Good and perfect gifts
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows (Jms. 1:17).
"This is the year I'm going to take away your control of My goodness towards you." That was the message I received at the beginning of January.
Sometimes I'm ashamed to admit it, but God's kindness still leaves me undone. I feel I should know Him better by now; but then I hear something like that, and I melt all over again.
What does that even mean? How could I be controlling God's goodness in my life? It's a sobering thought.
Maybe it goes back to a mindset that I don't "deserve" good things. Or that it's somehow more "spiritual" not to have an overflowing, abundant life.
In my head, I know those things are not true. But maybe God is saying these truths have yet to penetrate my heart.
It wasn't that long ago that I had to fight guilty feelings for simply enjoying the presence of God. I longed for intimate times with Him, but had nagging concerns that I should be doing something more "productive."
Yet Jesus makes it clear in John 15 that fruitfulness comes only from abiding in Him. And in Luke 10, He risks offending His hearers by saying sitting at His feet to listen is better than exhausting yourself to produce.
I believe there is a time to give and a time to receive. Sometimes - often, actually - these times overlap. But I'm learning there are seasons when God decides to pour out; and when God decides it's time to pour, the best thing you can do is stand still with heart and arms open wide.
"This is the year I'm going to take away your control of My goodness towards you." That was the message I received at the beginning of January.
Sometimes I'm ashamed to admit it, but God's kindness still leaves me undone. I feel I should know Him better by now; but then I hear something like that, and I melt all over again.
What does that even mean? How could I be controlling God's goodness in my life? It's a sobering thought.
Maybe it goes back to a mindset that I don't "deserve" good things. Or that it's somehow more "spiritual" not to have an overflowing, abundant life.
In my head, I know those things are not true. But maybe God is saying these truths have yet to penetrate my heart.
It wasn't that long ago that I had to fight guilty feelings for simply enjoying the presence of God. I longed for intimate times with Him, but had nagging concerns that I should be doing something more "productive."
Yet Jesus makes it clear in John 15 that fruitfulness comes only from abiding in Him. And in Luke 10, He risks offending His hearers by saying sitting at His feet to listen is better than exhausting yourself to produce.
I believe there is a time to give and a time to receive. Sometimes - often, actually - these times overlap. But I'm learning there are seasons when God decides to pour out; and when God decides it's time to pour, the best thing you can do is stand still with heart and arms open wide.
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