God is Good! … by Elizabeth Hamilton
Today’s Passage – Isaiah 63 – 66 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – click here to view the text from the Blue Letter Bible website)
(Second Milers also read – John 19 – 20; Psalms 61 – 65; Proverbs 13)
Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Psalm 92:1 – 4
Read the “0813 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.
When I read through these few chapters in Isaiah I was definitely a little intimidated and nervous about what I was going to write about. Isaiah is filled with so much depth and amazing truths. As I was reading, these few verses really jumped out to me and God gave me this simple but convicting thought.
“I will mention the lovingkindnesses of the Lord, and the praises of the Lord, according to all that the Lord hath bestowed on us, and the great goodness toward the house of Israel, which he hath bestowed on them according to his mercies, and according to the multitude of his lovingkindnesses.” Isaiah 63:7
How often do I mention just how good God is to me in my life? Do those around me know that God is working and answering prayers, or that I am blessed far more than I deserve? Or does everyone only hear about my complaints? I know in my own life I can get so caught up on the negatives, the things I don’t have, the things I wish I had, the things I wish happened differently; I need to stop and think, am I glorifying God to those around me when I act like what I have is not enough?
In this day and age everyone is so vocal about politics, celebrities, sports, their favorite movies, what they made for dinner, etc. We have social media platforms where our thoughts can be broadcasted to everyone around us but do we ever use that to share about God working in our lives? We like to show off and brag about our own achievements but do we ever brag about God? It is easy to criticize the Israelites when they murmured and complained after God performed these amazing miracles and provided for them every step of the way, but we are absolutely guilty of doing the same thing. In this chapter it mentions how God was always with the Israelites as He brought them through the wilderness and delivered them from captivity, and it is so important to always remember all that God has brought us through in our own personal lives. I know in my life God has answered prayer after prayer after prayer. When I look back I am ashamed how little I shared these answers to prayer with others around me.
It’s easy to be vocal and loud when things don’t go our way, but when things are good and easy we are quiet. This verse really convicted me personally, about how often I share empty thoughts and complaints compared to how often I publicly praise God. How are others supposed to see God working and moving in our lives if we don’t actually share it with them! On days when I’m complaining or feeling discontent I need to sit down and realize everything I have, and thank God for His loving kindness, praise Him for all the blessings He has showered over my life, and share with others all the answered prayers that I have received.
We can so quickly get caught up in a negative mindset. It’s a trap that can hold our minds and thoughts hostage. But we don’t have to let it trip us up. When you feel yourself wanting to just sit and complain to someone try to slip in something God has blessed you with. Once you start thinking about all the goodness that God has bestowed on your life it’s hard to continue complaining! When we are busy mentioning all the other things going on in our lives we cannot forget to mention God! Spend some time today just bragging on our amazing God!
“I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together. (Psalm 34:1 – 3)
Posted in Devotions by Elizabeth Hamilton with 4 comments.
Great message Elizabeth. Thank you for sharing your heart. God is so very good to us. All the time. I’m ashamed that I too often fail to realize & acknowledge When He’s answering prayers & working in my behalf. I praise His name & thank Him for taking care of all my needs.
What a great thought and testimony Elizabeth. Thank you for that, and I would have to say that almost all of us should be ashamed of the complaining we do when instead we should be thanking and praising God for all that he has done in our lives!
Thank you for reminding me to be more thankful. Amen.
Love this!!