As I thought of what my topic for today would be, and remembered my week, a few things were brought back to my memory.
In some ways, it was a frustrating week. Things that I thought for sure would have happened by now, still have not happened. It feels like disappointment in so many regards.
Then, as I continued having my devotion, I opened one and the sub heading was:
‘God sometimes acts in ways we don’t expect.’
Hmmmm. I’d have to say I fully agree with this.
The devotion was referencing it being Palm Sunday and how different Palm Sunday looked from Good Friday, then Easter Sunday. And yet, this was exactly how it was to be. There was a picture far bigger than they could ultimately see – just five days apart.
As I talked with friends on various topics this week, one person said ‘God has never withheld any good thing from me, and He won’t start now’. It was a perspective reminder that I desperately needed.
Palm 84:11 states: For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does He withhold from those whose walk is blameless.
A few years ago I got some deeper insight into this verse. The first part basically says ‘The Lord is a provider (sun) and protector (shield).
I remembered breathing a little easier. He knows what we need, and sometimes not having it, can be protection.
In another conversation with another friend, who’s known me for over 30 years, she thanked God for me and our friendship, even referencing our first class together, and how far we’ve come as friends.
As I processed what she shared after, I realized that God had answered a prayer I had asked Him earlier that day.
Sometimes He doesn’t give you what you want right away, but, He gives what both you and others need. He sees the bigger picture.
If you are looking around and wondering what God is doing (or not doing), would you ask for another perspective? Ask for eyes to see the way He does.
Dear Heavenly Father, I thought by now that I wouldn’t need constant reminders, and yet, you are still so gracious to answer my questions when I’m frustrated and can’t see what you’re doing or how. Thank you for the ways you love us and reveal yourself to us in practical ways. Help us to be reminded that there is a bigger picture that we don’t always see.