Better Than Rubies
December 29, 2017
"What is the most important lesson you learned this past year?" I heard this on the radio today as I was driving. So I pondered.
And it only took a moment for me to land on something I had already been thanking God for:
He is TRUSTWORTHY.
I feel like all of my adult life, I've worried about money. I worry about whether there will be enough. Yet all of my adult life, I've had all of my needs provided for: job, home, food, clothes, utilities, vehicles. I've also had so many of my wants provided for: vacations, new clothes, eating out, beach trips, nice Christmases, etc. God has always, always been faithful.
Yet why do I still worry??
In the past few months, God has gifted us with so many financial blessings, either monetary gifts from others or getting paid more for a service than we expected. And so as Christmas approached, I asked God what I could give Him for a gift. And I realized I could give Him a new name. A name He deserves.
TRUSTWORTHY.
I decided that if I begin to worry about money at all, I will stop and call the Lord by the name I have given Him.
You are TRUSTWORTHY.
It calms my spirit every time I stop and say it. Speaking the truth is powerful!
Matthew 6:31-33
"Don't ever worry and say, 'What are we going to eat?' or 'What are we going to drink?' or 'What are we going to wear?' Everyone is concerned about these things, and your heavenly Father certainly knows that you need all of them. But first, be concerned about his kingdom and what has his approval. Then all these things will be provided for you."
God has always provided for me financially, and as I reflected on this year I realized that He is also trustworthy in directing my paths. I recently thanked Him for not giving me what I thought I wanted. He is so much more capable of leading me on the right paths than I am of leading myself. This summer my husband had a possible job opportunity that I really, really wanted for him. It could have meant that I could be a stay-at-home mom, which would give me time to write more. My dream! I absolutely thought this would be best for my husband, myself, and our family.
And God said no.
Man, I cried. I really didn't get it. I wasn't angry with God. Just confused. It made me realize that I am so small-minded, and that I have no idea what the future holds or what is the best path. It was humbling.
But about a month ago, I stopped and thanked God for not giving me what I thought I wanted. I jotted down a list of the people, opportunities, and blessings I would have missed if my family had taken that other path. Things like preschool students I never would have met. A new friendship in Bible study I would have missed out on entirely. All the laughter with my fellow preschool teacher this fall while we were at work. And more. God does not make mistakes.
He is TRUSTWORTHY.
So, my friend, I have a question for you. What is the most important lesson you've learned this past year? When you land on it, carry that lesson with you into 2018.
Proverbs 8:11
“For wisdom is far more valuable than rubies. Nothing you desire can compare with it.”