How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!
If I should count them, they would outnumber the sand.
When I awake, I am still with You.
Psalms 139:17-18

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Thought

– an idea or opinion produced by thinking or occurring suddenly in the mind

Being in Israel this past summer, I understand more fully sandy, hot and dry.  I think about the areas where Jesus would have walked and what He created—it is so awesome.  There are still things we are processing.  It truly puts life and our efforts into perspective.

When we were in Israel, we traveled to many of the traditional sites, learned a lot of history, and soaked in the Israel that God is still blessing and is causing to bloom.  For it truly is!  The crops are plentiful, the people are thriving, and they are in peace within their country.  There is a military presence in the city of Jerusalem, especially on the Temple Mount, but we never felt threatened or tense.

God is awakening His people to serve Him in new ways.  He is inspiring the scientists to discover new things; the people are creating new techniques and procedures for medical purposes; and all they need to do is be quiet and think.  To ponder the things of their chosen fields. And that is what we need to do—be still and wait on God to speak to us.  As we wait, He will bless us.

David was a great example of waiting and sitting before the Lord.  He would go to a quiet place and meditate on the great love God had shown him and his family.

Then King David went in and sat before the Lord, and he said:
“Who am I, Sovereign Lord, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far?”
2 Samuel 7:18

David was wonderful at being humble.  He did not let the fact that he was a king stop him from baring his heart and soul to the One who formed him in his mother’s womb.

As we wait on God to answer our prayers, we may become discouraged thinking, “He does not care about my little issue…” or,  “I have asked way too many times about the same thing….”  Let’s change our thoughts.  Let’s see how they align with Scriptures.  Or how we go about asking God—demanding from Him or thanking Him for all of the great and wonderful things we have before presenting our requests.  God wants us to acknowledge that He is first in our lives (not second, or third, or even fourth).  We need to train ourselves to put Him first in all that we do, all that we think, and all that we are.  Then all else will line up with God’s Word and His will for our lives.

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Father, we come humbly, thanking You for the goodness and mercy You have shown us.  You know our hearts and our needs better than we do.  Help us to learn Your ways and Your will for our lives.  May we pass on your most excellent ways to our children, friends and loved ones as You grant us the favor to do so.  In Jesus’ name we pray.  Amen.