I need Thy presence ev’ry passing hour
What but Thy grace can foil the tempter’s pow’r
Who like Thyself my Guide and Stay can be
Through cloud and sunshine O abide with me

Abide with Me 1847
By: Henry Francis Lyte (1793-1847)

Listen to this lovely version of this hymn as you prepare to ponder the lyrics. Please make certain to enjoy the video below.

Below is video content always available as part of an extensive archive of resources. We have lots of tools and options designed to help you be Resonant!  Check them out today and please consider becoming a Subscriber to support our mission of providing these tools to everyone with access to the internet!!

Please enjoy this video and the transcript below.

Transcript may be found below, at the end of the blog.

As we continue our journey through this hymn in which we plead for the abiding presence of Jesus, ask Him to make Himself known. Let’s tune our hearts.

Resting

“The presence of God is what makes the difference in every circumstance.”

I have learned this truth in ever-increasing measure over my journey with Jesus, and I continue to learn it a little more as time passes. Those passing hours provide for us innumerable opportunities to grasp the life-transforming reality of the presence of God yet too often we forfeit those moments by pressing on or trying to find a way out rather than simply resting.

As the moments tick away it can be difficult to remain still and cultivate a greater awareness of His presence but that is exactly what we must do every day. Will you seek His presence continually?

I need Thy presence ev’ry passing hour

Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! Psalm 105:4 ESV

Coming to the place in our journey with Jesus when we realize and are willing to confess we need Him every hour tends to be difficult. We arrive there often through difficulty and disappointment. But it is a good thing to arrive there because in it we learn our need of Him.

Have you come to the point where you know by experience you need Jesus every hour. I am not referring to the intellectual grasp of an idea, but the spiritual knowing of this truth. We are not self-sufficient. We need Jesus. The sooner we embrace this, and live it, the better off we are by far.

RESONATE!

Take a few moments and seek the presence of Jesus. There is no greater pursuit, and yet we spend so little time engaged in it. Make this your simple prayer “God, I need Your presence every hour.” 

Resisting

While learning to rest in God’s presence in an active pursuit, we must stay vigilant to resist the activity of the evil one. Fortunately the antidote for  the poison of Satan’s power is the presence of God. As we learn to rest in Him we become more and more familiar with His grace. That familiarity is what allows us to resist the counterfeits of it the tempter brings before us.

What but Thy grace can foil the tempter’s pow’r

The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Romans 16:20 ESV

Sometimes we come to that understanding of needing His presence as a result of the work of our enemy. Even still, if we will look to Jesus in those moments we will experience a different measure of His grace than we do in moments of delight.

Satan’s work is often allowed by God to bring us to the end of ourselves. Why? Because that is where we truly discover the sufficiency of Christ. It is never Jesus and, but Jesus only. Nothing but His grace will suffice, and where do we find that? In His presence. Ask for it regularly.

RESONATE
Take a few moments and ask Jesus to help you resist the devil as you learn to rest in Him. Both are active, vigilant endeavors. Be ready to work at them and pray a simple prayer like this one, “Jesus, give me the grace found only in Your presence.”  

Jesus, thank You for the rest that can be found only in You. That rest helps me not only enjoy You, but also resist the tempter. Help me to find great delight in Your presence so the emptiness of his offers diminish in Your grace. In Jesus’ name. 

Restful Tuning!

Keep coming back, and we will work to help you remove the things that may hinder your longing for His return by cultivating an awareness of God’s presence. We will help you tune your heart to live out your worship by providing resources like this to help you acknowledge the greatness of God as you become more Resonant, 7 days a week.

Like what you’re finding here?  Fill out the form to the right to get an email with each fresh post and updates of new tools to help you be Resonant.

Please comment below and share if you have found this helpful in your journey of being more resonant.

Video 45.3 Transcript

Welcome to Tuesday Tunings at Resonant 7, where we reflect on the reality of God and resolve to let it resound in our lives, repeatedly. Let’s tune our hearts.

I need Thy presence ev’ry passing hour
What but Thy grace can foil the tempter’s pow’r
Who like Thyself my Guide and Stay can be
Through cloud and sunshine O abide with me

Have you come to the point where you know by experience you need Jesus every hour. I am not referring to the intellectual grasp of an idea, but the spiritual knowing of this truth. We are not self-sufficient. We need Jesus. The sooner we embrace this, and live it, the better off we are by far.

