Series: Blessed Be
Psalm 112:3 ESV
James 1:5 ESV
(Psalm 145:8-10, Exodus 34:6, Psalm 103:8, Isaiah 55:8-9, Psalm 121:5-8, Roman’s 5:8)
When I was a young teenager I was asking my dad a question about money and having money. I don’t remember why I was asking but I’d bet it was because I wanted to go to Blue Ridge Mall to buy a new shirt.
I’ve always loved to shop.
My dad asked me to sit down and he took a dollar bill out of his billfold.
He asked me to close my eyes.
Then I felt him place something over my eyes.
He told me to open my eyes and tell him what I saw. It took me a minute but I asked him if it was money? Then he asked me, “what else can you see?
I told him I couldn’t see anything else because the money was so close to my face.
Then he told me if money is the main thing I see that will be my main focus. He asked me if that’s what I want my life to be about.
I thought for a moment and I said no.
Over the course of several weeks we talked about what I wanted my life to be “about”. During that time period he continued to ask me questions and he challenged me to pray about what God had for me.
We also talked about different kinds of wealth or riches. He regularly reminded me money was just one element or way we can be blessed.
Psalm 112:3 tells us, “Wealth and riches are in his house, and his righteousness endures forever.”
About the same time we would talk about listening to God.
I would read my old picture Bible that I was given in third grade. Whenever I read something I didn’t understand I would ask my dad to help me. What I really wanted was for him to make it easy. I wanted him to give me the answer. Instead he sent me back to my room and told me to be quiet and to read it again.
I can’t begin to tell you how frustrating that was for me.
I thought it was grossly unfair that he didn’t just tell me what the scripture meant.
For me, that was the beginning of what I’ll call the “push-pull” effect of understanding how God communicates with me.
At the time I wanted easy answers.
I could not understand why my dad didn’t make it easy.
I thought wealth only referred to money.
I was frustrated that there was so much I didn’t understand.
Looking back, I can now see (nearly 60 years later) that I was very blessed that he did not give me easy answers. That’s because if he would have given me easy answers I might not have turned to God.
I might not have struggled with what righteousness means.
As it turned out, later in life I did struggle to understand God’s righteousness through the years but when I was in Seminary (after I turned fifty) I studied it at length.
Thinking about the nature and character of God reminds me of God’s love. While I know God is love, I remember instances when others taught me and mirrored God’s love.
I know God is a God of justice. On earth we know a lot about injustice. The best way to explain God’s justice is that God wants what is best for us. God is just, loving, fair, and compassionate with all of creation. Turning to God means we seek God’s justice. Jesus made it possible for us to desire to be just.
God is Holy…set apart. God is wise and we are told in James 1:5, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”
God is gracious, compassionate, and kind with creation (Psalm 145:8-10).
God is merciful and forgiving (Exodus 34:6).
God is long-suffering, slow to anger, and faithful (Psalm 103:8).
God’s thoughts are not our thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9).
God thinks of us day and night. God’s feelings for me (and for others) show us (Psalm 121:5-8).
God’s actions prove God’s promises and love (Roman’s 5:8).
When I studied it at length I came to realize that while we can see glimpses of God, there are things we will not fully understand until we see God face to face.
The older I get, the more I accept that as a fact and I am not afraid. I AM blessed!
Spiritual Practice: Blessed
Make a list of ways God has blessed you. Be thankful!
In God, Deborah
Comments