Who Says?

A lot of people I know don't give themselves near enough credit for themselves. This is bound to happen in a world where pride is looked on as a bad thing...so people humble themselves down to the ground. They take absolutely none of the credit. In reality, God gets all the credit...but still. When someone performs a beautiful piece of music and then when praised they say "Oh no no, it really wasn't that good"...that is just wrong. Maybe instead they should say something like, "Well thank you...I thank God for the musical talent He has given me and the blessing I may be to my listeners". That is placing God first and foremost where He belongs but still acknowledging some amount of giftedness of their own. It was, afterall, the musician that put in the hours of practice, but still God who gave the talent behind it all. We can practice all we want, but unless God gives His "okay" then it will do nothing for us. "Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it; unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman keeps awake in vain." Psalm 127:1.

This applies to more then talent. It spreads out and affects our whole lives. A lot of people I know don't treat themselves very well. They settle for the less than the best. They settle for less than the best boyfriends, friends, work, and many other things. How can you live a life of treating yourself like you aren't worth dirt? God has a much better and bigger plan for you then that. He asks and calls you to Him...commanding you to be still and understand (trust) that He is the Lord God Almighty...none can stand in comparison to Him. We are to be comforted and built up by that. We are to feel like precious treasure of His...gems more precious than all the money in the whole world.

How would you treat something like that if you held it in your hands? Would you let it settle for any less than the best? You would want to honor and respect it...love it and care for it tenderly. This is what we are called to do with every day of our lives. We are loved by Him...He cares for us, loves us, forgives us, cleanses us...all this because of NOTHING we have done! Doesn't that fill you with immense peace? And knowing that, why would you do stuff that makes you unhappy? Anything that concerns our Father whether it be seeking to learn Him more, living out His law, obeying Him in every aspect, joyfully and prayerfully seeking out His will, and blessing those around us. That is what should cause us great joy! And why settle for less than the greatest joy in the world! It is what God wants for us.

So take a moment to look around you...look at the friends and the people and things that surround you. Could you do better? Is there a better way you could serve God? If so, I encourage you to empty that out of you...fill it with more solid and substantial things. Don't think it isn't out there...God has always provided in the past and He is faithful to those who look to Him for everything and anything. Keep your head up and your heart full of the joy of the Lord!