Looking out my back window at the tree-lined scape before me, lightly covered with snow, and the frozen ground beckoning another layer of snow, I am thankful that God provides all I need.
Warmth is pouring forth, gently humming, with one click of the furnace.
My pantry and fridge represent a picture of abundance that begs to be shared.
As I enter my home, my first glance encompasses all the comforts
anyone could need or want.
My heart overflows with the love of family and friends.
Go ahead… take a peek through the window… you see it too, don’t you? I have all I need! How about you?
The question to be asked is – Is this enough? The home, food, comforts, warmth, etc. Is there more or is this enough????
After reading my descriptions above, it is very apparent to me that there is no mention of God – the provider of unfailing love, unconditional grace and unheard of blessings!
God… yes He would be enough! Knowing that the comforts of home and blessings come from The Great Provider – yes, that would be enough!
Follow the Lord – reap the harvest!
3 “‘If you follow my decrees and are careful to obey my commands, 4 I will send you rain in its season, and the ground will yield its crops and the trees their fruit. 5 Your threshing will continue until grape harvest and the grape harvest will continue until planting, and you will eat all the food you want and live in safety in your land. Leviticus 26:3-5
But knowing that God is enough and truly believing God is enough are two very different concepts. I am guilty of holding onto to all the world offers but will it ever compare to what our Lord can offer? I can easily focus on the tangible gifts that come at me from all directions via the media but does it even measure up to the perfect gift – God sending His son Jesus to Earth to live as a man and die on the cross so we might be saved?
Renee Swope teaches an important lesson in her book “A Confident Heart”. It is titled “Lord I Want to Know You”. When something is important to us such as a friendship, we work hard to grow and maintain that relationship. The same applies to knowing God. We need to work at this relationship. It requires time to be still and quiet with Him. It comes from depending on Him for everything and believing that He will provide. This lesson from Renee Swope is a great reminder that anything worth having is worth working hard for. Our belief that “God is enough” will grow in those quiet times of dependence because we will learn that God is dependable.
Give yourself the gift of Jesus this Christmas! Be still and know that God is with you every step of the way. Remember that God is working for us and we need to return the favor. The story from John about the vine and branches is perfect. One cannot work without the other. The same is true of God and each of us – we need to remain in each other to bear fruit.
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit,while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes[a] so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. Read the full context here.
One of the names for God is “Emmanuel” which means “God with us”. This has a special meaning for me this time of year because the reminder that God is near comforts me more than all those items that I own. God is enough and God is with us- hold this, know this and believe it! Emmanuel also is part of a favorite Christmas song by Amy Grant. Be blessed and be still as you listen to Emmanuel, God with Us.
Blessings, Mary!
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We truly do get distracted by all the gift-giving and “getting” of the Christmas season and overlook the gift of God’s Son, Mary. Your reminder that God is with us is so comforting to me right now, because I truly need to feel that He’s near as I walk through this scary time in my life.
I’m sorry it took me so long to swing by, Mary. I actually didn’t realize I missed visiting your place until you said something. I’ve just been so busy with all that Christmas season typically involves, not to mention, my health issues taking up more time than I can keep up with. I may not always be able to swing by as often in the months as I undergo treatment, but you are certainly a sweet friend that I want to keep up with when I can!
Thank you for being so sweet in stopping by. There’s nothing like new, old friends sharing on my blog. Prayers for you continue! Blessings, my friend!
Beautiful post! Especially love this reminder….
“God… yes He would be enough! Knowing that the comforts of home and blessings come from The Great Provider – yes, that would be enough!”
Hope you have a Merry Christmas and remember this through the holiday season!!
Mary
Thank you for stopping by, Mary! Remembering to focus on Jesus at all times is a reminder we all need. Christmas joy and blessings to you and love that we share the same name!
Love the visual, Mary, thank you. I feel the same way coming into my home after work. I need to stop focusing on any disappointments during this season and remember why we are celebrating. To God be the Glory!
Amen! May God’s peace wrap around us this season and fill our hearts! Thank you for stopping by!
Blessings, Mary
Great words and a beautiful song to remind me of the reason for the season! Thank you for sharing, Mary!
Peace to you this Christmas season! Blessings,
Mary
I agree with Val. Warmth and love initiate with our Jesus. Appreciate the reminder to keep Him first during this wonderful season.
Wishing joy for you and the wrapping of God’s loving arms around all of us.Love you!
Beautifully said Mary. That is song blessed me this morning, in addition to your words. I am playing that Amy Grant CD now – one of my favorites – so that I can hear that song over & over today & allow it to keep filling me with hope.
One of my favorite songs- may it bless all of us as we prepare for the greatest gift of all this Christmas! Love you!