Inspire

A Buffet of Blessings

Adapted from Linda Bailey

Who doesn't love a buffet? The only problem with a good buffet is the size of our stomachs. We always eat way beyond our full and then see something we haven’t had the pleasure of consuming yet at the buffet. Instead of thinking, I’ve had enough, I will eat again another time, I end up saying to myself, I can do it. Just one more mouthful.  My greed gets me in all sorts of trouble with stomach pain and discomforts that last for the rest of the day! 

Our God has provided us with a buffet of blessings. He gives us unconditional love, amazing grace, everlasting peace. We, however, often look at all God has provided and think, that’s not enough. And we go in search for worldly things we think will truly fill us.

That’s what happened with Achan in Joshua 7. God had miraculously saved them by stopping the water of the Jordan for them to walk on dry land. Then he brought the walls of Jericho down with a big shout! And yet that wasn’t enough. Instead of following the instructions of this mighty, powerful, victorious God, Achan chose to take what wasn’t his. When you read it in chapter 7, it sounds so foolish.  But, I have to say, I see it all the time in my own life.

Searching for acknowledgment from others when I already know I’m loved by God. Trying to gather acceptance by what I do when I already know I’m covered by God’s grace. We often want the best of the best and go in search for more, but we don’t need to. There is nothing in this world that could ever replace what God has already given to us. Let’s stop searching for more and rejoice in what God has blessed us with already.

Dear Lord, forgive us when we search elsewhere for acceptance and meaning. Thank you for your amazing power and work in our lives. Thank you for your goodness and for your blessings over us. Thank you that you are able to bring hope through even the toughest of times, strengthening us for your purposes. Thank you for your incredible sacrifice so that we might have freedom and life. Forgive us for when we don't thank you enough, for who you are, for all that you do, for all that you've given. Help us to set our eyes and our hearts on you afresh. Renew our spirits, fill us with your peace and joy. Help us practice gratitude in our lives to understand how much we can be thankful for. 

Amen. 

Submitted by Brigette Maglio