“seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.”   2 peter 1:3

barely awake and already tired, i stopped by the grocery store this morning on the way to school.  hearing myself sigh (quite heavily, i might add) i realized how discouraged and stressed i’ve become over the last few weeks.  it doesn’t feel good.  i don’t like myself this way.

finding my way across the store, i began to pray out loud, “God, i need joy.  i need peace.  please, God.”

with tenderness and love, He answered.  i almost started crying right there on aisle seven.

“why do you keep asking for what i’ve already given you?”

instantly the verse above came to mind.

“haven’t i already given you everything you need for life and godliness?  does my Son live inside you?   is He the Prince of Peace?  and what about the joy of the Lord?

busted.

why do i continue to ask God for what He’s already given, already provided, already promised?

“i believe; Lord, help my unbelief.”  (mark 9)

it’s my unbelief.  i’m not believing God.

it’s also distraction.  people and stuff (most of which i can’t even control) I’ve allowed to get piled up inside my soul, on top of the joy, the peace, the strength that is already in me.

well, that stuff needs to be moved out of the way.

immediately.

and for that i do need to ask.  i need to ask for wisdom, which God says He will “give generously to all who ask.”  (james 1)

wisdom to know what to let go of, what to hold onto.

so that i can access what is already mine. right now.

thank You, God….

for Your patience, Your love, Your faithfulness, Your voice, Your word, Your wisdom, Your peace, Your comfort, Your strength, Your joy, Your provision.

for giving us everything we need.