As the rain and snow

“When Ebed-melech the Ethiopian, a eunuch who was in the king’s house, heard that they had put Jeremiah into the cistern,.. [he] said to the king, ‘My lord the king, these men have done evil in all that they did to Jeremiah the prophet by casting him into the cistern, and he will die there of hunger, for there is no bread left in the city.^’ Then the king commanded Ebed-melech, ‘Take thirty men with you from here, and lift Jeremiah the prophet out of the cistern before he dies.^’ So Ebed-melech took the men with him and went to the house of the king, to a wardrobe in the storehouse, and took from there old rags and worn-out clothes, which he let down to Jeremiah in the cistern by ropes. Then Ebed-melech the Ethiopian said to Jeremiah, ‘Put the rags and clothes between your armpits and the ropes.’ Jeremiah did so. Then they drew Jeremiah up with ropes and lifted him out of the cistern. And Jeremiah remained in the court of the guard.”

“The word of the Lord came to Jeremiah while he was shut up in the court of the guard: ‘Go, and say to Ebed-melech the Ethiopian, “Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: Behold, I will fulfill my words against this city for harm and not for good, and they shall be accomplished before you on that day. But I will deliver you on that day, declares the Lord, and you shall not be given into the hand of the men of whom you are afraid. For I will surely save you, and you shall not fall by the sword, but you shall have your life as a prize of war, because you have put your trust in me, declares the Lord.”’” Jeremiah 38:7-13; 39:15-18

Tucked into international political tensions and intrigue is the remarkable servant Ebed-melech. His importance to the Lord becomes important to us as inspiration for unselfish boldness and faith. He acted out of a sense of rightness, kindness, and justice, and God blessed his intentional expressions of faith.

How and where are we exhibiting courage in faith? To whom are we reaching out, for whom helpless and voiceless do we intercede or speak? In what situations have we gone to the wardrobe of possibility and storehouse of grace to lighten a burden, ease a pain, or participate in rescue? What opportunities await our involvement?

And how has the Lord returned blessing to us? For what relief, encouragement, unexpected provision can we thank God today? How might we offer that blessing, by word or deed, to those who faithfully serve Him and His causes?

Our generosity can never exceed that of Christ’s to us, but it can honor His grace and make a difference for others. As we make ourselves available, He will open opportunities to minister to the needy and rely on His means to bless in His name. He hears what is prayed and sees what is done in secret, and meets it all with heavenly benediction. When our goal is pure in giving, by His spiritual economy we receive much more in return. (Proverbs 11:25; Matthew 6:2-4,6,20)

Father, out of Your bounty to me make me grateful, and bountiful to others for Your name’s sake.

“Samuel said to the people, ‘Stand still that I may plead with you before the Lord concerning all the righteous deeds of the Lord that he performed for you… When Jacob went into Egypt, and the Egyptians oppressed them, then your fathers cried out… and the Lord… brought your fathers out of Egypt and made them dwell in this place. But they forgot the Lord their God… And they cried out, “We have sinned, because we have forsaken the Lord and have served the Baals…^” And the Lord… delivered you out of the hand of your enemies.., and you lived in safety. And when you saw that Nahash the king of the Ammonites came against you, you said to me, “No, but a king shall reign over us,” when the Lord your God was your king. Behold the king whom you have chosen… If you will fear the Lord and serve him and obey his voice and not rebel.., and if both you and the king who reigns over you will follow the Lord your God, it will be well. But if you will not obey.., but rebel.., then the hand of the Lord will be against you and your king. Now therefore stand still and see this great thing that the Lord will do before your eyes… So Samuel called upon the Lord, and the Lord sent thunder and rain that day, and all the people greatly feared the Lord and Samuel.

