What line of thinking do my thoughts take? Do I turn to what God says or to my own fears? Am I simply repeating what God says, or am I learning to truly hear Him and then to respond after I have heard what He says? “For He Himself has said, ’I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ So we may boldly say: ’The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?’ ” (Hebrews 13:5-6).“I will never leave you . . .”— not for any reason; not my sin, selfishness, stubbornness, nor waywardness. Have I really let God say to me that He will never leave me? If I have not truly heard this assurance of God, then let me listen again.

“I will never . . . forsake you.” Sometimes it is not the difficulty of life but the drudgery of it that makes me think God will forsake me. When there is no major difficulty to overcome, no vision from God, nothing wonderful or beautiful— just the everyday activities of life— do I hear God’s assurance even in these?

We have the idea that God is going to do some exceptional thing— that He is preparing and equipping us for some extraordinary work in the future. But as we grow in His grace we find that God is glorifying Himself here and now, at this very moment. If we have God’s assurance behind us, the most amazing strength becomes ours, and we learn to sing, glorifying Him even in the ordinary days and ways of life.

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June 4, 2014

Journal Entry for Today-JDV

Lord, this lesson; hearing and living in assurance in the everyday, mundane activities of life, is a lesson You have been giving us for some time now. It is one thing to look to You when the roadblocks and trials are too overwhelming, and we know that we MUST turn to You; it is quite another to look to You in the day to day minute by minute activities of a normal standard day, even in the activities we know we can handle on our own, and choose not to…because You said to acknowledge You in all our activities and do not rely on our own abilities, understanding or experiences.

And God says…”This is one of the most difficult lessons for many; especially those that are driven to “get things done”. Those that know how to get things done, how to plan, organize and execute on ideas, have no problem recognizing patterns in day to day work and activities and then simply applying themselves to the issues and opportunities of day to day work. However, I want you to acknowledge Me in everything you do, before you take any action, even and especially those things you know you can handle with ease.”

“This will help you build a pattern of looking to Me and remaining curious about how I will answer your prayer, guide your work, find new opportunities, relationships and solutions. Remember, God is not your co-pilot, like the title of some 40s or 50s movie, I am the pilot, co-pilot, and attendant all together. Simply surrender and be the curious passenger. Trust me in all your ways and I will make your paths straight. I know the plans I have for you, plans for good and for a future. Seek first the kingdom of God, and leave everything else to Me.”