"And you shall rejoice in all the good that the Lord your God has given to you and to your house, you, and the Levite, and the sojourner who is among you."
Deuteronomy 26:11
"Because you did not serve the Lord your God with Joyfulness and gladness of heart, because of the abundance of all things, therefore you shall serve your enemies whom the Lord will send against you, in hunger and thirst, in nakedness, and lacking everything..."
Deuteronomy 28:46-48
The Israelites are still wandering. Taken out of a familiar land to roam the wilderness and eat unfamiliar food. And yet God says they are to "rejoice in all the good that the Lord your God has given to you..."
Moses is giving them instruction in what to do when they arrive in the land promised by God.
I wonder if the Israelites were feeling thankful. Were they excited that the end of their travels was near? Did they wonder if they'd ever really make it? Were any of them just plain sick of the journey?
Could they be thankful for what they hadn't experienced yet? What was simply promised? Could they even be thankful for the years spent wandering, trusting they were part of the story God was weaving across time?
Can we rejoice in all the good too-even when we think it's only in the future?
Or do we serve the enemies that come against us:
Jealousy-when others are able to give their kids everything on that list for Santa.
Envy-life would be so much better if I had what she had...
Lack of forgiveness-when a family member has hurt us and holidays become tense.
Deceit-when we try to compete so that we look like something we are not.
Selfishness-do we hoard what he gives us or do we share the blessing?
If so, are we satisfied here? Or do we hunger, thirst, long for Him to be the one to fill us? If we are empty of Him, we already lack everything.
Do you serve the Lord your God with joyfulness and gladness of heart, because of the abundance of all things?
Thankful to be counting 1,000 gifts today along with friends at A Holy Experience...
#158 When I can't seem to get enough of His word
#159 For when the Holy Spirit helps me hold my tongue
#160 There is a rest and an inheritance waiting for me...thankful for what's to come
#161 Children learning about Jesus and simply learning to sit still
#162 The gift of His Word to lead this life
#163 Blogging community taking time to give advice and encouragement
#164 Silent moments that make joy hard
#165 Conversations in the dark
#166 One perfect sacrifice that makes us presentable to God
Thank you, Lord, for these...
 |
Coming by- by way of Ann's-- Beautiful words... thank you for sharing.
ReplyDelete"conversations in the dark"
ReplyDeletei do like the tension of that
I am also grateful for the times when the Holy Spirit prompts me to stay silent!
ReplyDeleteI've been guilty of that grumbling far too many times to count ;). These days, I try to collect the manna, whisper thanks over each flake. Some days are harder than others. Beautiful reflection, my friend :).
ReplyDeleteHaving a greatful heart will get you more than complaining and grumbling. The Children of Israel were most often not very good examples. They showed us what not to do.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great message for everyone and a great list for the week too! Remaining joyful and very thankful in spite of any circumstance!
ReplyDeleteExactly the message I need to hear this week as we are in the midst of very difficult circumstances.
ReplyDeleteComing over from the round up at Michelle's place. Giving thanks in the midst of waiting for the yet to come when we don't see evidence in the here and now. It isn't something that comes natural. Only by way of faith, that grows in time. Lovely, thoughful, wise post.
ReplyDeleteReading your post today made me think of one verse that the Lord says He says we lack nothing...God bless you and thanks for the post today..
ReplyDelete