Benefits

Everything good that has happened in my life has been a reward. Everything bad in my life has been a reward as well. I would not be where I am today if I hadn't had some hard knocks. Most of the time they were self imposed, I own that. But sometimes they were just things that happened that I had no control over. 

In every instance I can see the Hand of God. Not that He made the bad things happen, but that He was there the whole time. I am certain I have been given the bad times so that I can see more of God. I become raw and vulnerable. In those instances He shows us our dependence on Him and how He is in charge. We may not get what we want, but we get what we need. 

I don't always get what I want. I have had one particular prayer going for three years now.

 Three, y'all! 

At every turn, when I think it will come to fruition, it is not answered like I want. It wears on me... Causes me much distress... Makes me a little cranky... Just this morning, I realized...

It is for my good, and I am being protected from something I don't need in my life. 

It is for my benefit. 

So, in true "God fashion" I open my Bible and it fell open to Psalm 103.

Oh how I can relate to David. I mean, I am not a king nor was I ever a shepherd... I am not a guy. But I am so much like him! I teeter between sinful and righteous. I am also very aware of my sin, immediately. David was, too. 

As I have matured my sin sensitivity has too. My two biggest problems are gossip and jealousy. I can honestly say, sitting in an empty house...alone with two dogs... Has really helped in the gossip department. But then I have free reign to see what's "missing" in my life, compared to others and then jealousy creeps in. 

When I am truly repentant and listen, I learn. That's what Psalm 103 did for me this morning. I am going to paraphrase and hit the parts that spoke to me and I hope, will speak to you. 

"Bless the Lord, Oh my soul. 

And all that is within me, bless His Holy Name. 

Bless the Lord, Oh my soul

And forget not His benefits. 

Who forgives...

Who heals...

Who redeems...

Who crowns...

Who satisfies..."

Our souls are so precious to Him. How blessed we are by a God who benefits us. Who forgives and heals us, physically and emotionally. He redeems us, y'all!! Paid in full! He crowns us! Oh the day we receive that crown! And... He satisfies us. 

Maybe not how we would like, but how He wants and knows is best for us. 

For our benefit. 

Don't miss the opportunity to watch God work in your life. He is here! Working in our lives for our good! He can take a way every selfish desire and replace it with His desires. 

For our benefit. 

He will redeem us and crown us and that is our HOPE! Let Him satisfy your soul and bless it. He will make all things new and fill us with more hope and peace than we could ever imagine!

Daniel 6:16

"Your God, whom you serve continually. He will deliver you!"

Monica