“And all the people said to Samuel, ‘Pray.., that we may not die, for we have added to all our sins this evil, to ask for ourselves a king.^’ And Samuel said, ‘Do not be afraid; you have done all this evil. Yet do not turn aside from following the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your heart. Do not turn aside after empty things that cannot profit or deliver… For the Lord will not forsake his people, for his great name’s sake, because it has pleased the Lord to make you a people for himself… Only fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things he has done for you.” 1 Samuel 12:6-9a,10a,11b-16,18-22,24

Samuel in his old age was reflective and loving toward his people. As many spiritual leaders (and parents), he knew well what the fickle Israelites needed as reminders before his ministry was complete. They were a people who swung from devotion to the Lord to the latest enticement, prone to idolatry and subject to peer pressure of other nations. Stand still, God’s dearly beloved. Consider your gracious Lord, His faithfulness, and your proclivity to turn away from Him. Stand still and watch Him, submit to and love Him.

In the hustle of life activities and pressures, standing still can be difficult and rare. But intentional stillness affords the brain time to ponder and remember the personal care and might of God, and to determine our course of commitment.

Will we speed through life thoughtlessly on wings of false urgencies and excuses? How might our pace and measure of gratitude change if we regularly stood still and beheld the Lord in wonder, thankfulness, and wholehearted resolve?

Lord, help me stand in devotion that matches Your unwavering devotion to me, and honor You as You deserve.

“I love you, O Lord, my strength.
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.
I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised,
and I am saved from my enemies…

In my distress I called upon the Lord;
to my God I cried for help.
From his temple he heard my voice,
and my cry to him reached his ears…

He sent from on high, he took me;
he drew me out of many waters.
He rescued me from my strong enemy
and 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…

For who is God, but the Lord?
And who is a rock, except our God?—
the God who equipped me with strength
and made my way blameless.
He made my feet like the feet of a deer
and set me secure on the heights…
You gave a wide place for my steps under me,
and my feet did not slip…

The Lord lives, and blessed be my rock,
and exalted be the God of my salvation—

For this I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations,
and sing to your name.” Psalm 18:1-3,6,16-19,31-33,36,46,49

Attacked by ruthless enemies, David held to his Rock. Distressed and embattled in spirit, he fled to his Rock. In turmoil and need, he cried to his Rock. By God’s grace, he was planted on the steady, firm, immovable Rock. And from that Rock he praised. David held varied roles through seasons of his life, but always he knew his Rock, the stronghold of his might, skills, defense, and wisdom.

We all choose a daily vantage point from which we hope, through which we see every situation and predicament, from which we make decisions. We each determine our foundation, be it self-will, personal talent, or a selected set of mores. Any manmade religion or system of belief apart from Scripture will become a foundation of shifting sand. Life apart from Jesus is uncertain, subject to whims, doomed to destruction. A steady building on the Rock assures stability in troubled times. (Matthew 7:24-27; James 1:5-6,17)

In whom do we place our trust? On what do we base our thinking and decisions? How do we set about maintaining stability of emotion, direction, devotion? Reading through this song, do we find our heartbeat and connect with this wondrous Savior? How will we settle and strengthen our trust in the immovable, unchanging Rock?

“O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer,
greatest treasure of my longing soul;
my God, like you there is no other,
true delight is found in you alone.
Your grace a well too deep to fathom,
your love exceeds the heavens’ reach;
your truth a fount of perfect wisdom,
my highest good and my unending need.” ~Nathan Stiff (2017)

Father, stabilize my resolve to trust, obey, and bless You as the Rock of my salvation all my days, to the glory of Your name.

“The Lord called Samuel, and he said, ‘Here I am!..’ And the Lord called again, ‘Samuel!’ and Samuel arose… Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, and the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him.

“And the Lord called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli and said, ‘Here I am, for you called me.’ Then Eli perceived that the Lord was calling the boy. Therefore Eli said to Samuel, ‘Go, lie down, and if he calls you, you shall say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant hears.’ So Samuel went and lay down in his place.

