“The Lord’s promises are pure, like silver refined in a furnace, purified seven times over.” Psalm 12:6

Purified silver is untainted. Its purity can be depended upon. Likewise, I can depend on God’s promises. Sometimes though, we misunderstand his promises. God protects us from eternal harm, but not from daily difficulties. I would’ve preferred God to promise me a comfortable life! Instead, he tells me I will have trouble. Jesus said, “Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

God promises his presence and his enabling in our troubles. I love the way the Amplified Bible puts Hebrews 13:5-6. “‘I will never [under any circumstances] desert you [nor give you up nor leave you without support, nor will I in any degree leave you helpless], nor will I forsake or let you down or relax My hold on you [assuredly not]!’ So we take comfort and are encouraged and confidently say, ‘The Lord is my Helper [in time of need], I will not be afraid. What will man do to me?’”

It’s a beautiful promise but it wouldn’t be necessary if we didn’t sometimes feel deserted, helpless and abandoned. Many other promises also reassure us, such as Jesus’ words to his disciples, shortly before his crucifixion, “I am going to prepare a place for you. When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am” (John 14:2-3).

His promise is “you will always be with me where I am.” This promise tells me, God wants to spend time with me and that I’m not a nuisance or unimportant. Rather I’m loved and my presence is important to him.

Let’s pray …

Thank you Lord for your promises that tell me I’m important and valued. Right now, I acknowledge your promises are trustworthy.

In Jesus’ name
Amen

“The Lord looks down from heaven on the entire human race; he looks to see if anyone is truly wise, if anyone seeks God.” Psalm 14:2

I desire to be wise and make wise choices and decisions, but sometimes I feel indecisive. Generally, it’s because I think I don’t have enough information to make the best possible decision. Or I think I don’t have the time or resources to investigate all the different options. Or I feel overwhelmed by choice. God never has these problems! He knows all there is to know, past, present and future. He has all the necessary information to make wise decisions.

Furthermore, I’m influenced by the opinion of friends and family. Sometimes I’m even influenced by promotional campaigns and advertising. This may be helpful if I’m wondering about a new brand of cereal, but not so helpful if I’m looking at purchasing something requiring a substantial investment of time or funds. God’s perspective is the only unbiased and accurate one.

How exactly do we seek the Lord?

We include spiritual disciplines such as reading the Bible, praying, and fellowshipping with others as part of our weekly routines. However, these things may become so routine that they no longer impact our thinking. To truly seek the Lord, we learn to pay attention. We’re expectant and receptive to his promptings that may come to us in a variety of ways or on various occasions. We trust that God is leading us so we wait for the inaudible whispers in our hearts and minds. We’re discerning, knowing that not every thought and idea that drops into our minds is from God. We’re alert to a sense of peace or a sense of discomfort as we consider different opportunities.

The truly wise, seek the Lord.

Let’s pray …

Thank you Lord that you freely give me your wisdom when I ask. Right now, I choose to seek you.

In Jesus’ name
Amen

This Bonus Episode is a chapter from my soon-to-be-published book, 10 Things I Hate About God And How He Won Me Anyway. It's currently available for preorder. See my website for purchasing options: https://www.susanbarneswriter.com/10-things-i-hate-about-god/

Three-year-olds are too busy to take naps. I learned this indisputable fact after becoming a parent. “I’m not tired, and I’m not grumpy,” my child would insist in a tone that made it perfectly clear it would be ridiculous to think otherwise. They would say this after I suggested a nap or an early bedtime. Maybe their building blocks tumbled down in a big heap for the umpteenth time, or they finished the last packet of their favorite snack, or they couldn’t find their much-loved teddy. Minor things causing major frustration reveal major tiredness, but not when you’re three. I wonder how often I ignore the signals that tell me I need to take a break. How often am I irritable and short-tempered?

My husband might suggest we go away for a couple of days. But I find myself getting impatient. I function best with a tidy house, the washing up to date, and the ironing finished. I want to complete all my chores before I stop. After all, I don’t want to come home to a messy house. I carry on with my endless schedule of activities, ignoring God and anyone else who dares to suggest I take a break ...