘May his camp become desolate,
    and let there be no one to dwell in it’;

“and

“‘Let another take his office.’

“‘So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,  beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us—one of these men must become with us a witness to his resurrection.'”

“But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them: ‘Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words. For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel:

“‘And in the last days it shall be, God declares,
that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh,
and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
    and your young men shall see visions,
    and your old men shall dream dreams;
even on my male servants and female servants
    in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy.'” Acts 1:15-17,20-22; 2:14-18

From immediate obedience to Jesus’s call through his weeping at the rooster’s crow, Peter exhibited a lively personality fraught with impetuosity and passion. This fallible man of contrasts, bold proclamations both for and against his Savior, earnestness and honesty, was trained by his Master and transformed by His Spirit. When Pentecost was announced he stepped up to lead, and once it occurred he stepped out to preach and minister in power. His was a life ever growing and being sanctified by a marvelous God and his willing cooperation. (Matthew 4:18-20; 16:15-16,22-23; 26:75; Acts 2:37-41; 3:6-7; 4:8-13)

The Lord has fashioned us with particular personalities and relational proclivities. We perceive the world and its Creator through eyes unique among those around us, and are distinct in the way we interact with challenges and people and assignments. Peter’s passionate untamed zeal called for some extra attention and bridling that resulted in bold and effective ministry that honored his Lord. (Matthew 17:1-8; 26:32-40; Luke 22:31-32)

What do I perceive as my greatest strengths? Do others close to me agree? In what situations can they become a great weakness? Would I ask the Lord to harness them in energy for Him and His purposes? What circumstances in my life is God using to hone the qualities He has given me for service to His kingdom?

Where do I want to be transformed and matured as His servant? How am I practicing my God-given gifts and personalities to develop them and minister to God’s people? How can I encourage and come alongside another to mutually grow in gracious expression and effective practice of His gifting?

Lord, please persist in sanctifying me so I might serve for others’ good and Your glory all my days.

“While staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father,.. ‘you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.’

“So when they had come together, they asked, ‘Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?^‘ He said, ‘It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and… to the end of the earth.^‘ When he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. And while they were gazing into heaven.., two men in white robes, said, ‘Men.., why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.’

“Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem… And… they went up to the upper room, where they were staying, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot and Judas the son of James. All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.” Acts 1:4-14

So much had happened and shaken their world. Their Teacher had been crucified, resurrected from the dead, and lifted to heaven, having promised a soon-coming baptism with the Holy Spirit. They wondered at the new assignment He’d conferred, the announcement of His return, and what their lives and mission would look like going forward. In the midst of unknowns, the apostles gathered in one accord to pray. Harmony in the discordant moment among those called and composed by their Master was key to preparing for next steps in His absence.

A habit and natural response to chaos of prayer does much for the shaken soul. When the unexpected and unexplained jolts our calm and unsettles plans, our best resort is gathering to the Lord. If we’re not devoted to one another and prayer, we’ll stew in isolation and anxiety. Worshipping and beseeching Him together clarifies vision, faith, and resolve.

What is currently disturbing my world? A health diagnosis or ongoing debilitation? A tenuous job or financial situation? Relational or cultural stresses? What uncomfortable or surprising revelations have threatened unity in fellowship? What is my default reaction in these cases?

Jesus’s followers, knit closely together by commitment to Him, were trained to rely on one another and to go to Him in need. Together they’d been taught and stretched and promised. Their getting away to the upper room to seek Him in one accord is exemplary.

How and when do I practice communion with my Lord? With whom do I have a trusting iron-sharpening-iron relationship, honed through common service, where we draw close to the Lord together? How will I foster an accord of devoted friendship that honors and spreads the light of Christ? (Proverbs 27:17)

Lord, in a disruptive world, help me participate in and promote the accord your Holy Spirit gives.

“Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.” Revelation 22:1-2

“Blessed is the man
    who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners,
    nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
but his delight is in the law of the Lord,
    and on his law he meditates day and night.

