ALL YOU NEED IS GOD
Genesis 32:13-32
Like Jacob here, each one of us had come to crossroads at one time or the other in our life’s journey. At such times, we strategize with our limited human understanding how to get out of the situation. See what Jacob did here. He was going to meet Esau his brother and adversary. He was afraid of Esau’s revenge. So he divided his company into several. The animals first, then the concubines and their children, and then his wives and their children. What was he thinking? He thought to appease his brother with property. But at the back of his mind, he believed that if Esau would destroy anything, he would have to start from the animals and then the servants. Before reaching the core family, Jacob would have escaped!
But at the end of it all, it was not this that saved the day. It was an encounter with God that did it; when he was left alone. God met with him and he wrestled with God all night. And he prevailed. In the process, his name was changed from Jacob to Israel. What is this telling us? Until you come to terms with God, you have not started. You may strategize, but if God is not in it, you will fail. Plans and strategies outside of God cannot save you. You will achieve nothing if you don’t start with God. With God, you will achieve easily and endlessly; without Him is endless struggle without results.
When you have issues, learn to take them to God. Find time to be alone with him. Present yourself as you are before him. You may need to change your name like Jacob. This is talking of repentance and turning a new leaf. When you make your ways right before God, He will guide you out of unpleasant situations.
MEDITATION: God is all I need in every situation.faith for the present and future.
When you cultivate an attitude of gratitude, several things happen. First, thanksgiving opens the door to God’s presence. As our text today shows, we enter His gates with thanksgiving. If you want to experience God’s presence, start with praise and thanksgiving. Second, thanksgiving defeats depression and anxiety. It is impossible to be genuinely thankful and deeply depressed at the same time. When you count your blessings and name them one by one, you will be surprised at what the Lord has done.
Third, thanksgiving attracts more blessings. The ten lepers were healed, but only one returned to give thanks, and Jesus commended him (Luke 17:11-19). When you show appreciation for what you have, God trusts you with more. Ingratitude, on the other hand, closes the windows of heaven.
Make thanksgiving a daily habit. Start each day by thanking God for life, health, family, and His faithfulness. Throughout the day, cultivate a grateful heart. Before you go to bed, recount God’s mercies and give Him praise. As you do this consistently, you will experience increased joy, peace, and divine favor.
PRAYER: Father, I thank You for Your countless blessings. Help me to maintain a heart of gratitude always, in Jesus’ name.
