For you, O God, tested us; you refined us like silver. You brought us into prison and laid burdens on our backs. You let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but you brought us to a place of abundance. Psalm 66:10-12
We are always thankful for God's blessing, but can we learn to thank Him for the troubles?
The emotional prisons, the heavy burden of sin, the ridicule of other men, the searing of the soul, the times when taking the next breath seems impossible... Can I be thankful for these? Can I understand how trouble has made me stronger?
The joy of abundance is so much sweeter to those who have lived in poverty. The unconditional love of God is so precious to the man who struggles to remember a time of acceptance and love.
Lord, You have brought me to a place of abundance. The famines in my life have not taken it from me; they have made me more aware of Your rich blessing. But now, what am I supposed to do with it? I feel an abundance of spirit like never before, and I don't know what to do.
So much of me wants to go back - to the prisons - to the pain - to the things I once knew. Yet I know, just as returning to Egypt was no longer an option for the Israelites, I have no other choice. Once the promised land is in sight, Your people cannot turn back. Those who refuse to move forward are destined to wander - destined to die in the desert.
Father, I don't want to wander anymore. I want to enjoy an abundant life with You. Give me clarity. Help me to see how all the pieces fit together. Give me a vision that will bring others to this place of abundance as well.