GOD RAINS HIS GRACE ON ME

“Even when they made a molded calf for themselves, and said, ‘This is your god that brought you up out of Egypt,’ and worked great provocations, Yet in Your manifold mercies You did not forsake them in the wilderness. The pillar of the cloud did not depart from them by day, to lead them on the road; nor the pillar of fire by night, to show them light, and the way they should go. You also gave Your good Spirit to instruct them, and did not withhold Your manna from their mouth, and gave them water for their thirst. Forty years You sustained them in the wilderness; they lacked nothing; their clothes did not wear out and their feet did not swell.   Nehemiah 9:18-21

When I acknowledge God as my Lord, many things begin to make sense to me.  Even the foolish choices I make without Him do not hinder His love for me.    

When the Israelites made a molded calf for themselves, they clearly wandered from the path God intended for them.  Yet God’s compassion met them in their failure.  He continued to lead them by cloud and by fire, to instruct by His Spirit, and to provide manna and water daily.  He persisted in giving them grace by sustaining them in the wilderness.   

THINK ABOUT THESE THINGS

Does God rain down His grace on me only when I act rightly?  The truth is that God’s care persists even when I stray. I need to realize that God is watching over me all the time.  He watches over me when I'm running to Him, and He watches over me when I’m running from Him.  Since the Holy Spirit resides in my heart, He goes wherever I go.  If I pay attention, I can understand what He is telling me.  If I fail to hear, it is not because God has ceased speaking but because I have not paid Him the attention He deserves.   

I don’t intend to ignore the Holy Spirit, but the things of this world and the pleasures of this life draw me away from listening.  I can seek Him if I choose to!   I want to set aside time to meet the Lord, prioritize worship, Scripture and communion with Him above lesser appointments.  As I study His Word and heed the Spirit, I am better equipped to live under His leading and share what I have received.     

Lord, Thank You that Your mercy pursues me even in my wandering.  Forgive me for the times I have turned away from You and failed to listen.  Teach me by Your Spirit; open my ears to hear and my heart to obey.  Grant me the discipline to meet with You, to read Your Word, and to walk by Your guidance.  Fill me with Your grace so that I may be led to You alone.  In Jesus’ Name, In Jesus’ Name, Amen.