Most of us are surrounded with things we want and need, yet things needed are really very few.  Still, we are ever looking for more, newer, the latest fashion, new technology.  There is nothing inherently wrong with seeking improved or new things, as necessary, but there is great distraction in our misdirected  desires and wishes for them.  Consider your treasures, not  jewels or bank accounts, but your family, friends, and the favor that has been given to you out of God’s immeasurably great compassion and mercy.  Everyone has memories of these acts of God’s grace, when we were desperate, lonely or deserted and just in time comfort and kindness came to us.  I hear this from many who are incarcerated who say, “If God had not protected me, I would have been killed.”

Yeshua said, “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day.” (John 6: 44).  Yet, God gives rain, sunshine and blessing on all people.  John the Baptist said profoundly, “A person can receive only what is given them from heaven.” (John 3: 27).  He understood his mission, purpose and calling in life and he was at peace with it, so that every provision, ability, restraint and limitation was through God’s perfect will.  When, if ever, we have such faith we see that life may be cluttered with straw and refuse, yet every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father. (James 1: 17; John 6: 50).

May we find the peace and assurance that comes with submission to God’s will and recognition that He is good, merciful, loving, and gracious to us in all circumstances.  As I was praying and contemplating recently, the Spirit moved within me to offer thanks and praise to Father God as an expression of my affection.  This was followed by what seemed like a great flood of love pouring over me, deep, bountiful, rich beyond description.  I waited as it filled my innermost being with unconditional love that only God can give and I saw how small and simple were my affections for God in light of His boundless unmerited glorious lovingkindness for me.  May we know the riches we have in Father God and submit all our desires and destiny to Him.