Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Humble Appreciation

READ 2 Samuel 3-4

There is a wonderful short verse in these chapters that indicates the blessing of the Lord upon David. God had anointed him to be king and God placed his hand of blessing upon him. The text says, “And all the people took notice of it, and it pleased them, as everything that the king did pleased all the people.” Everything? That’s almost too difficult to believe isn’t it?
Probably none of us has ever experienced that, where everything we did was pleasing to everyone around us. I know I haven’t. But in David’s case, though he was a man of war and multiple wives (against God’s command; Deut 17:14-20), still everything he did pleased all the people. There is only one explanation for that: God gave him favor with all the people.
I think there’s a lesson in humility for us. If we have favor with those around us it’s not because of how wonderful we are but because of God’s grace. He could just as easily cause us to fall into disfavor. So there’s another reason to thank God humbly for every good and perfect gift.


Prayer:  Father, you are perfect in all your ways. You are righteous and holy and all that you do is righteous and holy. There is no god besides you. And in your perfection you have chosen to be gracious to us and to grant us favor with people around us. Thank you for this blessing. Thank you that every good and perfect gift comes from you, even the kindness and appreciation of others.

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