God, I need Your presence every hour.

Satan’s work is often allowed to bring us to the end of ourselves. Why? Because that is where we truly discover the sufficiency of Christ. It is never Jesus and, but Jesus only. Nothing but HIs grace will suffice, and where do we find that? In His presence. Ask for it regularly.

Jesus, give me the grace found only in Your presence.

A stay is a cable that holds the mast on a sailing ship. It is used to strengthen the mast through strong winds. Jesus always leads us, sometimes even through storms. When He does, we learn a whole different level of trust as He keeps us through the worst of times.

Jesus, be my Guide and Stay.

Learning to enjoy His presence is best done in the sunshine. We can learn the whispers of His grace so when the clouds come we can still discern them. Sometimes He calms the storms and sometimes He calms us through them. Rest in Him in every circumstance.

Lord, teach me to abide with You.

Take a few moments to talk to Jesus about what has surfaced in your heart, or just listen to what He is saying to you, then we will sing once more.

I need Thy presence ev’ry passing hour
What but Thy grace can foil the tempter’s pow’r
Who like Thyself my Guide and Stay can be
Through cloud and sunshine O abide with me

Take the awareness of God’s presence cultivated in these last few minutes into the next ones and beyond.  Until next time,Be Resonant.

The post Rehearsing the Rhythm of Resting and Resisting appeared first on Resonant 7.

Image Attributions
I need Thy presence ev’ry passing hour –  https://pixabay.com/illustrations/flying-time-woman-reflect-5457006/
What but Thy grace can foil the tempter’s pow’r – https://pixabay.com/illustrations/demon-beast-horror-scary-devil-1982195/

Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day
Earth’s joys grow dim its glories pass away
Change and decay in all around I see
O Thou who changest not abide with me

Abide with Me 1847
By: Henry Francis Lyte (1793-1847)

Listen to this lovely version of this hymn as you prepare to ponder the lyrics. Please make certain to enjoy the video below.

Below is video content always available as part of an extensive archive of resources. We have lots of tools and options designed to help you be Resonant!  Check them out today and please consider becoming a Subscriber to support our mission of providing these tools to everyone with access to the internet!!

Please enjoy this video and the transcript below.

Transcript may be found below, at the end of the blog.

As we continue our journey through this hymn in which we plead for the abiding presence of Jesus, ask Him to make Himself known. Let’s tune our hearts.

Life’s Little Day

As we live each day, the weight of the cares of each can seem overwhelming. Make this phone call. Finish this task. Resolve this conflict, etc. But as we step back and gain a little perspective we begin to see how small those concerns really are.

What are the things are clouding your mind and heart today?

Bills? Relationships? Thoughts?

If we can gain the perspective that even the big things each day are not actually as large as they seem we will be on the right track to prioritizing what really matters. The presence of God and learning to live in it are really the most important things.

Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day

“O my God,” I say, “take me not away in the midst of my days—you whose years endure throughout all generations!” Psalm 102:24 ESV

God has no expiration date, but we do. One day we will come to ours, and every sunset is a quiet reminder of that truth. Each day comes to an end, sometimes seemingly quickly, and so shall we. Each day our lives are rushing to their end, but our trust is in He who numbers them.

If day is life and night is death, the end of the “day” is approaching for each of us. Many choose to live as though they will never die and that leaves them ill-prepared to deal with their end as it comes quickly. Have you come to terms with your mortality? Ask for God’s help.

 

RESONATE!
Take a few moments and ask Jesus to give you a better perspective than you possess. That will help you deal differently with the things in your little days. Make this your simple prayer “God, help me accept my mortality.” 

Joys and Glories

There are some wonderful blessings God brings into our lives. Relationships, achievements, avocations and so much more. As wonderful as each one is they are designed to point us to the Source of all the good things, God.

I love the fall. It is easily my favorite season. Creation takes on different colors, hues and tones this time of year in my part of the world. I truly enjoy the passing beauty of the leaves, knowing they will all be gone soon, or rather in my yard waiting to be cleared away.

