Proverbs 27:7

Proverbs 27:7

He who is full loathes honey, but to the hungry even what is bitter tastes sweet.

We all enjoy the times when things are going well…when our stomachs are full, our health is solid, checks are cashing, and friends are smiling. In fact, if we had it our way, every day would be this kind of “good day”. But the reality is, times like that don’t last and probably don’t come around that often. We live in a broken world, mired with sin, and eventually we get kicked in the mouth in some way…and we find ourselves in want. But I think there is something interesting about being in need…maybe even something great about being in need. For when we are in need, and I mean truly in need of something significant, we find God doing some of his greatest work in our lives. When things aren’t aligning the way we would like and life seems to be reducing us by the minute, our eyes are opened to the reality that perhaps we aren’t that independent and that we can’t do this on our own…and that we aren’t meant to do it on our own. Naturally, we seek relief…we look for help…and as Believers, we can turn to the Father. We seek Him in prayer, asking for respite from the battle at hand. And each time that we turn to the Lord, we find growth and development in our faith. Each time we speak with the Father in prayer, we find our trust in Him growing a bit more. It’s kind of like exercising with weights…each time we lift that heavy piece of iron, our muscles get a bit stronger. Day by day, we grow, slowly increasing the weight as the muscle expands its ability. Same thing with our faith in God…every time we go to him in prayer, we are building our faith in Him. Each time we return to God in prayer, it’s like we are making a small proclamation of our trust in him…”I was here yesterday God, and the day before that, and I’m back again today…I’m trusting you.” And let’s be honest, for most of us, we spend more time in genuine prayer when times are tough than when times are good. It’s also in times of trouble when are forced, whether directly or indirectly, to survey the good that still exists in our lives…to appreciate the simple, small things that we may have previously taken for granted. It may take a while for difficulty to pass and for the need to be satisfied, and it may even be downright grueling during the process…but even amidst the battle, there is still reason to give thanks to God for the day. Just look up Romans 5:3-4…it gives a little glimpse of what God does during the battle and how we grow closer to him. So today, give thanks to God for the battle at hand…and give thanks to God for the little blessings that still hang around and may have been unnoticed the day before. To God be all glory!