As the rain and snow

“Now these things took place as examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did. Do not be idolaters as some of them were; as it is written, ‘The people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play.’ We must not indulge in sexual immorality as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in a single day. We must not put Christ to the test, as some of them did and were destroyed by serpents, nor grumble, as some of them did and were destroyed by the Destroyer. Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come. Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

“Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.” 1 Corinthians 10:6-14

Hearing about another’s foibles and failures can bring a bit of satisfaction to the self-righteous who compare, even some gloating over their deserved consequences. But being told that these accounts are warnings, that we might also be so foolish, is not what most want to hear. The honesty of Scripture forms a solid foundation for understanding our sin, our sad estate, and our Savior. Its beautiful story is that while Christ finished with our sin’s penalty, our own story is not finished, and can be daily helped by knowing and applying the Word. (John 19:30)

“What then shall we say? That the law is sin? By no means! Yet if it had not been for the law, I would not have known sin. For I would not have known what it is to covet if the law had not said, ‘You shall not covet…’ So the law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good.” Romans 7:7,12

A list of warnings and prohibitions can be a ready turn-off for any normal individual. Restrictions and requirements imposed by another chafe when any authority other than self is imposed. Many eschew the Bible as old-fashioned, restrictive, and unenlightened by modern norms. But ignorance of its contents leads to misunderstanding about its relevance and redemptive intent. The holy scriptures give instructions meant for our good, to identify sin so we might recognize and not desire evil, but rather be able to escape and endure. The truth indeed sets free. (John 8:31-32)

What keeps the flesh from resisting temptation, from saying No, from wanting help? Its very flesh-ness! But when we take seriously the consequences God metes out on rebels, and grasp how God’s Spirit convicts and helps in real time, enabling us to resist, we learn to reprogram our desires. With every way out we take, faith muscles strengthen. And muscle memory is a great thing when the next temptation arises. (John 16:8; James 4:7)

How do we view Scripture’s practical warnings? How well do we even know them? What safeguards do we have, or need, in place to guide and guard our decisions? When we have fallen, would we quickly respond to God’s mercy in humble confession? (1 John 1:9)

Father, may I take Your word seriously at all times, and apply it unto righteous living that honors You.

“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…

“And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, ‘Who are you?’ He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, ‘I am not the Christ… I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, “Make straight the way of the Lord,” as the prophet Isaiah said.’

“‘I baptize with water, but among you stands one you do not know, even he who comes after me, the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie…’ 

“The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!  This is he of whom I said, “After me comes a man who ranks before me, because he was before me…” For this purpose I came baptizing with water, that he might be revealed to Israel…  And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God.” John 1:6-9,19-20,23,26-27,29-31,34

As famous as John the Baptist was for his message, lifestyle, and dress code, he wanted only to be known for the One he represented. He was a herald, a preparer. When asked who he was, his answer was all about Jesus. It was the Worthy One who was to be anticipated, and beheld. John’s words and presence were merely to reflect the Son of God he announced and honored. (Matthew 3:4)

Many cultures draw attention to individuals visually, publicizing them as heroes or villains, famous or ordinary, important or inferior. We make and post selfies to portray success and happiness and to promote a certain glossy, air-brushed image. Our identities are what people see. But in God’s universe, He’s made us to be conformed to Him. Our identity created by Him is to be hidden in Him, so we draw attention to His character and excellencies rather than ourselves. (Colossians 3:1-3)

We are to reflect His image and bear His countenance. We are to adorn ourselves not outwardly but inwardly, with mindsets shaped by His word and spirits daily filled that in every expression proclaim the truth about Him. And while this is anathema to a modern mindset, it’s a life habit God’s children must and can form. (Numbers 6:25-26; Romans 8:29-30; 2 Corinthians 3:18; 1 Peter 3:4)

How well do we know our Lord, and what are we investing to know Him better and experience Him more personally? How do we describe Him with our words and actions? What do we convey through work and service that informs others who He is and what He means to us? How are we definitively expressing the worthiness and importance of Christ to those we encounter? What can and will we do, give, or arrange that the recipient will feel ministered to by Jesus, and that they now desire to know Him better?

Concerning me, if others could only hear, who would they hear? If they could only see, who would they see? O Lord, let it be Jesus in me!

“David spoke to the Lord the words of this song on the day when the Lord delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul…

‘The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,
    my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shield, and the horn of my salvation,
    my stronghold and my refuge,
    my savior; you save me from violence.
I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised,
    and I am saved from my enemies.

