Manna for Your Morning

God’s a safe-house for the battered, a sanctuary during bad times. The moment you arrive, you relax; you’re never sorry you knocked. — Psalm 9:9-10 (MSG) You may be hard pressed on every side, but you are not crushed. You may be perplexed but don’t be driven to despair. You may be persecuted but you are never abandoned by God. (2 Corinthians 4:8-9) Even when you walk through the darkest valley, have no fear, because the LORD is with you, to protect, to guide, and to comfort. You can count on the LORD, no matter what. He will never, neglect those who come to Him for help. And those who know Your name [who have experienced Your precious mercy] will put their confident trust in You, for You, O LORD, have not abandoned those who seek You.  — Psalm 9:10 (AMP )

“If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don’t you think he’ll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I’m trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God’s giving.” — Matthew 6:30-31 (MSG) God has given us so much, His Son, His Spirit, His peace, etc. How do you respond to God’s giving? Let us always give thanks for the many blessings our heavenly Father continually pours out on us, too numerous to count. I believe, a genuine heart, full of gratitude and appreciation for all He has done and is doing, is an awesome way to respond to our great God. In Matthew 10:8, Jesus says, “ Freely you have received, freely give. ” Another response to God’s giving is to become like Him and generously give to others. We are blessed to be a blessing!

Then, turning to his disciples, Jesus said, “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food to eat or enough clothes to wear.” — Luke 12:22 (NLT) “What I’m trying to do here is get you to relax, not be so preoccupied with getting so you can respond to God’s giving. People who don’t know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep yourself in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.” (Luke 12:29-31 MSG) “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. (Luke 12:32 NKJV). For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, (Romans 14:17 NIV).  What God is doing in our lives and on this earth (advancing His kingdom) is the only reality we need to be concerned about. He provides all we need.

“Don’t fuss about what’s on the table at mealtimes or if the clothes in your closet are in fashion. There is far more to your inner life than the food you put in your stomach, more to your outer appearance than the clothes you hang on your body.” — Luke 12:22-23 (MSG) “What I’m trying to do here is get you to relax, not be so preoccupied with getting so you can respond to God’s giving. People who don’t know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works.” (Luke 12:29-30 MSG). We can relax and stop being anxious about the cares of this world because we know God. We know that He is our provider. He cares for us and He will take care of everything we need to thrive in our inner beings (mentally, emotionally, spiritually) and our outer, physical life. When you don't know what to do, hang onto who you do know...God!

I said to myself, “Relax and rest. God has showered you with blessings. Soul, you’ve been rescued from death; Eye, you’ve been rescued from tears; And you, Foot, were kept from stumbling.” — Psalm 116:7-8 (MSG) God brought us into His family, under His covering of love. He constantly pours out His grace, mercy and compassion on us. He forgives all our sins and heals all our diseases (Psalm 103:3). God has also given us the shield of His salvation; His right hand holds us up. His gentleness makes us great (Psalm 18:35). We may sow in tears, but we shall reap in joy (Psalm 126:5). Our heavenly Father is able to keep us from stumbling (Jude 1:24). God arms us with strength, and makes our way perfect (Psalm 18:32 NKJV). Praise the living God!

And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. — Luke 12:29 (NIV) “What I’m trying to do here is get you to relax, not be so preoccupied with getting so you can respond to God’s giving ” (Luke 12:29, MSG). Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need. “So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom” (Luke 12:31-32, NLT). And His Kingdom is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17, NLT).

Answer me when I call to you, my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; have mercy on me and hear my prayer. Psalm 4:1 (NIV) Relief. When I uttered those words this morning, my muscles relaxed and God's calming, soothing Spirit washed over me. He took my nerves which were like a rubberband stretched to its maximum limit and laid each one out in His peaceful, yet powerful, Presence. I felt the warm glow of relief and exhaled. As the Amplified Bible says, God frees us up when we are hemmed in and enlarges us when we are in distress (Psalm 4:1). Because of He who is in us, we are larger than anything that comes against us. How do YOU spell relief? I spell it, G O D. Remember to slow down. Sit in His Presence and unwind. Loosen up. He will give you relief.