Sometimes the truth is just too hard to believe.
When we’re in the thick of things… the worst things… the bitter things… sometimes it can be hard to remember who we are and Whose we are. I’m sure there might have been a time or two in your life, just like mine, that you either totally left God out of the picture or you wondered where He was when you were facing the hard stuff.
Can you relate? Maybe you’re in one of those times right now!
I’m telling you this because as I was reading in the book of Job today, I ran across this verse,
“You, the source of my life, showered me with kindness and watched over me.” —Job 10:12
Now, let me put that into perspective for you. Job had just unloaded a whole pile of complaints and his complaints were point directly at God. I’ve heard people say something like, “Well, God’s a big guy, He can take it!” Can I advise you never to say that. He’s still God! He deserves our respect and honor.
But at the end of Job’s complaints he turns his thoughts and utters those word you just read.
I want to remind you today – If you believe in the all atoning work of Jesus Christ – you are a child of God. And because you are a child of God and He is the source of your life, He will shower you with kindness and always watch over you.
Now, I didn’t say He was going to roll out a red carpet for you and your life would never have any more hiccups. We just knows because of sin, that’s not a possibility.
But you can enjoy God’s best for your life. He wants to shower you with His favor and His kindness, though not a one of us deserve it.
I love closing out a worship service with the Aaronic Benediction: “The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; The Lord look upon you with His favor and give you His peace.” Numbers 6:25-26
By the way… that’s God’s desire!
Here’s my word of encouragement for you today
Ask the Holy Spirit to help you find a way to believe what God’s Word says about you more than you believe what the world says about you. When the negative comments come your way… when the business project flopped… when family and friends misunderstand you or exclude you… when your thoughts tell you, you have little value – let God’s Word steady your heart and mind. The Bible says,
“… because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel.” — Philippians 4:7
Today, remember who you are in Christ. Tell yourself that you walk in God’s favor… that you are the child of the King of kings… and you are loved more than you can imagine.
Father,
Walk with me and talk with me today. In Jesus name I ask this, Amen.
—Rev. Dr. MM Marxhausen
Mark was Spiritual Director for VdC from 2016 to 2019. He's written many of the devotions, especially the Devote and Affirm series, found on this website.