“And the Lord came and stood, calling as at other times, ‘Samuel! Samuel!’ And Samuel said, ‘Speak, for your servant hears.^’ Then the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Behold, I am about to do a thing in Israel at which the two ears of everyone who hears it will tingle…’

“And Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground. And all Israel from Dan to Beersheba knew that Samuel was established as a prophet of the Lord. And the Lord appeared again at Shiloh, for the Lord revealed himself to Samuel at Shiloh by the word of the Lord.

“And the word of Samuel came to all Israel.” 1 Samuel 3:4,6a,7-11,19-21,4:1a

The word of God issued forth to the young Samuel, addressing him personally and powerfully in a life call for this servant and his people Israel. The Lord established him as a prophet, and Samuel obediently established God’s word as the standard for truth about what was to be.

When God’s word comes to a willing heart, it has great effect. We receive it and heed its prescriptions with urgency and joy. The living word that comes to a ready believer and sets him afire will also go.

How and how regularly do we take in God’s word for ourselves? Do we listen as servants or debaters? Do we seek Him through the sound bites and interpretations of others, or directly from His word? Are we attuned to His voice, assured of His specific warnings, instructions, and encouragement for ourselves in present circumstances, then implementing them in obedience and faith? He will persist to reveal Himself as we willingly come, and His word will grip and use those intending to serve Him with it.

And once we’ve taken in His message, do we hide it to guard our hearts, hoard it in timidity, or speak it boldly as God compels? Among whom are we making a difference by living it out? Whom might we come alongside to help explain what it means? (1 Samuel 8:6-18; Psalm 119:11; Jeremiah 20:9; Acts 8:28-35; Romans 1:16; 2 Timothy 1:7)

“Lord, speak to me that I may speak
In living echoes of your tone.
As you have sought, so let me seek
Your erring children, lost and lone.

Oh, lead me, Lord, that I may lead
The wand’ring and the wav’ring feet.
Oh, feed me, Lord, that I may feed
Your hungry ones with manna sweet.” ~Frances Havergal (1872)

Oh Lord, keep me listening to and heeding Your word that I might tell of Your truth, excellence, and power all my days and unto Your glory.

“There was a famine in the land, and a man of Bethlehem in Judah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he and his wife and his two sons… These took Moabite wives,.. Orpah and… Ruth. They lived there about ten years, and both Mahlon and Chilion died, so that the woman was left without her two sons and her husband…

^“So she set out… with her two daughters-in-law… to return to the land of Judah. But Naomi said.., ‘Go, return each of you to her mother’s house. May the Lord deal kindly with you… [and] grant that you may find rest, each of you in the house of her husband!’ Then she kissed them, and they lifted up their voices and wept. And they said to her, ‘No, we will return with you to your people.^’ But Naomi said, ‘Turn back, my daughters; why will you go with me? Have I yet sons in my womb that they may become your husbands? Turn back, my daughters;.. I am too old to have a husband… Even if I should bear sons, would you wait till they were grown?.. No, my daughters…^’ Then they lifted up their voices and wept again. Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth clung to her.

“Ruth said, ‘Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried. May the Lord do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you.’” Ruth 1:1,4-5,7-17

Intrigue in a foreigner, love in marriage, grief in death, sorrow in parting, fear in leaving, expectancy in change, compassion and tenacity in commitment. Years pulled and stretched the varied emotions of young Ruth up and down and around, and the thread of faith held her together. Only the resolve of a captured heart could determine passage and connection with a God not previously known. Faith tethered to this Holy One instilled eagerness in industry and confidence in favor expressed in humble service and gratitude. (Ruth 2:2-13)

Emotions lure, persuade, and captivate. They can unsettle, confuse, and deceive. They often arrest forward progress and detract from a goal or calling. But they are a gift from God to enhance, not disrupt, our devotion to Him. What we perceive as crises or instigators of upsetting change or devastation are no surprise to our Heavenly Father. Rather they are vehicles whereby faith is tested and His love and power are revealed.

