It has been sometime since I wrote anything Spirit-led. It is not because of a lack but rather because I have honestly unintentionally allowed myself to fall into the "too busy" zone with everything else, and thus, causing an unintentional neglect on my writing.
The Lord help me!
As I sat carrying my baby boy, sleep I yearned for slowly faded into the darkness that surrounded us as we sat on my bed with him sleeping in my human arms. I thought on a few things as he stirred every now and then in his peaceful sleep. One thing, however, nudged at my mind and as I walked carefully so as not to wake the boy to put him back in his bed, I heard "1st Samuel" as a whisper in my head. I wondered, "1st Samuel??? ...1st Samuel what? Which chapter do you want me to read, Lord?" The response was, of course, deafening silence! Then, just a moment later, a thought came through, "...just start from the beginning."
And so I did. I sat, took my phone and turned on the Olive Tree Bible app and went straight to the book of first Samuel and its chapter one. I wondered what I was going to learn. As I started to read about Elkanah and his two wives; Peninnah and Hannah (the one he truly loved), the voice once again spoke: "I know you know this story well, but still read on to the end...".
The previous night I had had a discussion with my wife on 'Thanksgiving' after we had prayed for a bit, and this dawn, as I sat with my son in my arms, the word crossed my mind again right before I was led to read the scriptures. God being the "strange" and powerful being He is, in His own goodness is truly Good! He is the most faithful shepherd with the largest flock of sheep I ever knew! The fastest route to finding this out is by simply taking a break from constantly focusing on the future and running towards it with all our might to stop for only a moment to look back at what God has achieved along that trying road called 'Life'.
All the battles won by His great might and all that He protected you from in that deep dark valley overflowing with endless trials. A true and honest view of what you've been through all throughout the years would quickly bring into perspective who God truly is (but only) to a person who is willing to admit it. All that would be left in a humble enough heart is that word, 'Thanksgiving'. You will quickly lose the desire to "ask for more...", and rather be overcome by a feeling to fall to your knees, lift your hands, and give off an honest-to-God and heartfelt "Thank You!"
Ingratitude may not be intentional for the most of us, but is still ingratitude nonetheless. It is for this very reason that, though God said in Matthew chapter seven and verse seven, "...ask and you shall be given", there is also a whole Psalm that has complete focus on giving thanks to God "...for His mercy endureth forever!" - Psalm 136.
God was merciful to Hannah after she had come before Him crying for a child. This was something I could easily relate to as I slowly but meaningfully read the words inscribed in the Bible on my phone screen. I quickly understood that God takes our earnest desires seriously. Had God not given her the child, there would be whole chapters in the Bible that would not have been. The Lord looked upon her affliction, that which her husband's other wife placed upon her with great joy: "6. And her adversary also provoked her sore, for to make her fret, because the Lord had shut up her womb.". The result of which is something we all, as humans, are very much accustomed to - "10. And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the Lord, and wept sore.". God being the merciful God that He is quickly remedied the situation -
"19. And they rose up in the morning early, and worshipped before the Lord, and returned, and came to their house to Ramah: and Elkanah knew Hannah his wife; and the Lord remembered her.
20. Wherefore it came to pass, when the time was come about after Hannah had conceived, that she bare a son, and called his name Samuel, saying, Because I have asked him of the Lord."
It is good to ask from God (especially in faith (Luke 17:6)) but is of greater import to give 'Thanks' to Him. Thanksgiving opens doors seemingly impossible to gain easy access to. It shows a level of humility that cannot be ignored even by God Himself. It is the key to unlocking a release of the blessings we have not as yet asked for or even thought about. Thanksgiving truly is dear to God, and can result in our being made whole again by Him.
"16. And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.
17. And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?
18. There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.
19. And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole."
~ yoyo
~ inspiredw0rdz
~ July 16, 2019 ; 05 : 35 am
