 |
 |
|
|||||
|
|
|||||
| >>> | |||||
Lamentations 3:25 - Blessings in Waiting On and Seeking the Lord.Lamentations 3:25 (ESV) The LORD is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him.Lamentations 3:25 (NLT) The LORD is good to those who depend on him, to those who search for him. INTRODUCTION Waiting upon God isn't passive. We don't sit with folded hands and smiling faces. Instead we inquire, we take preliminary steps, we pray, we obtain counsel. We ask, seek, and knock in a prudent fashion. [Life Principles SB By Charles Stanley] COMMENTARY PEARL While I was on my way to work one day, it seemed like every person on the road decided to drive the minimum speed limit. That would be commendable, of course, if I wasn't running late. Whether I sped up, slowed down, or changed lanes, I only got a few feet before approaching another driver who seemed to be on the road for a casual cruise. Every fiber in my being wanted to zoom ahead and zip past these slowpokes to avoid being late, but I had a gnawing feeling I shouldn't speed up and push my way through. Sometimes when that feeling arises, I'll see a patrol car a few moments later and feel relieved that I didn't disregard the speed limit. But that was not the feeling this time. There was something deeper. Too often I zip through the day trying to finish my to-do list of household responsibilities, work tasks, or passion projects. I accept the false belief that some days there's not enough time to slow down and sit with Jesus before rushing off to work. I think that arriving at my destination quickly is more important than experiencing what's happening along the journey. Instead of a patrol car with flashing lights trying to get my attention, Jesus was signaling me. I needed to slow down and enjoy the ride with Him. Ericka Loynes Faith Step: Be a slowpoke as you walk or drive down a familiar street. Take note of what you haven't noticed before, thanking Jesus as you enjoy the journey with Him. [Mornings With Jesus 2025 Devotional by Guideposts and Zondervan] COMMENTARY Expose Your Worries to Worship Jeremiah was the prophet to Judah during one of her darkest periods of rebellion. They called him the weeping prophet because he was one. He wept at the condition of the people and the depravity of their faith. He was anxious enough to write a book called Lamentations. But then he considered the work of God. He purposefully lifted his mind to thoughts about his king, whose "acts of mercy ... do not end, for His compassions never fail" (Lamentations 3:22 NASB). Lift up your eyes. Don't get lost in your troubles. Dare to believe that good things will happen. Dare to believe that God was speaking to you when he said, "In everything God works for the good of those who love him" (Romans 8:28 NCV). The mind cannot at the same time be full of God and full of fear. Are you troubled, restless, sleepless? Then rejoice in the Lord's sovereignty. I dare you - I double-dog dare you - to expose your worries to an hour of worship. Your concerns will melt like ice on a July sidewalk. [You Can Count On God by Max Lucado] CLOSING THOUGHT Waiting on God exercises your gift of grace and tests your faith. Therefore continue to wait in hope, for although the promise may linger, it will never come too late. Charles Haddon Spurgeon (1834-1892) LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY Lamentations 3:25 - Blessings in Waiting On and Seeking the Lord. https://www.abible.com/devotions/2022/20220708-0834.html Psalm 27:14 - Waiting On The Lord. http://www.abible.com/devotions/2019/20190915-1300.html Psalm 37:7 - Be still, wait patiently and never ever fret! http://www.abible.com/devotions/2004/20040820-0937.html Isaiah 40:31 - Are You Soaring or Striving? http://www.abible.com/devotions/2021/20210210-1052.html LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT https://abible.com/links/ |