The benefits of walking with God

Sometimes I want to shout the same words King David shouted in Psalm 66:16.  He said “Come and listen, all you who fear God, and I will tell you what he did for me!”  Like David, I desperately want people to listen when I tell them the difference God can make in the life of anyone who will choose to fear him; who will choose to put him first and thus reap the benefits of a life lived in total submission to him. ‘What kind of benefits?’ you may ask.  Well, besides the fact that he saved my soul from eternal damnation and did this before I ever even had a chance to choose him, he placed his Holy Spirit in me on the day I accept him (at 5 years old!) and works with me via the sanctification process to become the woman he desires me to be. For example:

• Instead of being filled with worry with regards to my children’s futures (high school, college, marriage, etc), the Lord gives me his “peace that passes all understanding” when I commit the whole, challenging process to him (and not just say I commit but actually give the process to God and trust his direction).
• When I’m fighting mad at my husband, the Lord reminds me that he doesn't treat me like I deserve so I shouldn't treat my husband as he deserves (even though he deserves a punch in the nose!…just kidding…kind of…).
• When I’m stuck in a besetting sin that’s constantly throwing me out of balance with my precious Savior, he comforts me with Matthew 11:28-30, “Come to me [Julie], when you’re weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me for I am gentle and humble at heart and you will find rest for your soul.  For [Julie], my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (emphasis mine).  Awwwwwwwe, such reassurance.  I can run to him in the midst of my struggle knowing his arms are spread wide upon my arrival.

I’m taught and instructed, guided and loved by the Lord’s gentle hand on a daily basis.  Because I fear him AND love him with all my heart, he shows himself to me on a moment by moment basis…if I’m listening and looking.  Are you listening and looking for him?  Trust me, he’s there.  He’s ready and willing to make a difference in your life.