Noticing What God Has Given, Instead of What He Hasn’t - The Crosswalk Devotional - December 3

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Noticing What God Has Given, Instead of What He Hasn’t
By Kelly Balarie

Bible Reading:
"As they make music they will sing, 'All my fountains are in you.'"  – Psalm 87:7 NIV

I didn't want to covet. Ick. I knew coveting was against both God's will and His Word. But, how do you stop feelings when they come like a tidal wave? How can one woman hold back a giant rush of emotions?

In this case, I was packing up the back of a man's truck. I was packing his truck up with the exact sentimental sort of items I previously gave up. Because we had lived in so many places around the nation, I had to let go of holiday decorations over the years to make room for our moves. Yet now? I was helping a man load up a truck filled with the very things I had to let go of.

I wanted to serve this man by helping him; however, I also had to fight the inclination to want what he had. I knew we obeyed God by moving so much. I knew we followed Him where He wanted us to go.

Often, in obedience, there is sacrifice. Often, in moving with God, there is a laying down of goods or things we once thought we really needed.

Have you ever experienced this?

In my situation, I was happy to let go for the greater gain of following God.

For instance, I knew that if Jesus came down from heaven and addressed me, saying, "Kelly, do you want holiday decorations or do you want to serve me?" I would undoubtedly say, "Jesus, I choose you."

No item, no position, no money, no role, no appearance can match the precious calling of walking with God and living for Him. I knew this.

I told God this.

"Father?" I said. "I would give it all up again. Jesus is worthy. It is my joy to lay down things for the precious gain of serving you and your people."

I realized God has given me far more than the world or its goods ever could.

In this moment, I suddenly felt God's love and His closeness sweep over me. I think He was pleased.

Jesus is worth it. His love is priceless. His eyes see all of it.

I don't have to please myself with goods, because the greatest joy of my life is serving Him. I don't have to please man, because it is His delight I look for. I don't have to appear a certain way, because even with little, I have so much of Him.

In Him are all my fountains.

"As they make music they will sing, 'All my fountains are in you.'" (Psalm 87:7 NIV)

Intersecting Faith & Life:

Where are you looking at what you don’t have instead of all you have in Christ Jesus? How might God be calling you to adjust your vantage point? What do you have in Christ Jesus? How does this change things?

How did today’s devotional speak to you? Share your thoughts in the Crosswalk Devotional discussion.

Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/ampcool22 

Kelly uplifts believers with boosts of faith; be encouraged weekly by getting Kelly’s blog posts by email. Kelly, a cheerleader of faith, is a blogger, national speaker, and author of Take Every Thought Captive, Rest Now, Battle Ready, and Fear Fighting. Kelly loves seeing the power of prayer in action. She loves seeing the expression on women’s faces when they realize – their God is faithful! Kelly’s work has been featured on The Today Show, CBN’s 700 Club, Relevant and Today’s Christian Woman. 

Check out fantastic resources on Faith, Family, and Fun at Crosswalk.com! 

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