How yielded are our emotions to the Sovereign? Are we easily moved and thrown off course by circumstances, or does constant trust tie reactions and feelings together in increasing steadiness? What can we do to harness volatile and enemy emotions into friends, spurring us on? How might God transform mood swings, fears, sorrows into fuel for flourishing faith in His steady and steadfast love? And how might this transformation bring blessing and hope to others? (Ruth 4:13-14; Ephesians 4:14; 2 Timothy 1:7; Hebrews 10:24)

Lord, weave Your strong thread of faith through my every action and emotion, that I will go and stay with and adore You always.

“Give ear to my words, O Lord;
consider my groaning.
Give attention to the sound of my cry,
my King and my God,
for to you do I pray.
O Lord, in the morning you hear my voice;
in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for you and watch.

For you are not a God who delights in wickedness;
evil may not dwell with you.
The boastful shall not stand before your eyes;
you hate all evildoers.
You destroy those who speak lies;
the Lord abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man.

But I, through the abundance of your steadfast love,
will enter your house.
I will bow down toward your holy temple
in the fear of you.
Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness
because of my enemies;
make your way straight before me…

Let all who take refuge in you rejoice;
let them ever sing for joy,
and spread your protection over them,
that those who love your name may exult in you.
For you bless the righteous, O Lord;
you cover him with favor as with a shield.” Psalm 5:1-8,11-12

“Jesus said, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” John 14:6

“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16

Driven by need, compelled by faith, drawn by irresistible love, the psalmist approaches the Almighty. Not everyone can stand before the King in His holy temple. No boast, no deceit shall enter. Only those on His straight way are led, and welcomed, to His house. Only they, made righteous by His blood, can cross the threshold. (Romans 3:23-25; 5:9; Ephesians 2:18; 3:11-12)

We have situations that suffocate, and challenges that test resolve. We carry regret for past actions and dreams for the future. We bear hurts and hopes. While we may not be able to escape or resolve them, we can always come to Jesus. But here we stumble in self- importance, presenting our tokens of comparison and desert and alibi. We forget His door is marked with death, unto ourselves and of our Christ.

When and why do I approach the Lord? Do I come with self-defined goods and effort or on the basis of His blood and grace? Am I an occasional visitor or regular guest? How might life change if I daily died to self and came in praise and gratitude for wisdom, sustenance, and power? (Galatians 2:20)

“Jesus, Thy blood and righteousness
my beauty are, my glorious dress;
‘midst flaming worlds, in these arrayed,
with joy shall I lift up my head.

Bold shall I stand in Thy great day,
for who aught to my charge shall lay?
Fully absolved through these I am,
from sin and fear, from guilt and shame.” ~ John Wesley (1739)

“No condemnation now I dread;
Jesus, and all in Him is mine!
Alive in Him, my living Head,
And clothed in righteousness divine,
Bold I approach th’eternal throne,
And claim the crown, through Christ my own.

Amazing love! how can it be
That Thou, my God, should die for me!” ~Charles Wesley (1738)

Good Father, keep me humble and ever grateful at Your threshold, and dependent, expectant, and rejoicing in Your house.

“Ahaziah was twenty-two years old when he began to reign, and he reigned one year in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Athaliah, the granddaughter of Omri. He also walked in the ways of the house of Ahab, for his mother was his counselor in doing wickedly. He did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, as the house of Ahab had done. For after the death of his father they were his counselors, to his undoing. He even followed their counsel and went with Jehoram the son of Ahab king of Israel to make war against Hazael king of Syria at Ramoth-gilead. And the Syrians wounded Joram.” 2 Chronicles 22:2-5

“Jeroboam… said to Rehoboam,  ‘Your father made our yoke heavy. Now therefore lighten the hard service of your father and his heavy yoke on us, and we will serve you.’  He said to them, ‘Go away for three days, then come again to me.’ So the people went away.

