Over the weekend I spent some time seeking God about several people who are our partners. These people are discouraged and seeking an answer as to why they have not seen the promises of God fulfilled in their life yet.
I know God’s word is true and I know he doesn’t lie. I know if he made a promise he will fulfill it.
Knowing that and not knowing the people personally, it is difficult to ‘see’ a reason why their promise is not fulfilled as of yet. I think much of it has to do with the timing of God.
Last night I watched a movie on INSP about a modern day Joseph, it was really good and it reminded me that we often go through things and seasons before we come to the place that God promised we would be. Generally we don’t hear promises of God and then see them manifest immediately – it is most often a process. Many become discouraged in the process. I know from experience that it is easy to do.
I also believe much of it has to do with what we do in the process; are we seeking His face? Are we spending time with God?
I know his promises can manifest without us doing one thing, but I also believe we have to do things Gods way to see the results he has said are ours.
As I was pondering all this I came across an article that caught my attention. It wasn’t the article so much as it was a particular scripture. I have read this scripture many times but I have never read it in this translation. Frankly, I had never even heard of this translation. Let me share it with you.
If you make God the utmost delight and pleasure of life, every longing within you will be fulfilled. Psalm 37:4 (The Passion Translation)
I love that translation of this scripture, don’t you? If you make God the utmost delight and pleasure in life…every single longing within you will be fulfilled.
It caused me to think of another scripture that is very familiar. It is found in Luke 12; Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. If then God so clothes the grass, which today is in the field and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will He clothe you, O you of little faith? And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind. For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things. But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you.
And then it reminds me of what Jesus told Martha, who was running around trying to get everything done while Mary sat at the feet of Jesus. Martha said ‘Jesus, why don’t you make her help me, I am doing all the work.’ Jesus replied ‘My dear Martha, you are so upset over all these details! There is really only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it — and I won’t take it away from her.’
I think sometimes we become so worried about the ‘thing’ or the ‘word’ coming to pass that we forget there is only one thing worth thinking about. Seeking God. Spending time with the Lord.
This wonderful scripture reminded me of that; If you make God the utmost delight and pleasure of life, every longing within you will be fulfilled.
I know this is truth from personal times in my life. I get so busy working, doing ministry that I find myself striving to bring some things to pass by standing in faith, confessing the word, fasting, praying and God is faithful – but when I am reminded…one thing is necessary and do that one thing and I stop and do that one thing; the thing I have been striving for often comes to pass without toil and labor.
