02/02/2020
Is God enough? Is He everything you need in every situation? Sometimes we think that there is more, and that we must obtain it ourselves. Perhaps it is some detail that we feel is too trite for God, or too insignificant to merit His attention; maybe we desire something that borders on the worldly and we are embarrassed to bring it to His attention. Then again it might just be forgiveness for some sin that we feel is beyond His mercy and grace, but in reality God is all in all for our souls... the perfect meal at the perfect table.
“"The Lord is my portion," says my soul, "therefore I will hope in him."”
Lamentations 3:24 ESV
God sent His Son Jesus Christ to be on earth as He is in heaven, and in this regard, Jesus is more than the embodiment of all in all himself, He is our all in all as well; He provides our soul’s every need according to God’s will. He gives us living water, shows us God’s mercy, washes away sin, defeats death for us, delivers the grace of God, intercedes for us before The Mercy Seat, abides in us, and allows us to abide in Him. In this way He is our soul’s all, and our complete portion.
“Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.”
Colossians 3:11 ESV
I have been reading the writings of a different Puritan author each day, and this morning I read a wonderful description of what God provides us as written by Thomas Brooks. Listen to what he had to say...
“All the soul needs is found in God. There is light to enlighten the soul, wisdom to counsel the soul, power to support the soul, goodness to supply the soul, mercy to pardon the soul, beauty to delight the soul, glory to ravish the soul, and fullness to fill the soul.” - Thomas Brooks, Works
God provides every need our soul could want for. His provision extends beyond the mundane daily needs, like those that our body needs to exist, and provides the esoteric needs of the soul as well... things such as surrounding us with beauty, and love. He also provides for the repair of our soul’s abode by healing our body, and our soul itself through His mercy, grace, and forgiveness.
“he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.”
Titus 3:5-7 ESV
So I ask my initial questions again... “Is God enough? Is He everything you need in every situation?” Perhaps now your answers been brought to a greater fullness through contemplation and understanding? Maybe now you are able to respond to Him...
“The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot.
You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
Psalms 16:5, 11 ESV
Prayer:
Father, I thank you for your provision that nourishes both my body, and soul. I thank you for the maintenance of this vessel that provides an abode to my soul, and for the glory of your presence that thrills, and awes me... spirit, and soul. Help me Lord God by your mercy and grace through Jesus Christ that my soul should be made pure, perfect, and restored; acceptable to you. You are my provider, and in you I find the perfect provision in all things. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you my God whose Spirit tends to me body and soul. Great is your mercy and grace that is good, and which forgives me through the life, death, and resurrection of your Son Jesus. I praise your name Lord, and the name of Jesus, because there are none other that I need hear. You are my full portion, and Jesus your Son the unblemished, and perfect, sacrifice... your Lamb. Together you are my perfect meal at the perfect table. All glory is yours Father, as witnessed through your everlasting grace, and goodness. You are all I need, and your portion Is my all in all forevermore.
“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.”
Philippians 4:19-20 ESV
Rich Forbes