“We can be blind to God’s good gifts because we focus on what isn’t working right now and how hopeless we feel in our day-to-day life. . . . when we are continually focused on the pain we feel, moving out of it doesn’t happen easily. There are times when we need to sit in our pain and really explore why we feel the way we do.”- Meredith McDaniel
“I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I will remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.”- Lamentations 3:19-22 (NIV)
In Chapter 14 of In Want + Plenty, Meredith McDaniel underscores that manna-filled moments flow 24/7. And, heaven meets earth with every single one. Certainly, we notice one clear fact as we look back at the manna God provided the Israelites in the wilderness. We clearly see He never abandoned His people.
Yet, when we assess our own life, we’re often blind to God’s gifts. Meredith explains:
” . . . somehow when it comes to our own daily bread and sustenance, we think [God] has removed himself or chosen to let us suffer for a little while — or maybe forever. We are an entitled people. We have so much, that whenever something doesn’t go our way, we feel like we have nothing. By considering the manna God provided daily for the Israelites. we can slowly begin to trust God with the modern-day manna he provides for us too.”
However, Meredith counsels, such manna moments never provide the greatest need we all must face. For Jesus, God’s Son = our greatest provision. But when we think we can handle life on our own, we find it hard to tap into the peace Jesus offers. As a result, we tend to go back and forth as we try to regain control of our life. In other words, live life on our terms.
So, Meredith prays that we loosen our grip – let God fill us up with Himself. Because we find abundant life in the sweet surrender – the letting go.
Today’s question: What day-to-day experiences make you blind to God’s gifts? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Keep a distance from God”
