Worthy of Praise

If someone accomplishes a spectacular feat that no one else has ever been able to accomplish, we heap all sorts of praise upon that person. We say that they are worthy of the honor given to them.

Nehemiah 9:6 says, “You are the LORD, you alone. You have made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them; and you preserve all of them; and the host of heaven worships you.” Nothing and no one is like our God. He created all things and it is Him who preserves all things. Therefore, He is worthy of all worship.

Leading From Love

People have all sorts of reasons to lead others. Some lead out of profit motives. Some people lead out of selfish ambition. Other people lead for philanthropic reasons. God leads us because of His steadfast love for us, wanting to give us His best.

Genesis 15:13 says, ““You have led in your steadfast love the people whom you have redeemed; you have guided them by your strength to your holy abode.” God chooses to lead us because of His steadfast love for us. We are the people that He desired to redeem out of our slavery to sin. It is through His strength that we walk righteously with Him.

Does Anyone Care?

Sometimes, we can wonder whether anyone cares about us. Our contribution is ignored. Our kindness is unappreciated. Our love is not returned. However dark it may seem, God always cares for us. He knows us intimately and understands our souls.

In Luke 12:6-7 Jesus said, “Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.” When it feels like God has abandoned us, we should remember what God really thinks about us. He cares about us so much that He knows every hair on our heads. If we allow Him, He will erase our every fear in His faithfulness and steadfast love.

Enlightenment

We may experience a moment of enlightenment that changes the course of our lives. This enlightenment may come in the form of a new relationship that brings a different perspective on life. Enlightenment may also come in the form of some new instruction that changes how we think about things.

Isaiah 32:15-18 says, “until the Spirit is poured upon us from on high, and the wilderness becomes a fruitful field, and the fruitful field is deemed a forest. Then justice will dwell in the wilderness, and righteousness abide in the fruitful field. And the effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever.” God pours His Spirit upon His people. What was once a barren life becomes fruitful. And powered by His Spirit, God’s people walk in righteousness producing peace, quietness and faith.

Decisions

The decisions that we make do not take place within a vacuum. Our decisions often affect the lives of others. We recognize this truth on a grand scale, but not in the many routine decisions that we make daily. We could say, “if I had not chosen to go to this college, then I wouldn’t have met my spouse, had the children that we have, or lived where we lived.” But we don’t use the same reasoning when making a decision to do a good thing or some selfish thing.

I Samuel 14:24 says, “And the men of Israel had been hard pressed that day, so Saul laid an oath on the people, saying, ‘Cursed by the man who eats food until it is evening and I am avenged on my enemies.’ So none of the people had tasted food.” When we make foolish decisions based upon our own ego and wants, it usually affects many other people. Saul wanted the acclaim of victory and made his soldiers agree to not eat. When their strength failed, the battle turned against Saul and Israel.