The phrase, “you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar” is one that I thought of this morning as I study God’s Word. God is waiting for me, and shouldn’t I be the one to acknowledge Him first?
“15But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.” – Psalm 86:15 (ESV)
Here I see that David is glorifying God with praise and definition of what He is “merciful and gracious”. And this should be an example of my approach. I should praise and identify God’s qualities and their impact to me as I continue to do His work.
As a child of God, there is no expectation of stopping simply with the praise and adoration. I have the ability to then ask. I give and God will give back. David asked plenty and was given by God to fulfill his need. Look here at David’s ask immediately following the praise offered to God.
“16Turn to me and be gracious to be; give your strength to your servant, and save the son of your maidservant. 17Show me a sign of your favor, that those who hate me may see and be put to shame because you, Lord, have helped me and comforted me.” – Psalm 86:16-17 (ESV)
Notice the ask of David here. Not to defeat his enemies, but to “be gracious” and give “strength”. David simply asks God to give him a way to deal. David is asking for the ability to persevere through the adversity that has befallen him.
I have to remember that God is not there to solve all of and take away the adversity. He is there to simply help me get through it in service to Him. And how does he do that, through mercy and grace. I live for a merciful and gracious God and deliverance is His to give.
When you ask God, have you gone through the process of praise? Are you asking for more than you are willing to give to Him? Are you willing to declare before you ask?
Trevor's Thoughts 