I WANT TO BRING YOU IN, BUT ARE YOU READY?
Master God , just as I am. You’ve done all this not because of who I am but because of who you are — out of your very heart! — but you’ve let me in on it. “This is what makes you so great, Master God ! There is none like you, no God but you, nothing to compare with what we’ve heard with our own ears. 2 Samuel 7:18–24
Each day I wake up I do a couple of things. One of them is to write, the other is to remind myself of the blessings I do have. I keep it very simple because I remember times when it was tough. So when I say that I “thank God” for food in my fridge or gas in my car, I mean it. When I say “thank you” to God for my healthy babies and beautiful bride, I mean it. When I say “thank you” for a bed to sleep in and the ability to pay my rent, it’s because there were plenty of times when those blessings were NOT there.
7 million people in America filed for unemployment last week. That’s comparable to all of Los Angeles, a big number. I wonder how many of us know someone who is part of that 7 million?
If you are part of that 7 million, I’m praying with you. If you aren’t scared enough about a virus, not having a job in the middle of it is even more daunting. It’s terrifying, especially if you are supporting children. Your pain is multiplied per breathe in your home.
In this passage in 2 Samuel, David is being asked to build the temple. He basically replies with, “me Lord? How could I ever be put in such a place, who am I Lord?”
“When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around.” — Willie Nelson
My kids very often will tell me what they “don’t like” about something. We could have just gone to Disneyland and they will tell me how “hot” it was or how “crowded” it was. Anytime I hear a mili-second of ungratefulness, I pounce on it like a lion on a prey, “can you now tell me three things you are thankful for about the experience?” It doesn’t matter if it’s my oldest, who’s 10 or my youngest, who’s 2. They all know they better start coming up with some thankful moments.
There’s a great book called Stillness is the Key by Ryan Holiday. A great book on how to find happiness right where you are. No matter the circumstance. Good or bad, wealth or poverty, there is always a silver lining.
We can only be truly happy if we have peaceful souls as well as peaceful minds. — Ryan Holiday
What if God is trying to “let you in on it” as he said to David in 2 Samuel but you’re not hearing it or ready for it? Is your soul prepared to hear or want to hear what God is saying to you? Do you even believe God would want to “let you in” on something? Maybe that’s it. Maybe you don’t feel worthy or adequate to be included into what God has for you?
If you’re feeling like you can’t hear or God doesn’t want to talk with you, that’s wrong. He f’n does. You are part of His masterpiece. It may seem far fetched and highly unlikely for you — but you’ve got to stand tall and believe. Dig down and trust even when it doesn’t seem possible.
He want’s to let you in on something, be ready. I’m pumped for you.
Let’s pray:
God, help me to believe great things are for me too. Help me in my job and life to see your blessings. Even now, I’m counting them. Thank you for my life and what you can do with it. I’m giving you my tears for your grace. Help me move forward today, amen.