He is like a tree
    planted by streams of water
that yields its fruit in its season,
    and its leaf does not wither.
In all that he does, he prospers.” Psalm 1:1-3

“And on the banks, on both sides of the river, there will grow all kinds of trees for food. Their leaves will not wither, nor their fruit fail, but they will bear fresh fruit every month, because the water for them flows from the sanctuary. Their fruit will be for food, and their leaves for healing.” Ezekiel 47:12

As John concludes his remarkable vision of heaven to close the holy scriptures, and sets out to describe the lush, flourishing trees, he starts with the sparkling river of the water of life. The tie between the two is inextricable. All fruit is borne of the life source of living water, roots nestled at its banks, branches reaching heavenward, leaves opening green and wide to the sun. The trees constantly bear forth varied fruit, offering delight to every eye and healing to all, and between all, nations.

If you hear the rippling and are drawn to that clear, flowing river, it is there you see the life it gives. Where there is fallow ground of soul, hope and desire can spring forth. Where there is spiritual, intellectual, or emotional drought, life comes. When growth is stunted by resentment, hurt, regret, or malaise, the Lord of life issues nourishment that stretches and strengthens. (Revelation 22:14,17)

What is our relationship to the River? Could we be described as a tree of life? Are we deeply rooted near the Living Water, rinsed with cleansing, drinking in and meditating on God’s word, and exhibiting- in demeanor and action- a vibrant life? Are we consistently bearing fruit of love and grace, firmness and forgiveness, wisdom and comfort, compassion and joy and peace? What healing do we offer to the broken, hurting, sorrowing, disenfranchised? (Galatians 5:22-23; 2 Peter 1:8)

How will we practice sending down and keeping faith roots deep near Christ’s life-giving water so we continually grow and bear good fruit? The leaves adorning our life should be desirable, nourishing, and strengthening, delighting sight and spiritual palate for all with whom we interact. Are we more known for provincialism, narrow living, prejudice, or for open arms offering delectable fruit of encouragement and blessing, and healing in relationships and understanding with those close to us as well as distant peoples? (Luke 6:43-45)

Lord, draw me ever near, and grow me into an ever flourishing tree of life for all I encounter, that they taste of Your fruit and see that You are good. (Psalm 34:8)

“A woman from Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, ‘Give me a drink…’ The Samaritan woman said to him, ‘How is it that you, a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a woman of Samaria?..’  Jesus answered her, ‘If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, “Give me a drink,” you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.’  The woman said to him, ‘Sir, you have nothing to draw water with, and the well is deep. Where do you get that living water?  [O]ur father Jacob gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did his sons and his livestock.’  Jesus said, ‘Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again,  but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.’  The woman said, ‘Sir, give me this water, so that I will not be thirsty or have to come here to draw water.’”

“On the last day of the feast,.. Jesus stood up and cried out, ‘If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink.  Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, “Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.”’ Now this he said about the Spirit.” John 4:7,9-15; 7:37-39a

The beautiful paradox of Jesus’s invitation and promise melds immediate with continual with forever. His ask for a drink was the first drop of hope for this needy outcast, and his continued conversation a douse of cold water to her thirsty soul. The One who at first was parched was the One who could satisfy her spiritual thirst forever. To be slaked with living water was desire impossibly met, more than she ever imagined.

We are an innately bereft people with continual need, met and fulfilled by an everlasting Savior whose Spirit continually flows for and toward us. Because He entered our conversation millennia ago to grapple with our sin problem, we can find in Him true and lasting satisfaction of every dearth. We are alone? He comes to converse. We are ashamed? He comes with compassion and looks on us with loving eyes. We lack purpose? He asks us to serve Him. We are confused? He leads us to truth. We have doubts? He invites our faith.

Where do we look for soul satisfaction? What thirst can we entrust to Christ’s ever-flowing fountain of grace, goodness, love? When we drink deeply of Him, our life rhythm becomes constant security, continual refilling, continuous praise. (Ephesians 5:18)

“Come, thou Fount of every blessing;
tune my heart to sing thy grace;
streams of mercy, never ceasing,
call for songs of loudest praise.
Teach me some melodious sonnet,
sung by flaming tongues above;
praise the mount! I’m fixed upon it,
mount of God’s unchanging love!

O to grace how great a debtor
daily I’m constrained to be!
Let that grace now, like a fetter,
bind my wandering heart to thee.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
prone to leave the God I love;
here’s my heart; O take and seal it;
seal it for thy courts above.” ~Robert Robinson (1758)

Lord, fill me with Your Spirit to overflow with Your living water to a thirsty world.