“Then King Rehoboam took counsel with the old men, who had stood before Solomon his father while he was alive, saying, ‘How do you advise me to answer?’  And they said, ‘If you will be a servant to this people today and serve them, and speak good words to them when you answer them, then they will be your servants forever.’  But he abandoned the counsel that the old men gave him and took counsel with the young men who had grown up with him.  He said to them, ‘What do you advise that we answer this people..?’  The young men said, ‘Thus shall you… say to them, “My little finger is thicker than my father’s thighs. And now, whereas my father laid on you a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke. My father disciplined you with whips, but I will discipline you with scorpions.”’

“So Jeroboam came to Rehoboam the third day…  And the king answered harshly.” 1 Kings 12:3-13

“The thoughts of the righteous are just;
    the counsels of the wicked are deceitful.” Proverbs 12:5

Jehoram his father had set a terrible example, and it seemed king Ahaziah might consider his options, discern, and give wise response. Sadly, he refused his chance to set things right. Like king Rehoboam shunning his wise father Solomon’s counselors, he fell to the sway of bad advice. Behavior is determined by the counsel we value: biblical truth or worldly lies. (2 Chronicles 21:11-15)

Every day we make choices that have an impact on both our doing or our undoing. We might start well, but get pulled aside by enticements to power or prestige, or distracted off course by the niggling voice of pride. It is human tendency to blame others and circumstances when our nicely laid plans are undone, but we have a say. It behooves us to consider carefully how we walk, and determine to align our decisions with God’s word. (Ephesians 5:15-17)

Are we stewing in regret over poor choices and the painful consequences they’ve caused? Whom or what are we blaming for situations and messes for which we are at least partly responsible? Do right and repent, and ask God to redeem the relationships, situations, and failures for good.

Lord, reveal and forgive my culpability in undoing, and correct my doing unto Your will and glory.

“And he entered the synagogue and for three months spoke boldly, reasoning and persuading them about the kingdom of God.  But when some became stubborn and continued in unbelief, speaking evil of the Way before the congregation, he withdrew from them and took the disciples with him, reasoning daily in the hall of Tyrannus. This continued for two years, so that all the residents of Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks.

“And God was doing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul… Also many of those who were now believers came, confessing and divulging their practices…  So the word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily.” Acts 19:8-11,18,20

“I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ… may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him,  having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know… what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead.” Ephesians 1:16-20

“We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you…, The word of the truth, the gospel,.. has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and increasing—as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth…

“We have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,  so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.” Colossians 1:3,5-6,9-10

The word of God increasing and prevailing mightily in the early church was palpable. Minds were changed, bodies were healed, sins were renounced, lives were transformed. The gospel spread its seeds of truth and power, effecting growth in numbers and fruitfulness. Prayer begat spiritual bounty begat more praise and prayer as God built His Body.

And so the mighty Word of God increases and prevails in us today as we receive it in faith and allow it to have its way over thought and emotion. It instructs, enlightens, directs. It guards, inspires, fortifies. It refreshes the spirit when we drink of it deeply, and bears fruit in our character as we implement its design. When are we availing ourselves of its sanctifying truth and goodness? What specific changes in attitude or habit is it causing? (Psalm 119:105; 2 Timothy 3:16-17)

It also increases and prevails as we put it into practice at home, work, and community, sowing its light among those we encounter. A word of warning, wisdom, or benediction from God’s word has potent effect. Are we praying as such? Where are we spreading its life-giving power and beauty? Into what situation, place, or individual is God asking us to boldly preach the gospel? (Isaiah 55:10-11; Luke 8:4-8,11-15; Acts 20:32; 2 Timothy 4:1-5)

Lord, may your Word daily increase and prevail in me, that I might propel its increase and glory in this dark world.

