Reverence and Awe

» Today's reading at Blue Letter Bible

MORNING
Grumble, grumble, grumble! "Woe is me for I am undone, for I am a man of unclean lips and I dwell amongst a people with unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts", Isaiah 6:5. Perspective is everything! When I selfishly focus on my reality and the stuff of my days I grumble. When I take my eyes off myself and focus on the King and what He has done, I feel like Isaiah.

I am so thankful that my Father loves me enough to chasten me and bring me back to the right perspective. I don't like it but knowing that His corrections are sent in love, to purify me, and draw me near to Himself I accept it. I remember when I disciplined my children when they were young, the incredibly tender moments afterward when I affirmed my love. If I chasten my children because I love them, why am I surprised when God chastens me? The chastenings of life assure me that I am His son. What a joy!

EVENING
I like the way Spurgeon approaches this devotion. "The Lord always thought about His people; hence their election and covenant of grace by which their salvation is assured. He will always think of them; hence their final perseverance by which they will be brought to their final rest." What assurances to my soul! He will never leave me nor forsake me. His watchful eye is always on me! He is the author and finisher of my faith, the alfa and omgega, the beginning and the end! He writes all my struggles in His book. Wow! What can you say? Hallelujah! Makes this morning's devotion even clearer. His ways are not my ways and His ways past finding out but knowing His thoughts are for blessing, I'll trust even when I don't understand