What are the joys and glories that are precious to you? Is your heart set on them? Or can you see past them for what they are truly meant to reveal?

Earth’s joys grow dim its glories pass away

Of old you laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. Psalm 102:25 ESV

The creation is a marvelous reflection of the joys and glories with which God graces our fleeting lives. From the foundations of the earth to the heavens we see a beauty that seems as lasting as the One who made them, but alas they are not. They dim and pass away like us.

As the things of earth grow strangely dim we are faced with two choices. Surrender to an uncertain eternity, or allow the light of Christ’s glory and grace to illuminate the growing darkness. Seems like a simple choice, but many complicate it unnecessarily. How about you?

RESONATE
Take a few moments and consider your choice regarding the joys of earth. Can you see the light they are meant to point us to? Be ready to do so and pray a simple prayer like this one, “Jesus, I welcome Your light.”  

Jesus, thank You for the joys and glories of earth and this life. Help me to see past the to the You, their Source. Inform my perspective every day with how little these moments truly are compared to what is to come. In Jesus’ name. 

Informed Tuning!

Keep coming back, and we will work to help you remove the things that may hinder your longing for His return by cultivating an awareness of God’s presence. We will help you tune your heart to live out your worship by providing resources like this to help you acknowledge the greatness of God as you become more Resonant, 7 days a week.

Like what you’re finding here?  Fill out the form to the right to get an email with each fresh post and updates of new tools to help you be Resonant.

Please comment below and share if you have found this helpful in your journey of being more resonant.

Video 45.2 Transcript

Welcome to Tuesday Tunings at Resonant 7, where we reflect on the reality of God and resolve to let it resound in our lives, repeatedly. Let’s tune our hearts.

Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day
Earth’s joys grow dim its glories pass away
Change and decay in all around I see
O Thou who changest not abide with me

If day is life and night is death, the end of the “day” is approaching for each of us. Many choose to live as though they will never die and that leaves them ill-prepared to deal with their end as it comes quickly. Have you come to terms with your mortality? Ask for God’s help.

God, help me accept my mortality.

As the things of earth grow strangely dim we are faced with two choices. Surrender to an uncertain eternity, or allow the light of Christ’s glory and grace to illuminate the growing darkness. Seems like a simple choice, but many complicate it unnecessarily. How about you?

Jesus, I welcome Your light.

As we get older, we become more and more aware of just how feeble our bodies are. We may retard the demise of our flesh but we can not escape it. Some people act as though this is not true but it is an inescapable fact. Can you see these things or have you turned a blind eye?

Spirit, help me see.

When we come to terms with these truths we are left to determine how to deal with them. Our inclination will be to try to cheat them or escape, but a better alternative is to surrender to the One who is over even these processes by learning to live in His presence. What’s your choice?

Lord, abide with me.

Take a few moments to talk to Jesus about what has surfaced in your heart, or just listen to what He is saying to you, then we will sing once more.

Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day
Earth’s joys grow dim its glories pass away
Change and decay in all around I see
O Thou who changest not abide with me

Take the awareness of God’s presence cultivated in these last few minutes into the next ones and beyond.  Until next time, Be Resonant.

The post Yearning for a Beauty Beyond Today appeared first on Resonant 7.

Image Attributions
Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day – https://pixabay.com/illustrations/guitar-instrument-music-1913836/
Earth’s joys grow dim its glories pass away – https://pixabay.com/illustrations/swing-fall-drawing-people-man-7502838/

Abide with me fast falls the eventide
The darkness deepens Lord with me abide
When other helpers fail and comforts flee
Help of the helpless O abide with me

Abide with Me 1847
By: Henry Francis Lyte (1793-1847)

Listen to this lovely version of this hymn as you prepare to ponder the lyrics. Please make certain to enjoy the video below.

Below is video content always available as part of an extensive archive of resources. We have lots of tools and options designed to help you be Resonant!  Check them out today and please consider becoming a Subscriber to support our mission of providing these tools to everyone with access to the internet!!

Please enjoy this video and the transcript below.

Transcript may be found below, at the end of the blog.

As we begin our journey through this hymn in which we plead for the abiding presence of Jesus, ask Him to make Himself known. Let’s tune our hearts.

