Num. 2; Ps. 36; Eccles. 12; Philemon 1

I was talking to another mom yesterday about a situation in her life, and I asked her if she prayed about it. I admitted that I don’t always pray about the things in my life; and I wondered if I thought my stuff was too big for God–like a situation seemed so impossible or complex, there was no hope. I think that’s where the enemy wants us–feeling powerless and hopeless. It seemed silly to consider that–especially when I looked all around me and all that I saw GOD CREATED. Was there ever anything too complex for him?

Numbers 2–tribes lined underneath family banners, and the last paragraph is a refrain: exactly as the Lord instructed; as the Lord commanded; as the Lord commanded.

Psalm 36–glimpsing into the heart of evil; conceit; no fear of God; they can’t see who they really are; plotting; and no attempt to turn from evil. I almost get lost in what seems hopeless, until these words direct me higher:

⁵ Your unfailing love, O Lord, is as vast as the heavens;
    your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds.
⁶ Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains,
    your justice like the ocean depths.
You care for people and animals alike, O Lord.
⁷     How precious is your unfailing love, O God!
All humanity finds shelter
    in the shadow of your wings.
⁸ You feed them from the abundance of your own house,
    letting them drink from your river of delights.
⁹ For you are the fountain of life,
    the light by which we see. Psalm 36:5-9 NLT

Mighty God. Unfailing, faithful, righteous and just, caring, sheltering, providing, life and light. Is there really anything so complex you can’t handle?

Ecclesiastes tells me again and again, to honor God and remember him.

Don’t let the excitement of youth cause you to forget your Creator. Honor him in your youth before you grow old and say, “Life is not pleasant anymore.” ² Remember him before the light of the sun, moon, and stars is dim to your old eyes, and rain clouds continually darken your sky. ³ Remember him before your legs—the guards of your house—start to tremble; and before your shoulders—the strong men—stoop. Remember him before your teeth—your few remaining servants—stop grinding; and before your eyes—the women looking through the windows—see dimly.

⁴ Remember him before the door to life’s opportunities is closed and the sound of work fades. Now you rise at the first chirping of the birds, but then all their sounds will grow faint.

⁵ Remember him before you become fearful of falling and worry about danger in the streets; before your hair turns white like an almond tree in bloom, and you drag along without energy like a dying grasshopper, and the caperberry no longer inspires sexual desire. Remember him before you near the grave, your everlasting home, when the mourners will weep at your funeral.

⁶ Yes, remember your Creator now while you are young, before the silver cord of life snaps and the golden bowl is broken. Don’t wait until the water jar is smashed at the spring and the pulley is broken at the well. ⁷ For then the dust will return to the earth, and the spirit will return to God who gave it. Ecclesiastes 12:1-7 NLT.

Lord, I want to enter each day remembering you–not only for what you have done, but for who you are and what you can do. My problems and concerns are not too great for you. I want to walk confidently in the plan you have for me, because I trust you and I know that you love me. You are faithful.

Courtney (66books365)

Advertisement

Numbers 20, Psalm 58-59, Isaiah 9:8-10:4, James 3

But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy in the site of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I gave them.” Number 20:12

Yet for all this, his anger is not turned away, his hand is still upraised. Isaiah 10:4 

But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. Oh my Strength, I sing praise to you; you, O God are my fortress, my loving God. Psalm 59:16-17 

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. James 3:13

Moses’ heart may have angered God more than his hapless hands. James says that the entire course of life could change because of thoughtless words. What did Moses say before he hit the rock?  “Listen you rebels, must we bring you water out of this rock?” (Num 20:10) We? Did he forget God? Was his heart rebellious?

Oh, the dearth of the things I have let fly from my tainted heart to my untamed mouth!

I was at a party recently where I shared my true feelings about God’s work in my life. I was summarily mocked. I thought I don’t belong here.

Like Israel, when they had to change course because they couldn’t go through Edom, I had gotten off track at some point. No wonder Israel wandered in the desert for 40 years. Backtracking takes a long time. Instead of making progress in my spiritual life, I feel like I’ve regressed.

Who can forget God?

Who is all powerful?

Who is holy?

Who protects?

Who judges?

Who has compassion?

Who is my strength?

Who is my hiding place?

Who does not forget me?

When do I forget God?

When I fail to fall on my face at the feet of the Prince of Peace.

When my plans lack the approval of the Wonderful Counselor.

When my words do not point to the Everlasting Father.

When my behavior doesn’t align with the laws of a Mighty God.

When I think I don’t need the Lord Almighty.

Oh Lord, I’m sorry. Please help me return to You. Thank you for your Son who took all the anger of your upraised hand. Jesus got a whipping because of my rebellion. He spilled his blood for me. May I never forget that.

yicareggie