“’I have loved you,’ says the Lord. But you say, ‘How have you loved us?..’ ‘I have loved Jacob but Esau I have hated…’ Your own eyes shall see this, and you shall say, ‘Great is the Lord!..’

“You say, ‘How have we despised your name?’ By offering polluted food upon my altar. But you say, ‘How have we polluted you?’ By saying that the Lord’s table may be despised. When you offer blind animals in sacrifice, is that not evil? And when you offer those that are lame or sick, is that not evil? Present that to your governor; will he accept you or show you favor? says the Lord… For from the rising of the sun to its setting my name will be great.., and in every place incense will be offered to my name, and a pure offering. For my name will be great among the nations, says the Lord. But you profane it when you say that the Lord’s table is polluted, and… its food… despised. You say, ‘What a weariness this is,’ and you snort at it… You bring what has been taken by violence or is lame or sick… as your offering! Shall I accept that?.. Cursed be the cheat who has a male in his flock, and vows it, and yet sacrifices to the Lord what is blemished. For I am a great King, says the Lord of hosts, and my name will be feared among the nations.” Malachi 1:2-3a,5,6b-8,11-14

With conversational reasoning, the prophet unsettled self-centered complacency by exposing convoluted thinking and false conclusions. Israel failed to understand God’s gracious and particular affection for no desert of hers. Therefore, with a conflated view of self and low view of Him, they did not recognize their subpar offerings and polluted worship. Eyes of the heart fitted with a lens of God’s greatness and holiness see everything differently.

Attitude, words, and behavior reveal what we value, how we view God, what we think of ourselves and our relationship to Him. Many, stoked by pride, greed, or insecurity, crave significance and do all we can to justify our actions and existence and make ourselves great. The world promotes and applauds this mindset.

But for those beloved of God and saved, the heart knows and exhibits a different story. We’re daily humbled by God’s undeserved affection, and desire to give Him our best and all. We seek His glory, not our own, delighting to magnify His greatness and renown. In practical deliberation and duties, which describes me?

God’s name will be exalted whether we fear it or not. Will we choose to be among those who live only for today and ourselves? Are we self-absorbed, asserting rights, cutting corners, incessantly arguing? Or will our lives be enriched and have eternal significance because we worship the great God in spirit and in truth? It takes a deliberate de-throning of self to enthrone the high and Holy One in every aspect of life. When are we meditating on and how are we exalting His greatness? (Malachi 2:2; John 4:24)

“Great and amazing are your deeds,
    O Lord God the Almighty!
Just and true are your ways,
    O King of the nations!
Who will not fear, O Lord,
    and glorify your name?
For you alone are holy.” Revelation 15:3-4a

Great and worthy King, captivate me always with a high and holy view of You so I honor You in affection, word, and deed.

“The word of the Lord came by the hand of Haggai the prophet, ‘Is it a time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, while this house lies in ruins? Now, therefore, thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider your ways. You have sown much, and harvested little. You eat, but you never have enough; you drink, but you never have your fill. You clothe yourselves, but no one is warm. And he who earns wages does so to put them into a bag with holes.

“Thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider your ways. Go up to the hills and bring wood and build the house, that I may take pleasure in it and that I may be glorified, says the Lord. You looked for much, and behold, it came to little. And when you brought it home, I blew it away. Why? declares the Lord. Because of my house that lies in ruins, while each of you busies himself with his own house. Therefore the heavens above you have withheld the dew, and the earth has withheld its produce. And I have called for a drought on the land and the hills, on the grain, the new wine, the oil, on what the ground brings forth, on man and beast, and on all their labors.”

“Then… the people obeyed the voice of the Lord their God, and the words of Haggai the prophet, as the Lord their God had sent him. And the people feared the Lord. Then Haggai, the messenger of the Lord, spoke to the people.., ‘I am with you, declares the Lord.’ And the Lord stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel.., and of Joshua.., and of all the remnant of the people. And they came and worked on the house of the Lord of hosts, their God,¹⁵ on the twenty-fourth day of the month, in the sixth month, in the second year of Darius the king.” Haggai 1:3-15

The Jews returning from Babylonian exile started to rebuild God’s temple, but soon gave up to focus on their own resettling. Their immediate gratitude and enthusiastic spiritual priority drifted to selfish attention. Haggai’s message illuminated their slide to neglect of supreme things and pointed out the reason for their lack of satisfaction. Putting self before the Lord never renews the heart nor nourishes the soul, but actually leaves us feeling empty and wasted.