“Praise the Lord!
I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart,
    in the company of the upright, in the congregation.
Great are the works of the Lord,
    studied by all who delight in them.
Full of splendor and majesty is his work,
    and his righteousness endures forever.
He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered;
    the Lord is gracious and merciful.
He provides food for those who fear him;
    he remembers his covenant forever.
He has shown his people the power of his works,
    in giving them the inheritance of the nations.
The works of his hands are faithful and just;
    all his precepts are trustworthy;
they are established forever and ever,
    to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness.
He sent redemption to his people;
    he has commanded his covenant forever.
    Holy and awesome is his name!
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
    all those who practice it have a good understanding.
    His praise endures forever!”

“Praise the Lord!
Blessed is the man who fears the Lord,
    who greatly delights in his commandments!” Psalm 111:1-10; 112:1

The works of the Lord are manifold and great, manifested in brilliant splendor and majesty. They are to be delighted in as the loving result of His creativity and purpose, and studied to uncover God’s holy character, wisdom, and power. They are righteous, inspired by His mercy and grace. They are redemptive, accomplishing divine good and glory. They exhibit His sovereign authority, faithfulness, and justice, and are to be constantly remembered and praised.

In this world here below, we go about busy days, and only when we pause do we set to study- but then, many insignificant things. We know what is trending on social media and the news someone has determined we must be privy to, and fear. We can recite details to criticize about those whose lifestyle or vote is different from ours, and are experts ready to pontificate about everything that interests us. It is prudent to be knowledgable about the goings on in all God’s world, but we can be teased and distracted from knowing the God behind it all. Beware lest we begin to worship the expertise over the Expert, the created rather than the Creator. It takes earnest spiritual discipline to keep the Lord our primary focus and filter, but when we do, His works magnify His glories more than we ever imagined. (Romans 1:25)

What if I began everything– my morning, my quiet moments, my tasks, my exercise, my conversations- by praising the Lord? If I give thanks to Him in private and public, how would it affect what I next hear and see and do? Noting and delighting in particular attributes heightens my awareness when I see them expressed, and more praise issues forth.

When I have a curiosity, will I resist the urge to do a search, and instead take the time to wonder, ruminate on, and study the wondrous works of God? Filling my mind with the infinite goodness of Him will fill my days with praise, to the blessing of those around me and the glory of God.

Lord, keep me attentive to all facets of Your works, and ever responding in the humble thanksgiving and praise You are worthy to receive.

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.  Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone?  Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent?  If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!

“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 7:7-12

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.  Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you.  You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:11-13

Jesus commends persistent asking, with the unsaid understanding that the process of continual, pleading prayer brings benefits in itself. It weans us from self-dependence, from selfish motive and pride, and shapes our desires to conform to His will. So much of His teaching is about how we are to think, want, and behave. Continual prayer changes us.

Christ’s teachings also reveal a lot about Him. Jesus compares how a parent gives gifts to the way He does. A good parent knows his children, and gives balancing need and ability. He gives according to wisdom and proper economy. He does not reward greed or selfishness, he does not lavish on the ungrateful, he does not give more than a child can rightly handle. The discerning parent is always appropriate, always doing according to long-term good, always keeping eternity in mind. So if a parent’s how sometimes requires temporary withholding or a permanent answer of ‘no,’ the Lord does all the better.

How generous are we with the Lord when we desire His gifts? How willingly do we give ourselves- our focus, our longings, our dependence, out time and attention- in regular prayer? The more we go to God, and consider Him before personal wants or plans, the more readily He develops the desires of our hearts. Over time lingering in prayer with Him, they grow to align with His. God’s giving in answer is often a a gift of deeper knowledge of Him and conformity to His character. He grants patience in waiting, a diminishing of greed in want, greater compassion for a critical spirit. His giving is a combination of response to our stated requests and His good plans for us, as He knows what our real needs are. (Matthew 6:8; Romans 12:1-2)

Do we trust God’s answers when we seek His help and favor? How devoted are we to seek Him more than we seek answers and things? How carefully do we model our own giving after His wise, generous benevolence toward us?

Lord, Giver of every good and perfect gift, teach me to pray rightly and to give according to the ways You give to me. (James 1:17)