This morning as I woke up in the middle of God’s plan from Genesis 31 to get out and go back, I find myself in between. As I was looking to see what today’s devotional was going to say, the question for today’s post came to mind “Do you realize what you need?”. The quick answer is God.
Seeking God’s Guidance in the Midst our need on Life’s Journey
In the midst of life’s journey, as fathers navigate their roles and responsibilities, it’s crucial to recognize the divine guidance we need. Just as Jacob found himself in the middle of God’s plan in Genesis 31, we too may feel caught between our past and future, unsure of our next steps. However, God assures us in Proverbs 3:5-6,
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
As fathers, we must acknowledge our need for God’s wisdom and direction in every aspect of our lives, trusting that He will lead us on the right path.
Key takeaway:
Surrendering our plans and trusting in God’s guidance leads to clarity and direction in the midst of life’s uncertainties.
Application:
Start each day with prayer, seeking God’s wisdom and guidance for the tasks and decisions ahead. Regularly study and meditate on Scripture to align our thoughts and actions with God’s will.
Embracing the Provision of God in Every Season to meet our need
Just as Jacob realized his need for God’s provision as he journeyed back to his homeland in Genesis 31, fathers today must recognize that our ultimate need is found in God alone. Matthew 6:33 reminds us,
"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
As we prioritize our relationship with God and seek His kingdom above all else, He promises to provide for our needs. Whether it’s guidance in our parenting, strength in our work, or provision for our families, God is faithful to supply all that we require.
Key takeaway:
Trusting in God’s provision frees us from anxiety and empowers us to fulfill our roles as fathers with confidence.
Application:
Practice gratitude for God’s provision in every season, acknowledging His faithfulness in both times of abundance and scarcity. Live generously, sharing God’s blessings with others and modeling reliance on His provision to our children.
To Navigate Life’s Challenges we need Faith and Perseverance
In the midst of life’s trials and uncertainties, fathers are called to demonstrate faith and perseverance, just as Jacob did in Genesis 31. Despite facing opposition and obstacles, Jacob remained steadfast in his commitment to follow God’s leading. James 1:2-4 encourages us,
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
As fathers, we must view challenges as opportunities for growth, trusting that God is refining us through every trial.
Key takeaway:
In the face of adversity, our faith is strengthened, and our character is molded, leading us closer to God’s intended purpose for our lives.
Application:
Encourage our children to trust in God’s faithfulness during difficult times, modeling resilience and perseverance in our own lives. Lean on fellow believers for support and encouragement, recognizing that we are not meant to navigate life’s challenges alone.
Today’s Devotional:
This year, I am utilizing the 365 Daily Devotions book I received for Christmas, applying its teachings specifically in the context of fatherhood. It’s called WALKING WITH GOD by DAVID JEREMIAH. It’s exciting to learn from a new resource this year as we have tried different options the past two years and will keep working through this for 2024. For more information about the author and his ministry, visit DavidJeremiah.org.
Topic: THERE IS A RIVER
Verse: Psalms 46:4 (NIV)
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells.
God is the River we need
Today’s devotional speaks of Ralph Erskine and so looking into it, I was able to find the following details about him and today’s verse:
Here’s what Ralph Erskine had to say about this verse:
- The River of Divine Grace:
- Erskine beautifully describes the metaphorical river mentioned in this verse. He likens it to divine grace, which flows smoothly, fertilizes, and never fails. This river represents the water of life, accessible both to the heavenly city (the church above) and the earthly city (the church below). It brings refreshment and consolation to believers, sustaining them in times of trouble and confusion1.
- Unlike a boisterous ocean, this river is a placid stream, undisturbed by earthquakes or crumbling mountains. Its waters are clear, cool, fresh, abundant, and gladdening. Just as a well-ordered city relies on a steady water supply during a siege, believers find strength and endurance through the unceasing flow of God’s grace1.
- The City of God:
- Jerusalem, representing the church of God, is described as the City of God. Here are some key aspects:
- God’s Dwelling: He resides within its walls, revealing Himself uniquely to His people.
- Founded and Built by God: The church derives all its privileges and immunities from Him.
- High Honour: Believers, collectively, are the living temple for the Lord. The church is adorned by infinite wisdom, garrisoned by omnipotence, and dedicated to God’s praise.
- Everlasting Love and Grace: The broad river of everlasting love and grace sustains the joy and bliss of the city of God1.
In summary, Erskine emphasizes the abundant grace flowing like a river, sustaining believers and making glad the city of God. This metaphor invites us to drink deeply from the wellspring of God’s love and find solace in His presence1. Truly, there is no greater joy than partaking in the streams of divine grace that flow from the throne of the Most High.
https://sl.bing.net/MQMpeCJeXQ
God the Father is who we have need of
Today’s devotional provides us with another scripture from Jeremiah 2:13 which says speaks to God the Father as the river:
“My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water.
It points to how “He is called the fountain of living waters who quenches the spiritual longings of our hearts.
God the Son is who we have need of
Today’s devotional points us to Zechariah 13 as the river which says:
“On that day a fountain will be opened to the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin and impurity. -- Zechariah 13:1
It continues to point us to John 4:10 where Jesus is speaking to the Samaritan woman and shares:
Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.”
God the Spirit is who we have need of
Today’s devotional speaks of John 7:38 where Jesus shares:
Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.”
Let’s be the dads who realize that to find true joy and happiness in life requires relationship first with God then with our wives, and then our kids, and then the world around us. Nobody can find true happiness in life apart from God! Today’s devotional shares how “Happiness sought for its own sake is self-defeating.” True happiness comes from the overflow, the outpouring, the love of God! Be the dads who grab a hold of and believe what today’s verse says God “is a river whose streams make glad the city of God.”
“Take heed of forming plans for happiness, as though it lay in the things of this world, which soon pass away.”
MATTHEW HENRY
