Are you obsessed by something? You will probably say, “No, by nothing,” but all of us are obsessed by something— usually by ourselves, or, if we are Christians, by our own experience of the Christian life. But the psalmist says that we are to be obsessed by God. The abiding awareness of the Christian life is to be God Himself, not just thoughts about Him. The total being of our life inside and out is to be absolutely obsessed by the presence of God. A child’s awareness is so absorbed in his mother that although he is not consciously thinking of her, when a problem arises, the abiding relationship is that with the mother. In that same way, we are to “live and move and have our being” in God (Acts 17:28), looking at everything in relation to Him, because our abiding awareness of Him continually pushes itself to the forefront of our lives.If we are obsessed by God, nothing else can get into our lives— not concerns, nor tribulation, nor worries. And now we understand why our Lord so emphasized the sin of worrying. How can we dare to be so absolutely unbelieving when God totally surrounds us? To be obsessed by God is to have an effective barricade against all the assaults of the enemy.

“He himself shall dwell in prosperity . . .” (Psalm 25:13). God will cause us to “dwell in prosperity,” keeping us at ease, even in the midst of tribulation, misunderstanding, and slander, if our “life is hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3). We rob ourselves of the miraculous, revealed truth of this abiding companionship with God. “God is our refuge . . .” (Psalm 46:1). Nothing can break through His shelter of protection.

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June 2, 2014

Journal Entry for Today-JDV

Lord is obsession the same as being totally surrendered and connected with Jesus?  When Chambers writes about how you provide and protect us, it comes alive in the same way as has the teaching about being connected……”He himself shall dwell in prosperity . . .” (Psalm 25:13). God will cause us to “dwell in prosperity,” keeping us at ease, even in the midst of tribulation, misunderstanding, and slander, if our “life is hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3). Lord thank you again for the reminder and reinforcement about the benefits of our lives being hidden with Christ.  But I wonder…how can I stay connected more and more? How can I go to checking my connection and getting close to You and Your love, power and grace  instead of moving quickly on to my own ideas and actions?

And God says…”It is much like you have learned any and everything when guided by Me. Simply trust in Me; start with Me before any new or changing relationship, project, action or endeavor. Start and end with Me; just like you start your day with this devotional and fresh commitment.  Trust in Me with all your heart and do not rely on your own understanding, and I will make your paths straight. For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

“Delight yourself in the Lord and I will give you the desires of your heart.  And when you find you are not able to completely trust Me because of your fear, lack of faith or thoughts of your unworthiness, give those thoughts and feelings to Me as well, and I will give you the peace the passes understanding. If I gave you My Son, would I not give you every other thing that is good for you?”