Seeing Who It Comes From

Thus says the LORD: “You shall not go up nor fight against your brethren the children of Israel. Let every man return to his house, for this thing is from Me.” Therefore they obeyed the word of the LORD, and turned back, according to the word of the LORD. I Kings 12:24 (New King James Version)

War was diverted among God’s people with this one verse. How essential it is that I allow God to speak these same words over my life in any given situation. For God knows my tendency to focus on the difficult circumstances or people in my life and miss the precious truth of His sovereignty and involvement over and through all things. How easy it can be to fight the very thing that God is either causing or allowing. There is no rest or peace when I choose to resist that which God is doing.

Rather than fight it, God implores me to return to my home, and Psalm 91 reminds me where my home is. It is in the shadow of His wings, for He is to be my dwelling place, refuge, and fortress. God wants me to realize that I am to abide in His presence for my shelter, safety, and security.

As I step into a new day (and month) God desires me to hear Him voice His five word phrase to me on a continual basis. When I face a difficulty, “This thing is from Me.” When I sustain a loss, “This thing is from Me.” When a medical diagnosis threatens to turn my world upside down, “This thing is from Me.” When relationships change, “This thing is from Me.” When disappointment marks my path, “This thing is from Me.” When that which I desire to hold on to slips through my fingers, “This thing is from Me.” When my plans fall apart, “This thing is from Me.” When the storms of life hit hard, “This thing is from Me.” When dreams die, “This thing is from Me.”

As I receive the words He is speaking then I will find the peace that passes all understanding. I will no longer view myself as a victim of other people’s choices and actions. I will stop being consumed with self pity, condemnation, and grief. Each portrait the enemy has painted on the walls of my imagination will be replaced with artwork painted by the sovereign and loving hand of God. I will begin to notice the many positive, uplifting, and encouraging gifts with which God graces my life. And I will experience the truths of Zephaniah 3:17 which say He will quiet me with His love.

Father, there is not a day in my life when I do not need to hear you say these things are from You. I receive them as words spoken from a heart of love and a desire for my good. Amen.