Events are quick to recount my unanswered
Prayers. People are quick to recall where
And how I erred. Night is smart to hide
My blessings and virtues. Day is quick
To expose my flaws and failures.
The heart struggles to recall the good
Same heart struggles to forget regrets
But there is One who magnanimously
Highlights my minute deeds of kindness
Yet quick to forgive, to forget all of my foolish
Thoughts, not some. And all my fruitless deeds
When I lay them down in repentance. Why is He
Different? Because He cares. Why does He care?
Because He is God; God eternal, good by nature.
Food For Thought: Ask many of us why they think we are alive today and the response would be, “To bring God glory.” How does that come about? Most certainly through our lifestyles; the things we say and do and how they impact the lives of others. This should become the tape with which we measure ourselves, to ensure that not only does our lives glorify God but it is consistent and not an accidental occurrence or an afterthought. Another thing that can help us is to pause and ask: what would Christ do in this situation? In all He did, Jesus sought and brought glory; not shame, not condemnation, not hatred, not disrepute, to the name of God. Everything Christ said and did, with and to everyone He came across, touched lives and yielded consistent harvest of glory to God. Before you say that thing on your mind, ponder, “Will it bring glory to God?” Before you react, consider if your response would add to God’s glory. We are all humans and it can be tough sometimes but if we live with this in mind, we will discover that we are better positioned to reach out to others, not in the way that is typical of our nature, but in the way that demonstrates God and His love. We are better equipped to recognize our imperfection like every one else, and how God is able and available to help us, as we yield more and more to Him, to live Christ in spite of ourselves. Life will be a misery if all we do is consume God’s goodness to no good, to ourselves and to one another. Continually, God pours His goodness upon us so that our lives are transformed via that experience, the lives of those we encounter are enriched as we pour likewise into them, and His name is glorified more and more. Every time we reach beyond ourselves to be like Christ to those we meet, God appreciates: God is glorified.
Scripture: Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Psalm 136: 1.
Prayer: Dear Lord, as Your goodness kisses me awake every morning, may I pause to shower You with my love and appreciation before I run out, amen.