Your Will be Done

Hezekiah said to Isaiah, "If GOD says it, it must be good." But he was thinking to himself, "It won't happen during my lifetime — I'll enjoy peace and security as long as I live." 2 Kings 20:19 THE MESSAGE

Isaiah had just shared with Hezekiah what was to come. It wasn't a pretty picture. Yet, Hezekiah's response was "If God says it, it must be good." As I am learning to live moment to moment, it is my desire to have that kind of attitude to rest in knowing God is good no matter what cirmcumstances I find myself in.

As we are commanded in Philippians 4: 4-9, Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your forbearing spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things; and the God of peace shall be with you.

Lord, help me to have an attitude of rejoicing, that confidence that comes from prayer and dwelling on the things that are true, good and honorable. Lord, if You say it, it must be good.

--michele

Just As I Am

2 Samuel 5 - 8

King David went in, took his place before GOD, and prayed: "Who am I, my Master GOD, and what is my family, that you have brought me to this place in life? But that's nothing compared to what's coming, for you've also spoken of my family far into the future, given me a glimpse into tomorrow, my Master GOD! What can I possibly say in the face of all this? You know me, Master GOD, just as I am. You've done all this not because of who I am but because of who you are — out of your very heart! — but you've let me in on it.

"This is what makes you so great, Master GOD! There is none like you, no God but you, nothing to compare with what we've heard with our own ears." 2 Samuel 7:18-23 THE MESSAGE

Believing God

I Samuel 18 - 24

Saul got word of the whereabouts of David and his men. He was sitting under the big oak on the hill at Gibeah at the time, spear in hand, holding court surrounded by his officials. He said, "Listen here, you Benjaminites! Don't think for a minute that you have any future with the son of Jesse! Do you think he's going to hand over choice land, give you all influential jobs? Think again. Here you are, conspiring against me, whispering behind my back — not one of you is man enough to tell me that my own son is making deals with the son of Jesse, not one of you who cares enough to tell me that my son has taken the side of this, this . . . outlaw!" 1 Samuel 22:6-8

David continued to live in desert hideouts and the backcountry wilderness hills of Ziph. Saul was out looking for him day after day, but God never turned David over to him. David kept out of the way in the wilderness of Ziph, secluded at Horesh, since it was plain that Saul was determined to hunt him down. 1 Samuel 23:14-15

"What does the king of Israel think he's doing? Who do you think you're chasing? A dead dog? A flea? GOD is our judge. He'll decide who is right. Oh, that he would look down right now, decide right now — and set me free of you!"
When David had finished saying all this, Saul said, "Can this be the voice of my son David?" and he wept in loud sobs. "You're the one in the right, not me," he continued. "You've heaped good on me; I've dumped evil on you. And now you've done it again — treated me generously. GOD put me in your hands and you didn't kill me. Why? When a man meets his enemy, does he send him down the road with a blessing? May GOD give you a bonus of blessings for what you've done for me today! I know now beyond doubt that you will rule as king. The kingdom of Israel is already in your grasp! Now promise me under GOD that you will not kill off my family or wipe my name off the books."
David promised Saul. Then Saul went home and David and his men went up to their wilderness refuge. 1 Samuel 24:14-22 THE MESSAGE

As I reflected on today's passage, I had more questions than answers.

Why was Saul afraid of David? Saul had been appointed the first king, chosen by God. Saul's fears were misdirected. Saul should have been concerned about his relationship with Holy God.

Why was David afraid of Saul? With God's help, he conquered the giant and several battles. He knew of God's mighty power, then why did he fear Saul and hideout? Why did he need to run away and hide?

God demonstrated His glory through David's encounter with Saul in the cave when both realized who they were in light of Holy God.

If I believe God to be who He says he is and His Word is truth, then why do I find myself afraid? I need to be concerned about my relationship with Holy God and that should determine my steps and how I approach the relationships around me. What does holiness look like in my daily life?

I've been thinking on the Lord's holiness throughout the day. I have thoughts and feelings that I can't put into words. Sometimes music communicates what I cannot say myself.

Worthy is the Lamb that was slain!