The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb. Psalm 19:7-10
“Faith is the key that unlocks the cabinet of the promises, and empties out their treasures into the soul. Faith overcomes all the allurements of the world, all the riches of the world, and all the delights of the world; and it does this by showing the soul” the land that is afar off;” it carries the believer to the Mount of Transfiguration, and confidently assures of “a better country” — “a land that floweth with milk and honey.””
Thomas Watson in Puritan Gems; or, Wise and Holy Saying of the Rev. Thomas Watson, Anglican Minister. edited and arranged by the Rev. John Adey (London: Snow and Ward, 1850) 50.
This trip is stretching me.
I have had to get out the key to the cabinet. Can you think of a time that you needed to saturate yourself in all the promises of God to sustain and support you?
They are perfect, trustworthy, simple, and right. They bring joy and light. They are reliable and priceless. They are sweeter than any honey.
And we never know their value until we rely on them. We never figure it out until we live it out.
So far the ministry in Islamabad has exceeded all expectations. The receptivity to accountability teaching and generosity training has been like watching people drink a cup of water in a thirsty land.
What do I mean? They have demonstrated vulnerability, admitting to absolute and pervasive brokenness, and expressed a desire to make a new start with courage like I have never heard.
I am emptying myself in service to them. I woke weary today.
But then I read this reading and decided to sit and soak in God’s promises for more time than I had to give. It was worth it. I am ready now to go facilitate a training. My soul is full of the boundless riches of God.
I’ve got this. I am transfigured. So do you. Get the key to the cabinet.