Slow Versus Fast

We like some things to happen fast and some things to come our way slowly. We want aging to occur slowly, but healing from our diseases to occur quickly. We want others to move quickly when we want something, but make excuses when we fail to deliver when we promise. We want others and God to forgive us quickly, but are we slow to forgive when we are offended?

Exodus 34:6 says, “The LORD passed before him and proclaimed, “The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.” When God appeared before Moses, He chose to speak these words about Himself. Our God alone is Lord of all. On the other hand, we are in need of mercy and grace, which He gives us in abundance. He relentlessly offers His steadfast love to us, slow to initiate His anger against our sins.

Seasons

It is not officially winter yet, but we have already had weeks of snow and very cold temperatures. Since I love to be outside and hike in nature, this season is not my favorite time of year. Seasons come with good things and some things we would rather do without. Winter brings beautiful views of snow covered fields and trees. But winter also brings difficult travel conditions and a desire to stay inside. Individual days usually bring good things and some things we would rather avoid. The key to enduring days and seasons is found in our outlook. If we focus on the struggles of each day and some seasons, then our attitudes will decline and our outlook will be negative. But if we can focus on the good that the days and seasons bring, we will have a positive outlook and be able to find joy.

Daniel 2:21-22 says, “He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding; he reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with him.” Each day, we experience new things, some good, and some not so good. In the good and bad, it is wise to look to the One who gives us wisdom and knowledge, so that we know how we should respond to those new things. God creates each day and gives us what we need to find joy in the day.

Contracts and Promises

Businesses use contracts to make commitments for products and services. Their accompanying commitments to integrity and customer service help determine the success of their contracts. People make promises to other people. Their commitments to honesty and love help determine whether they will fulfill their promises.

I Kings 8:23 says, “O LORD, God of Israel, there is no God like you, in heaven above or on earth beneath, keeping covenant and showing steadfast love to your servants who walk before you with all their heart.” Our God alone is the One who keeps His covenant with His children and will always steadfastly love us. To keep our part of this covenant, we wholeheartedly walk in His ways. Both parties to a covenant have a deeper commitment to each other than simple promises imply.

Strength Management

I have never been one to work out with weights or strength equipment. My exercise routine has consisted mainly of jogging and now walking. That is not to say that I don’t see the value of strength training, it’s just not what I do. Besides physical strength training, we tend to try to find ways to build strength in our lives and hearts. Unfortunately, we look to do this through ways that aren’t satisfying or effective.

Proverbs  24:5 says, “A wise man is full of strength, and a man of knowledge enhances his might.” We seek to build strength through friendships, wealth, fame, and a variety of other ways. But true and lasting strength comes from knowing God and walking in His ways.

Endless Storehouse

Having lived in a third-world country, I can tell you what it is like returning to this country and then walking into a Walmart or Costco. The abundant supply of goods and the quantity of choices available are simply amazing. The first time we entered a Walmart store after our return, we had to leave the store within 10 minutes after entering because it was so overwhelming for us.

Psalm 23:1 says, “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.” Jesus declared that He is the Good Shepherd in John 10. It is like we are walking around with an endless storehouse of blessings following us. Whenever we have a need, we can walk into the storehouse and find Jesus holding just what we need at that moment, and He is ready to give it to us. What is it that you need today? Are you too busy and just need some rest? Are you worried about some problems and need some peace and wisdom? Are you struggling to find answers for life’s questions?  Go into God’s storehouse. Jesus is waiting for you and has just what you need.