‘For the waves of death encompassed me,
    the torrents of destruction assailed me;
the cords of Sheol entangled me;
    the snares of death confronted me.

‘In my distress I called upon the Lord;
    to my God I called.
From his temple he heard my voice,
    and my cry came to his ears.

‘Then the earth reeled and rocked;
    the foundations of the heavens trembled
    and quaked, because he was angry.
Smoke went up from his nostrils,
    and devouring fire from his mouth;
    glowing coals flamed forth from him.
He bowed the heavens and came down;
    thick darkness was under his feet.
He rode on a cherub and flew;
    he was seen on the wings of the wind.
He made darkness around him his canopy,
    thick clouds, a gathering of water.
Out of the brightness before him
    coals of fire flamed forth.
The Lord thundered from heaven,
    and the Most High uttered his voice.
And he sent out arrows and scattered them;
    lightning, and routed them.
Then the channels of the sea were seen;
    the foundations of the world were laid bare,
at the rebuke of the Lord,
    at the blast of the breath of his nostrils.

‘He sent from on high, he took me;
    he drew me out of many waters.
He rescued me from my strong enemy,
    from those who hated me,
    for they were too mighty for me.
They confronted me in the day of my calamity,
    but the Lord was my support.
He brought me out into a broad place;
    he rescued me, because he delighted in me.” 2 Samuel 22:1-20

David did not need to imagine opposition that encompassed, assailed, confronted, and entangled. He experienced it firsthand from the king of the land. He knew desperation. But even better, he knew his God. The greater and stronger the onslaught against him, the greater and stronger did his Savior perform.

How well do we know God compared to our enemies seen and unseen? When we trust Him implicitly and practically as our Shield and Deliverer, He floods our darkness with light, weakness with strength, despair with hope, anxiety with praise. He is greater than any opposition, stronger than any formidable foe. (2 Samuel 22:29-32,34-37,40,47,50-51; 1 John 4:4)

Is my battle fierce? God my Defender is fiercer still. Is temptation strong? God the Victor is stronger still. Do circumstances press in? God the Shield round about is closer still. Would I react to these earthly pressures reckoning these truths true? Would I lift weighty pain onto His mighty shoulders, frail attempts into His loving hands? The transfer of care is what enables us to know His superiority over all things flesh and heavenly, freeing us to praise Him. (Psalm 3:3; 55:22; 1 Corinthians 10:13; Ephesians 6:12; 1 Peter 5:7)

Lord, in every onslaught, keep my eyes and confidence fixed on Your ability, and my song lifting Your majesty and praise.

“Thus says the Lord God: ‘I myself will take a sprig from the lofty top of the cedar and will set it out. I will break off from the topmost of its young twigs a tender one, and I myself will plant it on a high and lofty mountain. On the mountain height of Israel will I plant it, that it may bear branches and produce fruit and become a noble cedar. And under it will dwell every kind of bird; in the shade of its branches birds of every sort will nest. And all the trees of the field shall know that I am the Lord; I bring low the high tree, and make high the low tree, dry up the green tree, and make the dry tree flourish. I am the Lord; I have spoken, and I will do it.’” Ezekiel 17:22-24

“The Lord makes poor and makes rich;
he brings low and he exalts.” 1 Samuel 2:7

“It is God who executes judgment,
putting down one and lifting up another.” Psalm 75:7

“He changes times and seasons;
he removes kings and sets up kings;
he gives wisdom to the wise
and knowledge to those who have understanding.” Daniel 2:21

“He has brought down the mighty from their thrones
and exalted those of humble estate.” Luke 1:52

“For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God.” 1 Corinthians 1:26-30

God’s infinite, eternal sovereignty is made known in the course of history and nations, angels and men, and even in the trees. His description of the minute is swallowed in the magnificent. Just as He plants and nurtures and makes flourish trees on earth so that all will acknowledge He is Lord, so He raises up and brings low man’s estate to humble us before His unending reign. All things serve Him, the Creator and sustainer. (Psalm 119:91; Hebrews 1:2-3)

It is easy to separate what we perceive as broad and limitless from our minutiae day to day. But God handles everything both large and small for His purposes. We vaunt our importance thinking ourselves grand and influential when the Lord could lop us off or down at any moment. We value wealth and worldly position to our chagrin, while God raises the humble and weak to make them wise. Even the trees are our teachers, would we watch, and listen.

