THANKFUL

Chatting with Jesus

Tuesday, January 30, 2024

Lord, your faithfulness is everlasting. Our very being, our necessities for life, are dependent on you. In times of fat bank accounts or in times of empty cupboards, you are with us, still providing our needs. Your presence goes with us whether we “feel” you or not. You’re teaching us our faith is not based on feelings but on facts, what your Word says who you are and what you will do.

In the Exodus story, the Israelites rebelled against you, so you let them wander forty years in the desert. Though their stubbornness caused them unnecessary hardships, through their highs and lows, you were with them, miraculously providing their needs. In Deuteronomy 31:8, you reaffirmed your people you would never leave nor forsake them.

Lord, you’ve seen the mess we’ve made here. You’ve seen our rebellion, our stubbornness. It gets pretty ugly at times, doesn’t it? But even if we ignore you, your presence is still with your people.

As a people, and as individuals, may we return to you with repentant hearts. Help us be careful not to base our trust in you on “false feelings” of faith.  Goosebumps, the intense emotions of excitement might be uplifting, but help us not base our faith on these emotions, since these feeling may not always be present. The enemy of our souls might suggest God has abandoned us. If our relationship is based on feelings, we’re in trouble.

It may be hard to explain, but for many, when they put their trust in you, Jesus, they felt like a heavy burden lifted off their shoulders. We “feel” your peace, your contentment, your joy, and happiness, which reaffirms you are who you say you are, and are doing in our lives what you say you will do. Lord, you did promise us that “your yoke is easy, and your burden is light” (Matthew 11:28). May our faith excel in the realities of who you are, Jesus. Amen.