Sometimes you have to …
seize it!
Seize: to grasp suddenly, forcibly, and/or to decisively take hold of. An archaic definition means to fasten or attach to something by binding it with turns of rope. I will talk more on this in a moment.
Today’s Scripture passage contains a famous phrase: “… his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is your faithfulness.” (NKJV) The rest of the passage is no less significant. As you read it, take time and think on it; let it sink in.
The author, Jeremiah, says that he dares to hope in God’s unfailing love, mercy and faithfulness. He says something else that is especially significant for Karen and me right now: “By his mercies we have been kept from complete destruction.” Words on a page are just words on a page–until you have to depend on them for your well being, safety, health, or survival.
This has been true for us. We are presently facing some very difficult and challenging circumstances. This is where it gets real. These words MUST be more than words on a page for us right now. If they are true, all will be well. If not, then … there could be unpleasant alternatives. This is what I call a “high contrast situation”. By this I mean that there will be no gray areas: either all will be well or it will not.
We have chosen to believe that these words are true, that God’s love is unfailing, and that His mercies are constant, persistent, and perpetually renewing. His faithfulness to do all He has promised is as unfailing as His love. He is good–always good–regardless of circumstances or how they appear. And His salvation (deliverance) is as unfailing as His love and faithfulness.
These we believe and have committed to rely on. We expect His salvation. The original word translated ‘salvation’ in verse 26 is ‘teshuah’; it means rescue, deliverance, help, and safety. This is what we need. Having set our hope on the truth of these words, we have SEIZED them (bound ourselves to them by our commitment). And this is where we stand.
If it has not been so already, times may come to your life when you will be required to make such a choice. I say ‘required’ because circumstances will leave you no alternative. You will have to choose to believe (or not to believe) that God is real, true, loving, faithful, and good even when it looks or feels otherwise.
Making such a choice will be your opportunity to SEIZE His words and the truth they represent. This may be all you have when you encounter such a decision point. Though they will be all you need, accepting them and holding to them may be difficult when emotions and appearances say something different.
Today, I encourage you to take the words of today’s Scripture passage to heart. If you are in such a time, consider what I have said. If you are not, remember, because in these times in which we live, I believe facing such a decision point will be not ‘if’ but ‘when’.
You can forcibly grasp (seize) the words of today’s Scripture, bind yourself to them, and trust them because they speak of God’s character and integrity. This is a principle that is always appropriate because it is always true.
Will you dare to seize God, His truth and faithfulness, His love and integrity, and the perpetual renewal of His inexhaustible mercies for you? Will you bind yourself to Him? Dare you! (FYI: I think God does too.)
Today’s Seed™ Scripture and Prayer for May 1, 2023:
Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this: The unfailing love of the LORD never ends! By his mercies we have been kept from complete destruction. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each day. I say to myself, “The LORD is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!” The LORD is wonderfully good to those who wait for him and seek him. So it is good to wait quietly for salvation from the LORD. (Lam 3:21-26 NLT)
Prayer: LORD, in difficult times, I too will dare to trust Your unfailing love. I will dare to refuse to let it go because I trust that Your love and mercies never fail. They were new and fresh this morning, and regardless of what happens today they will be renewed tomorrow. You are good. Your love is real. I believe You are good and that You love me. Therefore, I set my intention to rely on Your love in every circumstance of my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
(c) 2023 Randall Vaughn • All Rights Reserved • http://www.e-min.org
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‘Today’s Seed’ from E-MIN • May 1, 2023
About Randall Vaughn:
With 40+ years as pastor, author, teacher, worship leader, and songwriter, Randall pioneered E-MIN in 1997–one of the earliest online ministries and today the longest operating. His passion is leading people to deeper, genuine relationship with God. He lives in Alabama with his lovely wife, Karen, and their dogs, Hadi and Rayah. He enjoys hiking, exploring new tech, and “prayer walks”.
Copyright (c) 2023 Randall Vaughn • All Rights Reserved.
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