When someone returns to God after being “gone” or a person new, that has come to the house of the LORD for the first time… Chapter 35 reminded me in verse 5, to refrain from evil pleases the LORD, and to avoid injustice is atonement. Also do not appear before the LORD empty-handed…. No, that doesn’t mean that you give everything you have, to the LORD. But what he is saying as explained in verses 11 and 12, With each contribution show a cheerful countenance, and pay your tithes in spirit and joy. Give to the Most High as he has given to you, generously, according to your means. For he is a God who always repays and will give back to you sevenfold.
Even when one lies in bed to rest, his cares disturb his sleep at night. So short is his rest, it seems like none, till in his dreams he struggles as he did by day. Troubled by the vision of his mind, like a fugitive fleeing from the pursuer…. Speaking from a person who has had many, many sleepless nights, Reading Chapter 40:4-5, reminded me again of what happens when I let my dreams overtake my Trust in God. And then in verse 7, when you do put your Trust in God, even in your sleep, As he reaches safety, he wakes up, astonished that there was nothing to fear.
Even as I began telling myself that from here on, I was going to start putting more of my Trust in God and let him lead my way, I kept in my mind one fear. That is if I fail again, will I be good enough that he would forgive me another time? Because at this point, I had failed so many and pushed many away, The LORD was all I had left. But in Chapter 42, God reminded me, in verses 15-20, By the LORD’s word his works were brought into being. He accepts the one who does his will. As the shining sun is clear to all, so the glory of the LORD fills all his works. Yet even God’s holy ones must fail in recounting the wonders of the LORD, though God has given his hosts the strength to stand firm before his glory. He searches out the abyss and penetrates the heart, their secrets, he understands. For the Most High possesses all knowledge, and sees from the old, things that are to come. He makes known the past and the future. And reveals the deepest secrets. He lacks no understanding; no single thing escapes him. Verses 24 and 25, God states, all of them differ from one another, yet none of them has he made in vain. For each in turn, as it comes, is good, can one ever see enough of their splendor?
And with the final Chapter of Ben Sirach, The LORD, with the last two verses, he gave me one more reminder of what it would become should I accept the LORD into my heart… He said to me, May your Soul rejoice in God’s Mercy, do not be ashamed to give him praise. Work at your tasks in due season and in his own time God will give you your reward!
At the time, I still had yet to learn what I was to give back to God except for giving him praise. But what one that I did learn… Above all else… TRUST IN THE LORD!
For the last few weeks, the daily readings have come from my other favorite scripture - Hebrews Chapter 11 in its entirety and how it speaks of Faith and those who would act on the evidence of what was said but not yet seen. While this Chapter is small in stature when compared to the entire book of Ben Sirach. It has become the greatest influence of how my transformation, and that light bulb over my head, continues to get brighter and shine a path upon my Spiritual Journey!
GIVING MY 100% TRUST, FAITH, AND BELIEF IN THE LORD IS THE REASON THAT I AM SHARING THIS WITH YOU TODAY. What began as a short reminder to myself, the LORD, then told me to share it because someone else may be having similar questions and struggling to find the courage to seek the answers out of fear.
With this, If interested, I will share how reading about faith in Chapter 11 has forever changed me.
In closing, I will tell you that, for me, it is not enough to “Just” Believe in God and Jesus Christ. And if you require you to “see” in order to believe. Just look at yourself in the mirror. You too are one of God’s Creations! Through all your trials, he has been with you, he is with you today, and through your future endeavors, he will be with you. Have Trust in the LORD, Have Faith in the LORD and Believe in the LORD.
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