Ok, the presents are packed away and the bills are coming in. Well, I’m not here to tell you that you overspent or not. I doubt you need anyone to tell you that!
But I would like to address the frustration that often puts undue stress on us. Sometimes we blame cultural expectations for this tension and frustration. But I believe for many of us Believers, there is a genuine God-given desire that sets our frustration into motion!
What is that God-given desire?
To give! Excessively, extravagently, and without restriction. Deep within each of us, this desire lives.
Why? Because we have a God who has “lavished His love on us!” 1 Jn 3:1 (NIV)
LAVISH. Don’t you love that word? He has lavished His love on you!
So, why the frustration which creates the tension? Because no sooner does the desire to give lavishly well up in us, when a competing thought squashes it down: the thought of lack!
Not enough money, not enough resources, not enough time, creativity, energy… whatever. Faster than we even notice, lack rises up and squeezes the desire to lavishly give, making us feel inadequate, ashamed, and guilty. Yuk.
Then we blame commercialism, non-believers, greedy kids (did we raise them to be like this???), and before you know it, we end up feeling like Scrooge.
So, what is my suggestion for you?
Rather than get swept away in a flood of lack, guilt, blame, and resentment… focus on ONE thing:
how lavishly the Lord loves you.
Take a few moments each day to dwell on that. Let it swell up inside your chest, allow that thought to permeate your attitudes, your actions, and your daily dealings. Whenever you feel the pangs of lack, remember His lavish, extravagent love.
I know, it sounds too simple and too self-centered, but…
To be a true giver, you must first be a grateful receiver.
Remember: YOU are the joy set before Jesus.(Hebrews 2:2) And it all starts with Him!
And one more thing… even now, as you prepare for the coming year, set aside the funds you anticipate spending next year, or plan a year of giving without spending lots …. KNOWING you have the heart of God who loves to give. Seek Him and His abundance, whether expressed through funds, creativity, or special favors.
He wants you to be blessed, not burdened as you express His goodness in and through you.
Can I be candid with you? It’s a little difficult for me to get started this week. The skies just let loose a torrent of rain, casting a dull gray veil on what would otherwise be vibrant greens, purples, and reds. Hmm.. Interesting.
You see, for a while now, I have felt like those vibrant spring colors. I’ve been in an impenetrable bubble of God’s favor. As He and His favor flows through me, around me, and before me, I am like a giddy little kid. I love to see His favor abound.
But as I talk to more and more people about God’s favor, I am confronted with the conundrum that for many favor sounds great, but their struggles are real, their hearts are heavy, and their hope has all but disappeared.
Where is favor then?Can we only experience it when things are going our way?
Well, as I write this, I want to share with you, I am having to answer that question personally.
I recently became aware that a person who matters much to me deceived me, and it hurt. Badly. And it still does. I was reminded of many conversations I’ve had with others who don’t know what to do with such pain.
Where is favor when your heart is broken, when your trust is violated, when you feel so betrayed that you can’t stop crying?
I almost did not write you. How can I encourage you with a Monday morning zing, when I feel so zapped?
Because the truth is, God is good, and He has an answer. Even as I write this, it is coming.
I see there’s only one thing to do: ASK.
“Lord, do you have a word for me? My heart is aching and I’m drawing blanks here.”
Yes, He does …. And here it is:
“Let not mercy and truth forsake you;
Bind them around your neck,
Write them on the tablet of your heart,
And so, find favor and high esteem
In the sight of God and man.” (Prov 3:3-4)
Oh yes, refreshment to my soul and music to my ears.
There is a reservoir of mercy and truth within us. Like the colors of spring, they are there, in brilliant display, but the heavy rains can so obscure their vibrancy.
God is now showing me that during times of heaviness and pain, we need mercy for others and ourselves more than ever. We have been forgiven of all wrongs, and so, freedom lies in doing the same for others. I must tap into His mercy.
This is also not the time to forsake, or resist His truth. And what is that when we are in pain?
God loves us, we are special and important to Him, and even in this situation, He has a favorable outcome that He can and WILL work in our hearts and often, in the hearts others.
That is a powerful aspect of His favor!
