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September 5, 2019
Let’s Ask Who? Rather Than What? |
“The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” Psalm 145:18 (ESV)
What would you do? For my sisters-in-law and me, this is a question you’ll frequently hear us ask one another. Sometimes it’s shouted over the laughter and squeals of our children while we sit in lawn chairs in the backyard. Sometimes it's muffled as one of us is buckling a 5-point harness in the minivan. Sometimes it’s whispered between tears in a living room on a dark, cold winter’s day.
What would you do? Which school would you send them to? Which bottle would you use? What would you say to your husband? Which doctor would you see? What would you do?
If we’re honest with ourselves, we’re all looking for help. But the good news is, God has not left us alone with our questions. Big or small, God invites us to call on Him with a sincere heart and ask Him our questions.
Our key verse says, “The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth” (Psalm 145:18). Over and over in Scripture, God allows His people to ask questions.
But He didn’t always answer in the way they wanted.
Many of our questions in this life will go unanswered in the way we want. That’s because God is concerned most with our hearts in the asking. He will always do what brings us the most long-term good, even if that means changing us through hard things.
Just as He did when the Israelites begged in the Old Testament: “What will we drink? What place will we live? What army will fight for us?” God invites us to first remember who He is, what He’s done in the past, and what He promises to do in the future. While He does care about our physical needs and actions, His goal is to move our hearts to be more like His. So He draws near, and as a wise mentor shared with us, He wants us to turn our questions from “What?” … into “Who?”
Who is the one who saves me? Who is the one who loves me? Who is the one who cares for my every need? Who will protect me?
It’s here in the tension between the questions we ask and the answers we desire that we find the best answer of all: Jesus Christ. He is …
- Our helper (Psalm 54:4).
- Our refuge and strength (Psalms 46:1).
- Our comfort in all affliction (2 Corinthians 1:4).
- Our soul’s true rest (Matthew 11:29).
- The one who loves us with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3).
Asking, What do I do? is still a good and valid question, but let’s also ask the better question: Who? God promises that “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3a, ESV) and that we can trust Him to provide all we need for life through the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ.
Whatever question you’re asking today, don’t be afraid to bring it to the foot of the cross. Scripture doesn’t tell us exactly what to do in every situation, but it does tell us who God is, what His plan is, what His character looks like, and how He works and wills to His glory. Those are the things that help us live a faithful life.
We might not always understand God and His ways, but what a gift that He draws near in the asking, inviting our questions and answering with what we need most of all: God Himself.
Father, I have a lot of questions, and I don’t know exactly what to do next in every situation, but I thank You for always being with me and drawing near in my questions. Help me remember You are always faithful and good. Thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
TRUTH FOR TODAY:
Psalm 73:28, “But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.” (NIV)
RELATED RESOURCES:
Have you ever wondered how your faith connects to everyday mom moments? It might seem like Scripture doesn’t have much to say, but a deeper look reveals the Bible provides the framework for finding answers to our specific questions. Laura Wifler and Emily Jensen help moms understand and apply God’s truth and wisdom to common issues they face through their book, Risen Motherhood: Gospel Hope For Everyday Moments. Come learn how the gospel really does apply to every area of life, bringing hope, freedom and joy to motherhood.
CONNECT:
Motherhood is hard. One second, we think we're doing a good enough job; the next, we're the worst mom on the planet. Which is why we need the refreshing truth of the gospel repeated over and over — giving us hope in the everyday moments. For encouragement in your motherhood and faith journey, join the Risen Motherhood community. Risen Motherhood is a nonprofit organization that encourages, equips and challenges moms through a podcast, articles, social media and more. Join Risen Motherhood on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Enter to WIN your very own copy of Risen Motherhood by Laura Wifler and Emily Jensen. To celebrate this book, Harvest House is giving away 5 copies! Enter to win by leaving a comment here. {We’ll randomly select 5 winners and notify each one in the comments section by Monday, September 9, 2019.}
REFLECT AND RESPOND:
What questions do you currently have in motherhood that you might change from “What?” to “Who?”
© 2019 by Laura Wifler. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries thanks Harvest House Publishers for their sponsorship of today’s devotion.
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