Also, their neighbors from as far away as Issachar, Zebulun and Naphtali
came bringing food on donkeys, camels, mules and oxen.
There were plentiful supplies of flour, fig cakes, raisin cakes,
wine, oil, cattle and sheep, for there was joy in Israel.
1 Chronicles 12:40
Banished.
David was anointed God's servant but that anointing didn't come without cost. He was banished from the presence of the king. Sometimes in ministry what we long for most is elusive.
Intimate friendships.
Financial freedom.
Opportunities for our children.
The call is certain. The anointing is definite. But sometimes walking it out feels more banishment than banquet.
In 1 Chronicles 12, David is hiding from Saul. He is waiting for outward evidence of an inward call. Over the course of this chapter resources trickle in. What starts with seven men (verse 20) ends with a vast army of loyal followers of over 340,000 (verses 24-37), abundant food and resources.
But what we can't miss is the basis for abundance - joy in Israel. No person in scripture was more transparent and honest with God than David. Yet no matter how overwhelming his circumstances or insurmountable his emotions, he sought God's presence. In God's presence there is joy. God's presence brings abundance.
Do you long for intimate friendships? Do you dream of financial freedom? Do you envision better opportunities for your children? First find joy and satisfaction in God. Everything else we chase is nothing but satis-fiction.
_____________________________________
Shannon is a morning runner, an
afternoon carpooler and all-day lover of Jesus.
She is the voice of Jesus
& My Orange Juice, a
fresh-squeezed oasis for ordinary living. Shannon finds joy among piles of
laundry and miles of carpools and delights in leading others to this place of
contentment in life, through the written and spoken word.
When she’s not speaking and
writing, she enjoys her favorite job of wife to Scott, COO of their church and
mom to four daughters from kindergarten to high school.
What a great post, Shannon! How true that "everything else we face is nothing but satis-fiction".
ReplyDeleteAlso, two side notes: You look beautiful in your new picture. And I really enjoy how your posts are short, yet powerful.
Thanks for sharing here!
Awwww, thanks Monique. I do tend to be a woman of few words but in this busy fast-paced world sometimes that's all we have time for. I just pray God does much with my little offering.
DeleteDo you long for ... ? First find joy and satisfaction in God. So very true. Even if you have whatever else you long for (money, opportunities, etc.), in the end, it doesn't mean much if you don't find joy in the Lord.
ReplyDeleteAmen, sistah!
Deletevery nice post...seek God first...the rest falls into place. and yes, it's not always peaches and cream. but, God is so good and faithful!
ReplyDeleteblessings~
Isn't He? I am more amazed every day at His goodness!
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