“6For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed. 7From the days of your fathers you have turned aside from my statutes and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you, says the Lord of hosts.” – Malachi 3:6-7 (ESV)
The Lord does not change. I know that sometimes I feel as though God is not with me and has abandoned me and his promises for me, especially when it comes to dealing with adversity. I seem to spend an inordinate amount of time dealing with item after item, and frankly have become angry with God for it. But why should I be angry when I know that God does not change?
I am angry at the timing of God’s actions. His actions, or what feels like inaction, are not in line with my timing and therefore I am angry that I am not getting what I want. He has not changed His love for me. He has not changed His plan for me. He has not given up on me. My wants are not of His concern. My wants are simply mine. My needs are being met and I am too blinded by my not getting what I want, that I cannot see the fact that my needs are and have been met continually by my God.
It is up to me to adjust my wants to be more in line with my needs and once again get back to the business of following the Lord and taking action on those items He would have me take action. When I am able to focus on those items He has for me, my wants will be subsided and I will be content with that which is provided by God.
“11Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.” – Philippians 4:11 (ESV)
When you find yourself angry with God for not receiving something, what is it that you are seeking to receive, want or need? Are you aware that the timing of your expectations may not be in line with God’s timing? Will you remember that God’s timing only appears to change, but the Lord indeed does not change?
Trevor's Thoughts 