Today’s post is part of the Christian Writer’s blog chain. This month, our theme
is “Savor.” Please visit my friends’ blogs by clicking on the links in the
right-hand column.
Is your life in transition?
Are you starting something new, or preparing for a new phase of
life? Oftentimes the present seems so
cluttered with preparations for the future that we usually neglect the present.
Psalm 46: 8-10 (NIV)
Come and see what the LORD has done,
the desolations he has brought on the earth.
He makes wars cease
to the ends of the earth.
He breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
he burns the shields with fire.
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.”
the desolations he has brought on the earth.
He makes wars cease
to the ends of the earth.
He breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
he burns the shields with fire.
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.”
Psalm 34:8 (NIV)
Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who
takes refuge in him.
Regardless of our situation, we are able to imagine
something better. This is why most
people (including Christ followers) have an attitude of bitterness (Rev 2:4). If we can be really honest with ourselves,
then we would realize that this bitterness is directed at God (John 15:24-25).
When we obey God regardless of how we feel, we are acting in
Faith (Heb 11:1). God rewards this
active faith with a stronger sense of connectedness to Him (1 Tim 3:13).
When we stop and ponder who God is and what He has done for
us, we will be filled with an overwhelming sense of gratitude (Rom 5:8). This gratitude should empower us towards
greater devotion to the purpose of expanding God’s kingdom (2 Thess 1:11).
Savor the Lord, for He is good.
Savor and thankfulness go hand-in-hand don't they? Good thoughts!
ReplyDeleteThank you Pegg.
ReplyDeleteMike - this was wonderful. I loved the way you said: When we obey God regardless of how we feel, we are acting in Faith (Heb 11:1). God rewards this active faith with a stronger sense of connectedness to Him (1 Tim 3:13).
ReplyDeleteOf course, we don't obey God in order to receive awards. But you're right that God gives them to us anyway--in the form of deeper relationship. The best reward we can have on this side of heaven.
Very encouraging!
Thank you for this thought provoking post.
ReplyDeletethere is no better advice to be savoured
ReplyDeleteI really liked this. You are right that no matter what happens in our lives, God has a plan that we may not understand but we need to savor his love and insight into what He knows is ultimately best.
ReplyDeleteThanks Mike - great use of Scripture references. Savoring His Word is also what we're supposed to do.
ReplyDeleteAn attitude of gratitude is always the best way to go!
DeleteMy internet service was out all day, and we are finally back online due to a great AT&T service mechanic. So when I came back to these wonderful comments I was blown away. Thank you all so much for your kind words, they are a blessing.
ReplyDeleteIntersting . . . I love the phrase "cluttered with preparations." We do get so deeply involved in the planning that we often forget to appreciate what we're planning for (we even forget to take the trip altogether sometimes). Excellent reminder, Mike.
ReplyDeleteJesus was the only person who truly lived in the present. This allowed Him to be the perfect sacrifice for all time.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this post, Mike. We need to make preparations for whatever God has for us, no doubt, but we should also savor not only the journey but the preparing for it too. And yes, gratitude is what enables us to savor our lives. That and being fully present in the moment, as you mention in your last reply. Great post, my brother.
ReplyDeleteThank you Traci
DeleteThank you so much for sharing these savoring words. Great job!
ReplyDeleteThank you Debra, and thank for being my "other" follower
DeleteOne of my fav's is the Psalms reference :"Be still and KNOW I am God" Every time I read that, I am reminded how awesome God is, how much He loves and how blessed I am. Wonderful post Mike- I'm still savoring the moment. Blessings
ReplyDeleteThere is a similar situation in Exodus 14:13-14 where the Israelites are trapped between the advancing Egyptian Army and the Red Sea.
ReplyDeleteMoses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
I feel that God has really spoken to me through your article today Mike. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteVery cool Adam. I can't say much of anything I say is original, but God's Word is somehow always fresh. All our commentary is just hopefully getting us to look again at what is in the Word.
DeleteIt is a good reminder that faith is acting in obedience even though we don't like it. :) Gratitude usually does follow once we see the blessings.
ReplyDeleteHey a third follower!!!! Yay! Welcome aboard. When I choose to look at the cross I am reminded of the blessings. I just forget to look.
DeleteSavoring this post Mike, it's a great one that makes me think about focus and the really important stuff that we often loose sight of. Thank you!!
ReplyDeleteThank You Chris. Focus is a great way to think about our walk with God. Focus takes energy and a decision to be mindful of what God is up to and what He would like us to do.
ReplyDelete"Savor the Lord, for He is good." Always. A beautiful friend recently lost her husband and as I held her in the hospital the night he collapsed, she kept whispering, "God is good. I know God is good." He is. This life isn't always easy -- sometimes is just hard -- but God is always good. How can we not savor His grace? Thank you for great words today!
ReplyDeleteWow, that was amazing. Thank you
ReplyDeleteThis is thought provoking, challenging, when many people on the east coast of Australia are facing the in almost 40 years. But yes, God is good, he is found in anyone who accepts the call to help their communities, now and in the future, when the clean up begins.
ReplyDeleteGod is good, but we must have faith that He is. His decisions to allow painful things to happen is a mystery we will not understand this side of heaven.
DeleteMy life is in transition, Mike. Your post reminded me to keep my focus where it should be.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful picture.
Thank you Deborah
ReplyDelete