Where have I been strutting around in self-importance, and therefore diminishing others in word or attitude? What might I learn of humility, cooperation, or reverence from acknowledging my smallness in God’s universe? What facet of my ego can I set aside today to learn from the King of kings?

Lord, teach me to remain wholly at Your service, for your ends and glory.

“He determines the number of the stars;
    he gives to all of them their names.” Psalm 147:4

“Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth…
when the morning stars sang together
    and all the sons of God shouted for joy?..

“Have you commanded the morning since your days began,
    and caused the dawn to know its place?..

“Where is the way to the dwelling of light,
    and where is the place of darkness?..

“What is the way to the place where the light is distributed?..

“Who has cleft a channel for the torrents of rain
    and a way for the thunderbolt,
to bring rain on a land where no man is,..
 to satisfy the waste and desolate land,
    and to make the ground sprout with grass?

“Has the rain a father,
    or who has begotten the drops of dew?
From whose womb did the ice come forth,
    and who has given birth to the frost of heaven?..

“Can you bind the chains of the Pleiades
    or loose the cords of Orion?
Can you lead forth the Mazzaroth in their season,
    or can you guide the Bear with its children?
Do you know the ordinances of the heavens?
    Can you establish their rule on the earth?

“Can you lift up your voice to the clouds,
    that a flood of waters may cover you?
Can you send forth lightnings, that they may go
    and say to you, ‘Here we are’?
Who has put wisdom in the inward parts
    or given understanding to the mind?
Who can number the clouds by wisdom?
    Or who can tilt the waterskins of the heavens?” Job 38:4,7,12,19,24-29,31-37

It was as though the sky would burst this morning, hours before dawn… or was it my heart? The black expanse, sprinkled with twinkly stars and bright planets, mesmerized the gazing eye. Orion stood sentry, lighting repeatedly flashed its otherworldly splendor, a shooting star trailed bold and quickly. Silent to the ear save for doleful wind chimes, a vibrant singing feast for sight, the heavens lift and fill the wondering soul. O come let us adore Him!

Who holds the majesty in my daily life? What fills my attention, affection, and devotion? What makes me burst with pride, awe, praise, anticipation? Is it what I know, and expect to keep on knowing and fearing and loving, of my Christ? Whatever captivates also dictates how I think and decide, and what I portray. (Revelation 4:1-11)

If I am to give honor to God, if I am to affirm worth in people, if I am to promote lofty truth and beauty, I must take time to contemplate the loveliness of Jesus. Behold His wondrous works in all He’s made. Look upon His loving eyes, His pierced hands, His throne at God’s right hand. What wells up in me in response?

“Fair is the sunshine, 
fairer still the moonlight, 
and all the twinkling starry host:  
Jesus shines brighter, 
Jesus shines purer 
than all the angels heaven can boast.

Fairest Lord Jesus,
ruler of all nature,
O thou of God and man the Son,
Thee will I cherish,
Thee will I honor,
thou, my soul’s glory, joy, and crown.” ~Münster Gesangbuch (1677)

Lord, so fill me with the wonder of You that I daily burst open with joyful praise and magnify Your splendor and glory.

“The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work… 

“He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God… They will glorify God because of… the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others, while they long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you. Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!” 2 Corinthians 9:6-8,10-15

“He has distributed freely; he has given to the poor;
    his righteousness endures forever;
    his horn is exalted in honor.” Psalm 112:9

“Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.” Malachi 3:10

“Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” Luke 6:38

Fears of rising prices, failing health, a potential dearth of resources all contribute to insular living and reluctance to contribute. Harsh actions in society can indeed coerce equal and opposite reactions in the human heart. But God’s economy stands in stark contrast to that of the flesh. Cast your bread upon the water, and it shall return to you. When we are sparing in the exercise of all that’s been entrusted to us, we miss the blessing the Lord bestows on the generous. Freely you have received; freely give. (Ecclesiastes 11:1; Matthew 10:8; Romans 12:8)

God in grace supplies what we need to bring increase. He works cheer and desire into the heart, then gives eyes to see needs and the will to follow through with generosity. Blessing others as we’ve been blessed honors Him and spreads His goodness. (Proverbs 11:25)

Have we tried giving in divine portion? Where and how are we contributing to real needs, visible or invisible, of those around us? We cannot receive heavenly bounty if our fists are closed. What changes in mindset and practice need to be made to develop a lavishly generous lifestyle?