Abide with Me

Eventide – the end of the day, evening. Though used to describe the ending of the day, how much the darkness can resemble the rising of the tide. Nothing can stop it. But we can find a way to rise above it so it does not sweep us under.

We find that comfort in the presence of God. Cultivating that awareness is a discipline best practiced by simply spending time with Him, talking to Him as you would a friend. Much like the disciples on the road to Emmaus. Much like them, we are sometimes surprised when the Lord suddenly reveals Himself to us just when the darkness seems deepest. Like them, may we quick to invite Jesus to linger with us.

Abide with me fast falls the eventide

But they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent.” So he went in to stay with them. Luke 24:29 ESV 

Traveling alone in the night was no safer in ancient Israel than in our modern world. His fellow travelers invited Jesus in as would have been their custom to offer Him safety. As we see the night approaching we invite Him because we know we need Him. Invite Him to come.

The disciples on the road to Emmaus invited Jesus in so He could find shelter with them from the approaching night. Little did they know they were the ones who needed to find a place of rest in Him. The same is true for us. We need Him to dwell with us. Ask Him right now.

RESONATE!
Take a few moments and ask Jesus to abide with you. Ask Him help you know His presence as the darkness grows. Make this your simple prayer “Jesus, abide with me.” 

Lord With Me Abide

Loneliness. For one struggling with loneliness, darkness only intensifies that feeling. There is no comfort to be found in ebbing of the light, which may seem like a cruel companion as it reminds the solitary soul who alone they are. The darkness does not bring relief from that reminder but rather it’s own ridicule, cold and isolating as it is.

Maybe it is not loneliness, but some other unwelcome guest, like grief or fear. What those dark shadows may be the darkness seems to invite them to grow not diminish. Have you had that experience? As the darkness of the day increased with the approach of night, those depressing or disturbing thoughts seemed to expand or deepen. You are not alone.

Neither are you alone in trying to find a source of comfort from all these ills. And God is the the best one by far.

The darkness deepens Lord with me abide

In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8 ESV

As we feel the darkness pressing we long for comfort and safety. The physical darkness can be accompanied by relational, mental, and spiritual darkness as well, causing that darkness to deepen and thicken. We find relief from the weight of that as we rest in Him.

There is little like deepening darkness to elicit an appeal to God to make His presence known. How often we have cried out as fear, loneliness or gloom encroached upon our soul? Every time we do we will find God nearer than our breath. Cry out today.

RESONATE
Take a few moments and remember those times when the darkness seemed deepest. Were you able to find rest in God? Di d you turn to Him then. Be ready to do so and pray a simple prayer like this one, “Lord, abide with me.”  

Jesus, thank You for coming alongside me in my darkest hours. You have never left me, even when I was not sure. Help me be ready for the next time darkness comes by learning to dwell in Your light. In Jesus’ name. 

Amazed Tuning!

Keep coming back, and we will work to help you remove the things that may hinder your longing for His return by cultivating an awareness of God’s presence. We will help you tune your heart to live out your worship by providing resources like this to help you acknowledge the greatness of God as you become more Resonant, 7 days a week.

Like what you’re finding here?  Fill out the form to the right to get an email with each fresh post and updates of new tools to help you be Resonant.

Please comment below and share if you have found this helpful in your journey of being more resonant.

Video 45.1 Transcript

Welcome to Tuesday Tunings at Resonant 7, where we reflect on the reality of God and resolve to let it resound in our lives, repeatedly. Let’s tune our hearts.

Abide with me fast falls the eventide
The darkness deepens Lord with me abide
When other helpers fail and comforts flee
Help of the helpless O abide with me

The disciples on the road to Emmaus invited Jesus in so He could find shelter with them from the approaching night. Little did they know they were the ones who needed to find a place of rest in Him. The same is true for us. We need Him to dwell with us. Ask Him right now.

Jesus, abide with me.

There is little like deepening darkness to elicit an appeal to God to make His presence known. How often we have cried out as fear, loneliness or gloom encroached upon our soul? Every time we do we will find God nearer than our breath. Cry out today.

Lord, abide with me.

Other helpers will fail, and other comforts will flee, but not so with Jesus. He will never fail. He will never flee. When we cry out to Him we can do so with a confidence that unlike anywhere else we may turn He will never disappoint us. Thank Him for being so reliable.