Though people fail us, we can depend on Him. He is the lover of our souls. With that love He freely gives to us, we can in turn love the ones who hurt us.
As I meditate on this verse, and ask the Lord to deepen it within me, I notice my soul lifting, my hope being restored, and His love consuming me. I am rediscovering this rich deposit of His favor and freedom is flooding my heart.
I can count on a favorable outcome of His design. Oh, happy day!
Say … will you look at that. The sun has come out … the gray is gone… it is glorious. Have a fabulous week!
The richest of blessings to you!
Maryann
Where is favor when your heart is broken?
Good Morning and Happy Monday!
May I be candid with you?
It’s a little difficult for me to get started this week. The skies just let loose a torrent of rain, casting a dull grey veil on what would otherwise be vibrant greens, purples, and reds. Hmm.. Interesting.
You see, for a while now, I have felt like those vibrant spring colors. I’ve been in an impenetrable bubble of God’s favor. As He and His favor flows hrough me, around me, and before me, I am like a giddy little kid. I love to see His favor abound.
But as I talk to more and more people about God’s favor, I am confronted with the conundrum that for many favor sounds great, but their struggles are real, their hearts are heavy, and their hope has all but disappeared. Where is favor then?
Can we only experience it when things are going our way?
Well, as I write this, I want to share with you, I am having to answer that question personally.
I recently became aware that a person who matters much to me deceived me, and it hurt. Badly. And it still does. I felt my heart break into a thousand little pieces, and wondered if it would ever mend and feel whole again.
Where is favor when your heart is broken, when your trust is violated, when you feel so betrayed that you can’t stop crying?
I almost did not write you. How can I encourage you with a Monday morning zing, when I feel so zapped?
Because the truth is, God is good, and He has an answer. Even as I write this, it is coming.
I see there’s only one thing to do. And it’s not to talk about it with a bunch of friends, (though I am thankful to have an understanding husband who is always available when I need him.)
Complaining bitterly to others is no remedy for me, and it only compounds the hurt the more it’s repeated. For me, the only thing to do is seek the Lord, enter His presence, and ask Him for a word, a vision, a thought… anything. He knows what I need at every given moment, especially when I feel overcome with pain.
So, I asked, “Lord, do you have a word for me? My heart is aching and I’m drawing blanks here.” And here it is – an old familiar passage, a perfect verse for me. How faithful is He!
“Let not mercy and truth forsake you;
Bind them around your neck,
Write them on the tablet of your heart,
And so, find favor and high esteem
In the sight of God and man.” (Prov 3:3-4)
Oh yes, refreshment to my soul and music to my ears.
I realize once again, that within us, there is a reservoir of mercy and truth. Like the colors of spring, they are there, in brillant display, but the heavy rains can so obscure their vibrancy. God is now showing me that during times of heaviness and pain, we need mercy for others and ourselves more than ever. We have been forgiven of all wrongs, and so, freedom lies in doing the same for others. I must tap into His mercy.
This is also not the time to forsake, or resist His truth. And what is that when we are in pain? God loves us, and even in this situation, He has a favorable outcome that He can and will work in our hearts and often, in the hearts others. That is a powerful aspect of His favor! Though people fail us, we can depend on Him. He is the lover of our souls. With that love He freely gives to us, we can in turn love the one who hurt us.
As I meditate on this verse, and ask the Lord to deepen it within me, I notice my soul lifting, my hope being restored, and His love consuming me. I am rediscovering this rich deposit of His favor, and freedom is flooding my heart.
I can count on a favorable outcome of His design. Oh, happy day!
Say … will you look at that. The sun has come out … the gray is gone… it is glorious. Have a fabulous week!
The richest of blessings to you!
Maryann
Maryann Ehmann
God has always been my Source. It just took me a while to know it and agree with it!
But as I’ve done so, He has transformed my life, and the life of every single family member. From lack to plenty, sickness to health, worry to peace, guilt to freedom, darkness to light…
This is His mission for you, too.
Oh, and yeah… this is a picture of me NOT in jammies!
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Have I Ever Told You….
You’re My Favorite!
The Importance of Feeling Special
God wants you to feel special, and one of the best ways He does it is by giving you His favor!
