We all have a sense of longing for more. Even in the best of times we know there lingers, a sense of dissatisfaction deep within our soul. Deuteronomy 4:29 says, But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find Him if you look for HIm with all your heart and with and all your soul.

In Acts 17, Paul says, From one man He made every nation of men, that they would inhabit the whole earth; and He determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek Him and perhaps reach out for Him and find Him though He is not far from each one of us. For in Him we live and move and have our being.

So we seek God and learn He indeed is the One who truly satisfies. Isaiah 58 says, The LORD will guide you always; He will satisfy your need in a sun scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring who's waters never fail.

This blog is made up of reflections, that are to me, like dew drops in the garden. Things that spring from the pages of scripture and refresh my heart. Whispers, ideas, hope, inklings, inspiration, glimmers, breadcrumbs...all pointing me in the direction of my heart's true home which is the Lord.

Surely or only goodness, mercy, and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life and through the length of my days the house of the Lord [and His Presence] shall be my dwelling place. Psalm 23:6


Sunday, December 9, 2012

Expectations

Expectations. This word came to mind this morning so I pursued it.  Expectations are tricky.  We need to live in expectation, with hope. Yet false expectations can quickly lead us to disappointment, resentment and even despair. In Luke 7, Jesus talks about how John was rejected because of his unusual lifestyle and Jesus was rejected because He ate with sinners.  The people had their various expectations of what the Messiah was going to be like and that completely blocked their ability to actually see Him even though He was standing right in front of them. Some expected the coming Messiah to fix the world. Then there were those who were healed and just raced off in joy without looking back, without thanks, to fulfill their dreams. And then there were those who thought they had a lot to loose. They had built their own little kingdoms and they were not about to give up control, their love of being noticed and flattered.  Basically it is all rooted in self-absorption. All of that said, what they expected did not fit with the Servant King Jesus. And they certainly did not understand that He Himself, was the fulfillment their hearts cried out for.

I am so convicted of missing golden moments.  Moments of God's shining Presence before me, in a sweet interaction with someone or just an observation of the beauty of creation.  So often I am tapping my foot with impatience with someone or even myself, waiting for things to be "just so" and when they aren't I miss the significance of the way things actually are.  How much of my life has been wasted moments.  Personal frustration to actual pain when if I had a different mindset, different expectations I would have experienced God's peace, God's perspective, heartfelt trust, peace and even joy?  

All of this is so rooted in my selfishness and need to control things.  God help me see what you are doing in my life and the lives of others (independent of how it may effect me).  Help me to be patient and trusting and encouraging as you do Your work in me and those around me.  Thank You because You are always at work. John 5:17 - Jesus said to them, "My Father is always at His work to this very day, and I to, am working." 

Father, help me to see.  Help me to turn aside and look as Moses did when He saw the burning bush.  Your Word says in Ex 3:4 "When the LORD saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the burning bush, "Moses! Moses!"  Moses noticed and God saw that and called to him by name. Help me to turn aside from my task oriented, overly busy, life to see You at work, Lord.  To join You there.  To trust You even when I don't get it (which is often). 

Forgive me for missing so much of what was really going on in my life and all around me.  Thank You for Your mercy Lord. Help me to rest in your tender care. Help me live in great expectation but to hold loosely as to what that looks like. Help me enjoy the beauty of life that is all around me. Thank you for family and friends that enrich my life and bring me such joy.  Help me to be patient and trusting and merciful.  Thank You for your patience with me.  

"I do not to concern myself with great matters 
or things too wonderful for me. 
But I have stilled and quieted my soul; 
like a weaned child with its mother, 
like a weaned child is my soul within  me." 

Psalm 131:1-2

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