Run the Risk

Am I the only one who struggles with making a DAILY quiet time with Jesus happen? I confess, it’s one of my biggest weaknesses. I want just 20 more minutes of sleep or I get up with the intention of sitting down at the feet of my King and soaking in His peaceful presence when my To Do list catches my eye and I am suddenly very motivated to try to put it out of business (HA! Like that will ever happen!).

This morning, I praise Jesus for meeting me in the stillness of the morning as I finally gave Him some of the time He deserves – “my time”, that’s not mine in the first place since He gave it. And He doesn't just deserve my attention and adoration, He ALONE is worthy of priority and a place of honor in my heart. Not only that, I’m learning in deeper ways how much He DELIGHTS in spending time with me, His daughter. Sitting together, listening, talking, and allowing Jesus to look and walk deeply into my heart as He allows me to look deeply into His heart for me and this world.

I never thought I’d get a life lesson out of Chronicles, the book(s) with looong lists of names I can only pretend to pronounce and then giggle at how funny they sound. This morning proved to me one of the reasons God allowed those books to remain in the Bible.

God unearthed beautiful nuggets of truth for me this morning, and I felt compelled to share. In 1 Chronicles 28, King David is old and weary. He has gathered his officials and assembled all those in places of authority to come before him as he passes along final instructions for the building of the Temple and then passes the crown to his son Solomon.

David had wanted to build a house for the Lord, but God told him it wasn't his place, it would be Solomon’s task. A huge undertaking for one so young and inexperienced. David knew this and in 1 Chronicles 28:20, David told Solomon, 

“Be strong and courageous, and do the work. 

Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. 

He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the Lord is finished.” 

My heart was overwhelmed with peace as the realization again hit me: the tasks, the big, seemingly impossible tasks, which God calls me to complete will be completed as I remain obedient to Him. Not by my strength, oh no, I wouldn't last a day on my own. But by the strength, provision, and plan my Sovereign God has to bring glory to His name and spread His love and light to dark places. I’m just an instrument to be used to exalt His name.

As I read David’s words of encouragement to Solomon, my thoughts went something like this: Because this is what the Lord called Solomon to do – build His house. A huge task, but God is sufficient to complete the tasks He calls us to be obediently a part of. AMEN!! Lord, as you reveal each step, help/remind me to take each one in obedience when you ask me to walk, even if I can’t see the next place my foot will fall.

In 1  Chronicles 29: 14, 16, 18, David prays for Isreal: 

“But who am I, and who are my people, 

that we should be able to give as generously as this? 

Everything comes from You, 

and we have given You only what comes from Your hand…  

Lord our God, all this abundance that we have provided for building You a temple for Your Holy Name comes from Your hand,

and all of it belongs to You… 

keep these desires and thoughts in the hearts of Your people forever, 

and keep their hearts loyal to You.”

Psalm 127:1-2 

“Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain. 

Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain. 

In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat – 

for He grants sleep to those He loves.”

We are inadequate on our own, but if God is calling you to do what seems impossible, do it in obedience. And be prepared for your faith to grow and your joy to increase as you trust in Christ and not in yourself. God is the changer of hearts and circumstances, but we are to be His beacons of Light.

And I’ll bring my heart

To every day

And run the risk of fearlessly loving

Without running away

~ Jason Gray ~