Jesus, thank You for being so reliable.

We are helpless. Will you acknowledge that? It is important to own the fact that you need help in order to position yourself to receive it. You are not likely to accept the help of Jesus until you become aware of your need of it. Acknowledge it to Jesus and receive His help today.

Jesus, I need Your help.

Take a few moments to talk to Jesus about what has surfaced in your heart, or just listen to what He is saying to you, then we will sing once more.

Abide with me fast falls the eventide
The darkness deepens Lord with me abide
When other helpers fail and comforts flee
Help of the helpless O abide with me

Take the awareness of God’s presence cultivated in these last few minutes into the next ones and beyond.  Until next time, Be Resonant.

The post Finding Rest While Rising Above the Dark Waves appeared first on Resonant 7.

Image Attributions
Fast falls the eventide – https://mattsbibleblog.wordpress.com/2017/04/27/running-down-the-road-from-emmaus-luke-2413-35/
The Darkness Deepens – https://pixabay.com/photos/moon-old-man-person-bank-to-sit-3141248/

High King of Heaven, my victory won,
May I reach Heaven’s joys, O bright Heav’n’s Sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.

Be Thou My Vision (6th century)
By: Saint Dallán Forgaill (c. 560 – 640)

Listen to this modern version of this ancient hymn as you prepare to ponder the lyrics. Please make certain to enjoy the video below.

Below is video content always available as part of an extensive archive of resources. We have lots of tools and options designed to help you be Resonant!  Check them out today and please consider becoming a Subscriber to support our mission of providing these tools to everyone with access to the internet!!

Everyone, enjoy this video, and the transcript below.

Transcript may be found below, at the end of the blog.

As we conclude our journey through this ancient text and hymn, make each stanza your own by praying through it. Let’s tune our hearts.

Victory

Do you ever feel defeated? Like you are pretty certain there will be no recovery from your latest skirmish with the world, the flesh, or the devil. It is difficult for us to understand, but our victory is already won, even though our battles are not yet over. Even though we are still waiting to experience it, the final outcome has already been decided.

It all revolves around our faith in the completed work of our Savior and all He has accomplished. The High King of Heaven has taken His seat at the right hand of God the Father. His work is completed, but the impact it is having and will have on us is not.

There are these two, co-exisiting realities of now and then.

There are also the two ways which we can look at the second part of this first phrase, both flowing out of the sequencing. First, that He has won my victory. Second, that when we finally experience the victory, we hope to have reached our final destination.

High King of Heaven, my victory won,

But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself. Philippians 3:20-21 ESV 

This incredible promise frames the hope, patience and perseverance prayed for through the balance of the stanza. What a glorious promise it is! It states a reality which we are waiting for as if it had already been realized, because it has. 

Jesus, the King of Heaven is the One who has secured our victory. He is the victory for us and in us. Simultaneously He is also the prize for the victory of a life lived to honor Him, having fought the good fight and finished the race. 

RESONATE!
Are you looking forward to that eventual transformation of your lowly body becoming like His glorious body? Ask the Spirit to reveal if your hope is that real. Ask Him to help you win the battle, for His glory and your good. “High King, help me win the battle.”

Heaven

Becoming like Jesus is our hope. Arriving in the place He is preparing is our longing. How great is your anticipation of that hope being finally realized?

May I reach Heaven’s joys, O bright Heav’n’s Sun!

But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. 2 Peter 3:13 ESV

His promise.

Our waiting.

The righteousness of Heaven is the Son of God, bright Heaven’s Sun. He will be the light of the new heavens and earth for which we are waiting. The earth we live in has many sorrows, but the new one has all joy. This is a bold, hopeful prayer, “May I reach…” When did you last ask such a prayer for the inheritance you await?

When we have won the battle, we will get to enjoy a celebration unlike any we could ever imagine. Bright Heaven’s joys are beyond comprehension here on dark earth. They are entirely wrapped up in the One who is the Sun of bright Heaven. Are yours?

RESONATE!
Do you long for your eternal home? Do you want to be there more than you want to be here? Ask for His help to reach Him and the joys of His Heaven. “Sun of Heaven, help me reach You and Your joys.”

