Family Meal
Life has seasons and experiences that shape how we view our God. The relationship with God is meant to be intimate like a family walking through life together.
"Dinah, the daughter of Leah, whom she bore to Jacob, went out to see the daughters of the land. Shechem...took her, lay with her, and humbled her...Jacob held his peace until they came."
Genesis 34:1-3, 5, 11-13, 25, 30
How do you respond when someone you love is hurt? The rest of the story goes that Jacob's sons got payback for what was done to their sister. We should not lose site of what Jacob does in the midst of a horrible time. He held his peace. How could he do this? He turned to God and looked to Him to guide his steps.
How has the trauma you have experienced in your life caused you to either turn to or turn from God? Where could you use healing in your heart from the experiences that have been hardest?
“I will bless Yahweh at all times. His praise will always be in my mouth. I sought Yahweh, and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears...Oh taste and see that Yahweh is good. Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him...Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit.”
Psalms 34:1, 3-5, 8-9, 14, 18
Scientists who study the human body will share how we have physiological responses that change based on our emotions. Think of how when you are afraid or nervous how it affects your heart rate, desire to eat, or how you feel. It is hard to praise God or taste goodness when you are scared.
What truth does David proclaim? When you turn to God, He will deliver you from all fears. After you move beyond your fears what you find is God gave you sense that are meant to teach you to appreciate a world full of blessing that He has given for you to enjoy life. Tasting God's goodness can be as much spiritual as physical, and seeing God's goodness grows our faith. There is no greater joy for a parent than to see their child joyful.
“For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace. He has made everything beautiful in its time."
Ecclesiastes 3:1-2, 4, 8, 11-13
What season are you in? Do you know that there is hope for the future and wisdom says it is important to maintain an eternal perspective while living on Earth. How would it help you to know that God sees you and has a plan for you that is one to bring you to a better place?
“Search in the book of Yahweh, and read...From generation to generation they will dwell in it.”
Isaiah 34:16-17 WEB
Our lives are meant to be rooted in God. God gave us our spirits and one day to God we will return. The legacy of our lives will be how we impact future generations. How is what you are doing today building up the generation of tomorrow? We are part of the family of God and each of our lives are meant to be connected to those who came before and those who will come after us.
“Jesus came out, saw a great multitude, and he had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things. Send them away, that they may go into the surrounding country and villages and buy themselves bread, for they have nothing to eat.” But he answered them, “You give them something to eat.” They asked him, “Shall we go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread and give them something to eat?” He said to them, “How many loaves do you have? Go see.” When they knew, they said, “Five, and two fish.” He took the five loaves and the two fish; and looking up to heaven, he blessed and broke the loaves, and he gave to his disciples to set before them, and he divided the two fish among them all. They took up twelve baskets full of broken pieces and also of the fish. Those who ate the loaves were five thousand men.”
Mark 6:12-13, 34, 36-38, 41, 43-44
Jesus knew the needs of the people before they asked and how He would meet their needs in His timing. It is remarkable how He took what the people offered and multiplied it to meet the needs of others.
How does this story change your perspective about your Heavenly Father? Do you need to know that your Father in Heaven sees you? Do you need to know that He sees you and will provide for all you need before you even ask? Jesus is the bread of life. He is the one who can meet our deepest needs. He has prepared a banquet feast for us and wants to help us experience the best tasting soul food that we could ever eat as we dine on the bread of life. Whatever season you are in, whatever you have been through, wherever you go, you are part of the family of God who loves you dearly.