WRITING A DEVOTIONAL

WRITING A DEVOTIONAL

Back in 2003 after having spent the year before reading Sarah Ban Breathnach's book "Simple Abundance" I took her suggestion to heart and wrote my own daily devotional. Each day I took a line or two from one of the various spiritual authors from the last three centuries I was reading and wrote my own thoughts on the subject. I then looked for a scripture that illustrated the truth that had been revealed to me. What follows is the result.

"Our greatest bondage is to have our own way; our greatest freedom is to let God have His way." Warren Wiersbe

Friday, October 21, 2011

October 21


“David was certainly an optimist!  Regardless of his circumstances, David could always see God’s activity!  A pessimist focuses on the problems, concentrating on the reasons why something cannot be done.  The optimist sees those same problems, but he sees them from the perspective of God’s presence.”  H. Blackaby, Experiencing God Day-by-Day, 10/4

I’ve always considered myself neither an optimist nor a pessimist, but a realist.  I see now that has been my problem.  (Maybe I am a pessimist!)  A realist looks at the facts of the situation and declares it either good or bad.  And because so much is bad in the world, I’d usually come down on the pessimist side without having to declare myself a pessimist.  I see now, however, that I’ve been leaving God out of the equation.  If I truly believe that God is in all things--that He is the ruler of the universe--then I must also be an optimist--one who “optimizes” all that God provides.  God has a plan that He is fulfilling, which in my book means there’s always more to be done.  Yes, I must accept setbacks, delays, consequences, etc., but I mustn’t ever give up hope that good will eventually come of each and every thing.  My faith in God’s goodness will carry me onward through whatever I may be asked to walk across or ride through.  I mustn’t become discouraged for that is the sign that I’ve stopped trusting God and instead am trusting people.  

“Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no help.  When his breath departs he returns to his earth; on that very day his plans perish.”  Psalm 145:3, 4

2 comments:

  1. SO beautiful this is and perfect for me. I was thinking of DAVID too.......totally trusting in his messages from GOD and his bullseye thinking in MIND the one MIND of GOD and right activity. Holding it and beocomming a victor. THANK YOU again for your total insights and love messages that have lifted me up out of the pit and away from the fowler....LOVE LOVE and gratitude..for your inspiration in all you write and do YOU do love God supremely. Merri

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