Noticing What God Has Given, Instead of What He Hasn’t - The Crosswalk Devotional - December 3
Noticing What God Has Given, Instead of What He Hasn’t
By Kelly Balarie
Bible Reading:
"As they make music they will sing, 'All my fountains are in you.'" – Psalm 87:7 NIV
I didn't want to covet. Ick. I knew coveting was against both God's will and His Word. But, how do you stop feelings when they come like a tidal wave? How can one woman hold back a giant rush of emotions?
In this case, I was packing up the back of a man's truck. I was packing his truck up with the exact sentimental sort of items I previously gave up. Because we had lived in so many places around the nation, I had to let go of holiday decorations over the years to make room for our moves. Yet now? I was helping a man load up a truck filled with the very things I had to let go of.
I wanted to serve this man by helping him; however, I also had to fight the inclination to want what he had. I knew we obeyed God by moving so much. I knew we followed Him where He wanted us to go.
Often, in obedience, there is sacrifice. Often, in moving with God, there is a laying down of goods or things we once thought we really needed.
Have you ever experienced this?
In my situation, I was happy to let go for the greater gain of following God.
For instance, I knew that if Jesus came down from heaven and addressed me, saying, "Kelly, do you want holiday decorations or do you want to serve me?" I would undoubtedly say, "Jesus, I choose you."
No item, no position, no money, no role, no appearance can match the precious calling of walking with God and living for Him. I knew this.
I told God this.
"Father?" I said. "I would give it all up again. Jesus is worthy. It is my joy to lay down things for the precious gain of serving you and your people."
I realized God has given me far more than the world or its goods ever could.
In this moment, I suddenly felt God's love and His closeness sweep over me. I think He was pleased.
Jesus is worth it. His love is priceless. His eyes see all of it.
I don't have to please myself with goods, because the greatest joy of my life is serving Him. I don't have to please man, because it is His delight I look for. I don't have to appear a certain way, because even with little, I have so much of Him.
In Him are all my fountains.
"As they make music they will sing, 'All my fountains are in you.'" (Psalm 87:7 NIV)
Intersecting Faith & Life:
Where are you looking at what you don’t have instead of all you have in Christ Jesus? How might God be calling you to adjust your vantage point? What do you have in Christ Jesus? How does this change things?
How did today’s devotional speak to you? Share your thoughts in the Crosswalk Devotional discussion.
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Listen to the Jesus Calling Podcast!
Welcome to this special bonus episode of the Jesus Calling Podcast, inspired by the topical themes from Sarah Young’s seasonal prayer devotional Jesus Listens: Prayers for Every Season. Today, we are featuring guests who speak to themes that all of us might be experiencing in this season of winter. As the days grow shorter and the night longer, we are offered a rare gift: permission to stop. This season can be a challenging time for many, and if you are struggling with low spirits, please know you are not alone, and help is available. This episode is an opportunity to honor your weariness, to resist the urge to rush, and to discover the profound healing that happens when we simply let ourselves rest in the stillness. If you like what you hear, be sure to follow Jesus Calling on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
