Before my feet hit the floor this morning I found myself thanking God for the hot chocolate in the cupboard to make on this cold morning for all my sweet little dumplings. I found myself thinking about how much I appreciate these gifts, but long for them more than the good gifts sometimes. The hard work involved in God growing his fruit in me is not always appreciated. How much do I really long to be made patient? For the umpteenth time to have to practice kindness, only to lose my temper, again. Practicing joy when everything around you seems to be falling apart, or you are in pain, or the cupboards are running low, or the work hours are short, or it is still cold and snowy outside. Who wants to practice self control when the sin is so enjoyable to indulge in? Peace? In an old farmhouse with 5 children, 3 of them noisy boys? Gentleness when the picky little fights are about the same issue day, after day, after day? To display love and goodness to people you would rather scorn because of the hurt involved. Faithfulness to stay in the word, keep fighting the good fight, stick to your guns, when the world keeps spinning so fast and the chores need to be done, and breakfast made, and school started. I find it's easier to just long for the hot chocolate in the cupboard.
But what is God's agenda? To stretch me and grow me into the image of His Son. To be different than the world. To reflect Him. To hold to His statutes. Because He loves me, He keeps disciplining me. The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the Lord are sure, and altogether righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. By them your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
Galatians 5:22 and Psalm 19
