The book with the catchy title, "Who Moved My Cheese?", is basically a modern-day parable about where and how we find success and satisfaction in the world. For most people the daily routine of job and career is comparable to a mouse moving through a maze in search of nourishing cheese. Take away the cheese (the job) - as is happening to many in today's economy - and frustration and even despair result. The real issue, however, is: who truly provides "the cheese" that I daily pursue?
Perhaps there is no Bible passage more familiar than Psalm 23. It is undoubtedly the most-read passage in times of trouble and at deathbeds, and understandably so. Few Bible passage resonate with such peace and assurance as this one: "I shall not want ... He makes ... He leads ... He restores ... He guides. You are with me ... comfort me ... prepare a table ... anointed my head." The Psalmist confidently declares God's provision in the present tense even as he looks to the future in confidence: "I shall not want." As surely as God presently provides, the Psalmist is convinced that God will provide in the future.
It is painful when our "cheese" (job) is moved and even removed, as I have previously experienced and as so many are experiencing today. But it is far less painful when the owner of our "cheese" is our Father rather than our employer. If our faith is based upon the ultimate Owner of the "cheese" then the need will never be greater than the supply.
Perhaps the priority of Matthew 6:33 is more clearly evident in light of today's economic climate: "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." The ultimate "cheese" to daily pursue is the kingdom and its lifestyle, and the "cheese" of this life's necessities will follow.
Abraham, the man of faith, declared in Genesis 22 that our Father is Yahweh-jirah, The God Who Provides. Perhaps no title for God is more comforting and reassuring these days than this one. The God Who Provides will continue to do so even as He always has: "I shall not want".
May we live this day, and every day, in resolute faith in the God Who Provides.
Steve
Perhaps there is no Bible passage more familiar than Psalm 23. It is undoubtedly the most-read passage in times of trouble and at deathbeds, and understandably so. Few Bible passage resonate with such peace and assurance as this one: "I shall not want ... He makes ... He leads ... He restores ... He guides. You are with me ... comfort me ... prepare a table ... anointed my head." The Psalmist confidently declares God's provision in the present tense even as he looks to the future in confidence: "I shall not want." As surely as God presently provides, the Psalmist is convinced that God will provide in the future.
It is painful when our "cheese" (job) is moved and even removed, as I have previously experienced and as so many are experiencing today. But it is far less painful when the owner of our "cheese" is our Father rather than our employer. If our faith is based upon the ultimate Owner of the "cheese" then the need will never be greater than the supply.
Perhaps the priority of Matthew 6:33 is more clearly evident in light of today's economic climate: "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." The ultimate "cheese" to daily pursue is the kingdom and its lifestyle, and the "cheese" of this life's necessities will follow.
Abraham, the man of faith, declared in Genesis 22 that our Father is Yahweh-jirah, The God Who Provides. Perhaps no title for God is more comforting and reassuring these days than this one. The God Who Provides will continue to do so even as He always has: "I shall not want".
May we live this day, and every day, in resolute faith in the God Who Provides.
Steve
posted by steve @ 10:14 AM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home