“Give as ’twas given to you in your need,
Love as the Master loved you;
Be to the helpless a helper indeed,
Unto your mission be true.

Make me a blessing, Make me a blessing.
Out of my life may Jesus shine;
Make me a blessing, O Savior, I pray.
Make me a blessing to someone today.” ~Ira Bishop Wilson (1909)

Father, work in and out of me generosity that displays Your bounty and magnifies Your glory.

“Sing to God, sing praises to his name;
lift up a song to him who rides through the deserts;
his name is the Lord;
exult before him!..

O kingdoms of the earth, sing to God;
sing praises to the Lord,
to him who rides in the heavens, the ancient heavens;
behold, he sends out his voice, his mighty voice.
Ascribe power to God,
whose majesty is over Israel,
and whose power is in the skies.
Awesome is God from his sanctuary;
the God of Israel—he is the one who gives power and strength to his people.
Blessed be God!” Psalm 68:4,32-35

“There is none like God, O Jeshurun,
who rides through the heavens to your help,
through the skies in his majesty.” Deuteronomy 33:26

There is indeed none like God. He is unique and praiseworthy in His transcendence and immanence, His timelessness and ever presence. He rides and hovers, keenly aware and ever moving, far and near, high and low, in deserts and wildernesses, lush places and mountains, all the ancient skies. His riding the wind with mighty voice stirs a heavenly song in the watchful, adoring follower. A song of praise, a song of thanks, a song of trust.

Are we singing? How aware are we of His omnipresence, that He is near… everyone and everywhere? Can I trace His hand of mercy in my buffeting, His protection across my miles, His care over my hours, His guidance through my decisions? Where has He gone ahead to prepare details, and hemmed me in behind in support and protection? (Exodus 19:4; Deuteronomy 32:11-12; Deuteronomy 33:27; Psalm 139:5)

What difference does God’s riding the heavens make in pressing anxieties, unfettered emotions, situations far from home and beyond my control? Where do we go and fret in spirit when He is already there, and at work? Will we instead trust Him for all of these concerns? His compassion and power are as ubiquitous as His love and glory.

This God gives power and strength. He meets us in every conundrum, every grief, every want. He abides alongside the brokenhearted, He bears up the weak, He lifts the downcast. He is mighty to save and deliver. He rides past, present, and future skies to fulfill His eternal purposes, working all things together for His glorious good in every season, every generation. He moves to grace His own with favor and benediction. (Psalm 34:18; Joel 2:11; Romans 8:28)

Will we with new eyes look for and delight in His movement in the weather and changing seasons? His order, consistency, and power in the rhythmic tides, the rising sun, the constellations? His swift-yet-never-hurried weaving of lives and circumstances together in divine tapestry? What will we do to get more acquainted with the whisper of His voice, the prompting of His Spirit, the strength of His upholding? Truly there is none like Him!

“Praise to the Lord, above all things so wondrously reigning;
sheltering you under his wings, and so gently sustaining!
Have you not seen all that is needful has been
sent by his gracious ordaining?” ~Joachim Neander (1680)

Lord, keep me aware of every place you ride and reside, and as I walk alongside you, may I ever sing your praise.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer…

“For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again. You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-6,8b-11

His first letter to the Corinthian church was to urge unity in the body and the exercising of their gifts in love. Now Paul addresses complete dependence on Jesus as they carried out their ministry, which would always be a dynamic combination of learning and teaching. Living out a life of service would be more than didactic. Every pushback, every rejection, every bit of suffering along the way was an integral part of sanctification, for them and those they served. No experience is lost on the Lord, rather explicitly used to change us from glory to glory. (2 Corinthians 3:18)

It’s not just content we need to learn in our spiritual journey, but the lessons that come with faithful practice of His word. These include a deep walk with Christ and growing faith as we interact with fellow believers. As we learn more about who God is and what to obey, He enables us with the how in practical living.

