What Makes God Smile?
Originally Written August 25, 2009
Today, I read Matthew 14 & 15!
Point to Ponder:
- God smiles when I trust Him.
Question to Consider:
- Since God knows what's best, in what areas of my life do I need to trust Him more?
I have to face a harsh reality with today's reading and ask myself if ANY aspect of my daily life makes God smile. I've probably made Him frown more than a few times, that much I can say with certainty.
I suppose until I have whatever breakthrough my brain, crippled by its own analytical nature, needs in order to finally 'make the transaction,' the only thing I can do in this regard is continue laying the groundwork. As Pastor Pete said the other day, you can't be blessed unless you're in a bless-able position.
This is really an awkward topic for me. I'm not certain, really, how to answer the question "in what areas of my life do I need to trust God more?" My difficulty, hopefully understandably, comes from the fact that I haven't really settled the "trust" question in the first place.
Luckily, I think between this book, Quest, and my Life Group, I'm in an awesome place to be sorting all this out. And for that I am truly thankful. The "problem," whatever it is, definitely and without question is with me. It's not with my study materials, church, or friends. And while that seems disheartening, it's also oddly encouraging. At least I have it narrowed down and know where the solution will come from.
I sort of wish I were "wise" rather than "smart." Now granted, this runs counter to the whole Psalmist "clay pot on a wheel" quote from the reading. I have to accept me for me. Unfortunately, I also know that it's "me" that stands between me and living a life that will make God smile, and that really (again, high scholarly language alert) sucks.
I realize it's not entirely my problem to fix, and I am content (or, perhaps a little more accurately, resigned) to continuing to put myself where I think I need to be and wait.
Obviously, I feel like I'm a far cry from Noah-like faith and God-pleasing. But at the same time, I know I'm a whole lot closer than I was even a year ago. Heck, even that six months ago. (Not that Noah is going to have any major competition coming from my direction any time soon, mind you).
So to close, how can I make God smile? I'm going to try to do it b continuing with my seeking and letting Him know that I am looking for Him. Hopefully, we're getting closer to the biggest smile of all!
Verse of the Day
"...the Lord's delight is in those who fear him, those who put their hope in his unfailing love."
- Psalm 147:11
Rest assured, the fact that you've begun this journey and are sincerely seeing it through is making God smile in big ways. I do find it interesting that you seem to know that, at some point, you will make this transaction. It just seems to be a matter of time until you take that leap of faith to really trust Him. I'm praying that the leap happens sooner rather than later . . . imagine His smile then!
ReplyDelete