Consider your ways. What self-appointed or -directed activities occupy our time and energy, occupying our best efforts? Do we find ourselves spent, empty, purposeless, unfulfilled? If we paused to assess, in light of God’s word, what might He illuminate about misplaced motives? Fruitless desires? Spiritual apathy? Meaningless occupations? It takes wisdom and faith to build for Him first, and in heaven’s economy, as He is trusted and exalted, we are enriched and fulfilled. (Haggai 2:4-9)

Looking to the fresh start of a new year, when will we set aside time to consider our ways with the Lord, and commit to tending the structure of our relationship with Him? What will we invest to make it glorious? How will we build greater intimacy with Him, and more focused expression of His love? How will we practically put Him first in will and duty so He is magnified and our satisfaction in Him feeds us for all He appoints?

Lord, stir my spirit to be wise and willing to consider my ways regularly, and to align every priority with Your presence and glory.

“Solomon stood before the altar of the Lord in the presence of the assembly and spread out his hands… Then he knelt… and said, ‘O Lord, God of Israel, there is no God like you, in heaven or on earth, keeping covenant and showing steadfast love to your servants who walk before you with all their heart…

“’Will God indeed dwell with man on earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you..!  Yet have regard to the prayer of your servant.., O Lord my God…

“If your people are defeated before the enemy because they have sinned against you, and they turn again and acknowledge your name and pray and plead with you.., then hear from heaven and forgive… and bring them again to the land…

“When heaven is shut up and there is no rain.., if they pray and acknowledge your name and turn from their sin, then hear and forgive.., and grant rain upon your land…

“If there is famine,.. pestilence or blight or mildew or locust or caterpillar,.. whatever plague, whatever sickness, whatever plea is made by any man.., each knowing his own affliction and sorrow and stretching out his hands, then hear from heaven and forgive and render to each whose heart you know.., that they may fear you and walk in your ways all [their] days…

“If they sin and…  repent with all their heart and soul.., maintain their cause and forgive… 

“’O Lord God,.. let your saints rejoice in your goodness…
    Remember your steadfast love.’” 2 Chronicles 6:12-14,18-19,24-31,36,38-39,41-42

King Solomon was unique in wisdom, wealth, and renown, and nurtured an intimate relationship with his God. Having been blessed with bounty beyond measure and completed the construction of the temple, he knew every gift was from above and God alone was perfect Ruler. Men were sinners, and the Lord their only worthy Advocate. Solomon at this point took no favor for granted and humbly acknowledged man’s very real need for heavenly intercession, and prayed accordingly. (2 Chronicles 1:11-12; James 1:17)

We hum along in the pluck and pace of life deeming ourselves ok. Unless there is some drastic disaster or unusual need, we can be smug and self-sufficient and take little time to pray. We slide into a groove of desert and esteem that occludes a clear view of reality. Actually, we are wretched sinners saved and kept only by grace. Challenges will arise and bad things will happen, even to God’s beloved, and we desperately need realistic mindset and practiced response. (Romans 3:23; 6:23; 1 Corinthians 4:7; 1 Peter 4:12-13)

Where are we taking God’s favor and bounty for granted? Do we take no regard for personal or universal sin, and pompously assume immunity to its consequences? Do we chafe and grouse at troubles, or accept evil from Him as well as good, believing His purposes are redemptive and sanctifying? How well do we know, and how fully do we depend on, God in prayer? (Job 2:10; James 1:2-4)

Systematic study of God’s word, regular confession and intercession in prayer, and consistent fellowship in the church will impart a realistic view of life and a humble approach to its author and sustainer. By these the Lord is honored and pleased to answer. (2 Chronicles 7:14; Colossians 1:16-17)

Father, keep me realistic in my understanding and faithful in my dependence on and praise of You.