Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal comfort and a wonderful hope, comfort you and strengthen you in every good thing you do and say.
— 2 Thess. 2:16-17
God wants to give us GOOD THINGS. Things like comfort and hope and strength. He also wants to provide for our needs. Psalm 81:16 says: “But I would feed you with the finest wheat. I would satisfy you with wild honey from the rock.” (Hmmn, honey on toast, one of my favourites!)
He even wants to give us satisfaction – something the world or people can never truly provide with any degree of staying power – ultimately people and circumstances will let us down.
When God promises restoration to Israel, through His prophet Joel, He says this:
And the LORD answered His people: “Behold, I will send you grain, new wine, and oil, and by them you will be satisfied. I will never again make you a reproach among the nations.” Joel 2:19
The Lord wants to give us A LOT of good things, meeting our physical needs, but also our emotional needs – even the need for a good reputation!
But are there conditions? For example, as a good parent, do we give our children everything they want, all the time? Do we have such perfect discernment and knowledge that everything we ask for is exactly what we need, when we need it?
That’s why we have to keep going to Him – even every hour! God our Father is the perfect parent. He is not the author of the bad things that happen in our lives, but He doesn’t shy away from using whatever comes our way to mold our character. But He is good! He would not give us a scorpion instead of an egg when we are hungry. (Luke 11:12)
In this time of fasting, may we see that God truly does provide manna found nowhere else, and it is satisfying.
Yes Lord,
May we always be grateful that you have made a way for us to commune with you.
All around us we see your goodness to us Lord, today l claim your power for my life.
Thank you Lord for your presence.