Sometimes It's Hard

Proverbs 11:24 (NIV)

One man gives freely, yet gains even more;
another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.

Wow. When I heard these words, a weight was lifted from my heart. How simple they are. God's word shows us how easy it is. When you give freely, you gain much. This is what I've been praying about all along. To give freely in time, money, love, everything that God wants me to give to be more like-minded and kind-hearted. To better be His light on earth.

How I pray to be free to give yet my humanness holds on to selfish ideals and society's decision that mine is mine but you have to share yours. When do I get to the point that it doesn't sting in my heart when I give away my last piece of bread? When will I not feel the "want" anymore?

As I work this all out alongside you, I find myself consumed with thoughts of my families finances. Money. I find it hard not to dwell on it, especially when it doesn't seem like I have enough. I feel a lot of people have this same problem. Especially those who do not know our Father at all. I live in God's word yet still find it hard to grab on to His promises at times. Life is hard. That's for sure. But with God, I have hope.

Even the strongest, most faithful Christians fall into the "want" pit. It is easy to do and hard to claw your way out of.

When I read Proverbs 11:24, it all hit home.

How often had I been the one withholding unduly? I suffer from what I recently discovered is referred to as the spirit of want. I come from a long line of spirit of wanters. We hoard our money, our food and our love. I was trained to do it, and it is well-ingrained in my spirit. But, today, if front of all of you, I set it all free and release it to God. I will give freely and gain much in the Lord.

Give freely. Share freely. Hug freely. Love others as Jesus loves them. Ask for God's discernment and provision. He will provide. Be God's beacon of light to His world. He is our precious Father showering us with kisses from heaven. He is singing over you right now.

Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV)
17 The LORD your God is with you,
he is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you,
he will quiet you with his love,
he will rejoice over you with singing."

Thank you, Father, for opening up your world to me. How simple it is to be in Your heart, to be loved by You. So simple.