Restoration from a fall into sin teaches forgiveness and love. Articulation of and even rejection of a testimony confirms the clarity of truth. Buffeting on the outside affirms renewal of the inner spirit. Anguish of body and spirit propels shared compassion and comfort. Godly grief through conviction prompts repentance. Poverty elicits generosity and ultimate thanksgiving for Christ’s sacrifice for us. All of life is purposeful in God’s economy. We work with Christ to accomplish His intentions for us and others. (2 Corinthians 2:5-9,14-16; 4:1-2,5-6,16-18; 6:1-10; 7:5-7,10-11; 8:2-5,9-10)

How richly are we learning about God and life in our day to day? Are we eager to understand reasons and apply new tools? What new insights, practical lessons, and changes of habit have we recently implemented? How are we passing on- by explaining and modeling- what we’ve learned? How zealously do we take advantage of God’s school that is our life?

Gracious Lord, help me thrive and minister in Your sufficiency, for the building up of Your church and the magnification of Your greatness and glory. (2 Corinthians 3:4-6)

“I have loved you with an everlasting love;
    therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.” Jeremiah 31:3

“The Lord your God is in your midst,
    a mighty one who will save;
he will rejoice over you with gladness;
    he will quiet you by his love;
he will exult over you with loud singing.” Zephaniah 3:17

“For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.

“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?  He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?..

“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:29-35,37-39

Another impatient response. Another caustic bite of sarcasm. Another tirade of expletives. God rejoices over me? Another wave of doubt. Another long stew of self-loathing. Another slough of bitterness over hurts and rejections. God rejoices over me? Failures, unkind impulses, unclean thoughts, uncontrolled reactions, self-centeredness- does God rejoice over these? No! Yet He rejoices in me, that I am His and He’s remaking and sanctifying me to reflect His perfect image. He loves the unlovable and makes us bloom.

“You were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” 1 Corinthians 6:11

The beautiful thing about God’s rejoicing in us is that it is rooted in His unmerited affection and faithfulness, not our behavior. His is a steadfast, keeping love that purifies us and never parts.

“Blessed is the one you choose and bring near,
to dwell in your courts!” Psalm 65:4a

Once He has saved us He perseveres to make us holy. He reminds and enables. He intercedes, defends, and helps, and is glorified when we yield to His Spirit’s prompting and power.

“As he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.’” 1 Peter 1:15-16

Rather than ruing what we are not, would we delight in the Lord? Instead of wallowing in ugly thoughts and rebel hearts, would we rejoice in His love for us and respond in kind? What needs changing to be more like Him?

Lord, keep me rejoicing in You, and so reflect Your holiness and beauty.

“When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over Israel, all the Philistines went up to search for David. But David heard of it and went down to the stronghold.  Now the Philistines had come and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim.  And David inquired of the Lord, ‘Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will you give them into my hand?’ And the Lord said to David, ‘Go up, for I will certainly give the Philistines into your hand.’ And David came to Baal-perazim, and David defeated them there. And he said, ‘The Lord has broken through my enemies before me like a breaking flood.’ Therefore the name of that place is called Baal-perazim. And the Philistines left their idols there, and David and his men carried them away.

“And the Philistines came up yet again and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim. And when David inquired of the Lord, he said, ‘You shall not go up; go around to their rear, and come against them opposite the balsam trees.  And when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, then rouse yourself, for then the Lord has gone out before you to strike down the army of the Philistines.’  And David did as the Lord commanded him, and struck down the Philistines from Geba to Gezer.” 2 Samuel 5:17-25

The Philistines were relentless in their pursuit of King David, but so was God in His loving care of His anointed. David never feared. He knew where was his stronghold and who would hold him strong. He conferred with his Lord at every threat, and God was faithful to direct his strategy and steps. Whether he went up or around, he followed God’s instructions, and conquered at the sound of His marching in the tops of the balsams.

Do we so seek the Lord? It is easy in our day to day to get to our plans without taking a thought for how our Lord might lead differently. When we get to tasks and just hope for His blessing, we miss the sweetness of clear confirmation through His word, or the nudge of change in the heart or conviction of His Spirit, or the cautionary Wait, it will work better this way, at this time. And in the hurry of our own determined urgencies, we do not even know that we have missed Him. The noise keeps us from hearing Him in the balsam trees.

In what situations do I need particular guidance today? Am I facing conundrums at work, friction in a relationship, or closed doors when I need one opened? Is there a big decision to make, topic to raise and work through, or habit to conquer? No matter how pressing or strong, would I turn from whatever is coming at me to inquire, listen, and pay heed to the Lord’s voice? Will I trust Him, and thank His for His answers?

Good Father, keep me inquiring of You and alert to Your guidance, ready to follow as You lead and to thank You for Your answers.