“The People of God saw the great power that God had used against their Enemies, in order to rescue them, so they had great awe and reverence for Him, and they believed in Him.” – Ex 14:31

The truth surrounding their current circumstances didn’t involve kicking back and soaking up the sun while singing endless praises about their good, easy, problem-free, blessed life.  Instead, their present reality found them pursued by their enemies who were quickly gaining speed.  The gap between them was closing.  They were unarmed, out-numbered, with no seeming way forward.

If they gaze back at their oncoming Enemies, they feel desperate.  If they gaze at their own limited abilities, they feel despair.  If they gaze at the roadblocks ahead of them, they feel disillusioned.  Sound familiar?  But, IF they gaze at the One who is greater than their Enemies, whose abilities far exceed their own, who can overcome all roadblocks and continually goes before them, then they will know hope and joy and rest and find great delight in Him.  The same is true for us today! :)

"Who is like you, Lord God Almighty?  You, LORD, are mighty, and your faithfulness surrounds You." - Ps 89:8

Ground your prayers in God's promises and in His Word. Know how they (your prayers) fit in w/God's character, salvation & goals for the world. - reflections from T.Keller's "Th Songs of Jesus"

It's the same way Jesus approached His Father (Mt 6:9-13). It's also how He defeated the Enemy (Mt 4:1-11)😊

Recently had a conversation with a young college student who was sharing a variety of struggles in life.  I had asked, "have you been talking with God about those things?"  And received the response, "i'm pretty sure God's mad at me." My heart broke and I immediately began to share with this sweet student the true message about God and how He really feels about him.

I reminded him that God specifically came to seek out all those who have tried living life their own way, on their own terms, and find it has only left them empty & hurting. It's the picture of the Prodigal Father, who, no matter how reckless we've been, continually stands out on His front porch, day after day, as the good, perfect, loving Father, always looking a long way off for His child, hoping today's the day he's coming back home, trading in the old life that's left him empty for real life that is good - full of joy, hope, adventure, etc...

So, sweet friends, God's  NOT mad at you at all. Instead you are loved with an everlasting love by a good, good Father who loves extravagantly, longs to share all He is with you and wants to give you good gifts.❤️