Jesus, thank You for granting me citizenship in Heaven through Your effective and effectual work on the cross. How I long to be transformed to be like You. Do it in me even today by the power that enables You to subject all things to You. In Jesus’ name. Amen!

Hopeful Tuning!

Keep coming back, and we will work to help you remove the things that may hinder your longing for His return by cultivating an awareness of God’s presence. We will help you tune your heart to live out your worship by providing resources like this to help you acknowledge the greatness of God as you become more Resonant, 7 days a week.

Like what you’re finding here?  Fill out the form to the right to get an email with each fresh post and updates of new tools to help you be Resonant.

Please comment below and share if you have found this helpful in your journey of being more resonant.

Video 44.5 Transcript, 25.5 REFRAMED

Welcome to Tuesday Tunings at Resonant 7, where we reflect on the reality of God and resolve to let it resound in our lives, repeatedly. Let’s tune our hearts.

High King of Heaven, my victory won,
May I reach Heaven’s joys, O bright Heav’n’s Sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all. 

The King of Heaven is the One who has secured our victory. He is the victory for us and in us. Simultaneously He is also the prize for the victory of a life lived to honor Him, having fought the good fight and finished the race. Ask Him to help you win the battle, for His glory and your good.

High King, help me win the battle.

And when we have won the battle, we will get to enjoy a celebration unlike any we could ever imagine. Bright Heaven’s joys are beyond comprehension here on dark earth. They are entirely wrapped up in the One who is the Sun of bright Heaven. Ask for His help to reach Him and them.

Sun of Heaven, help me reach You and Your joys.

He is the very center of all that is dear to us. Even though we often fail to realize it here and now, it will not be lost on us then and there. A better understanding of that now helps us to pray earnestly for it, through all that we experience while we wait. Ask for perseverance.

Heart of my heart, help me press on to You.

Having a clear mental picture of what we are pressing toward makes the working and waiting easier. Having a firm faith in the Sovereign over it all does as well. Ask Him for that picture and the faith required to wait until He makes it a reality

Ruler of all, be my Vision and Victory.

Take a few moments to talk to Jesus about what has surfaced in your heart, or just listen to what He is saying to you, then we will sing once more.

Sing

Take the awareness of God’s presence cultivated in these last few minutes into the next ones and beyond.  Until next time, Be Resonant.

The post My Hope for Heaven is Wholly Him REPOST appeared first on Resonant 7.

Image Attributions
High King of Heaven, My Victory Won – https://pixabay.com/photos/man-black-victory-joy-achievement-3483205/
May I Reach Heaven’s Joys, O Bright Heav’ns Sun – https://pixabay.com/photos/clouds-sky-landscape-sun-horizon-1209444/

Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,
Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

Be Thou My Vision (6th century)
By: Saint Dallán Forgaill (c. 560 – 640)

Listen to this modern version of this ancient hymn as you prepare to ponder the lyrics. Please make certain to enjoy the video below.

Below is video content always available as part of an extensive archive of resources. We have lots of tools and options designed to help you be Resonant!  Check them out today and please consider becoming a Subscriber to support our mission of providing these tools to everyone with access to the internet!!

Everyone, enjoy this video, and the transcript below.

Transcript may be found below, at the end of the blog.

As we continue our journey through this ancient text and hymn, make each stanza your own by praying through it. Let’s tune our hearts.

Heed Not

To take no notice of riches or people’s praise is a difficult assignment. Like so many of our hymn texts, this one is easy to sing, but not so easy to live. The rest of the stanza illuminates the path that makes it possible, but first let’s take a closer look at the things by which we must not allow ourselves to be preoccupied.

Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world. 1 John 2:15-16 ESV

There is nothing inherently wrong with riches or praise. The problem arises when we seek these things with greater enthusiasm than the things of God.  There are many tempting things in the world, but when God fills our vision these things pale in comparison.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

I like to think about it this way. What do you find yourself thinking about when you are thinking about nothing in particular. Do you begin to wonder how to make more money, or the stuff it would buy? Do you try to figure out how to get recognition for the things you do, or the people you do them for? When we allow these things to crowd out our gaze upon God is when the real trouble begins.

What do you love more? The things of this world, or the things of your Father?

Spirit, search me for any worldly affections.

RESONATE!
What do you love more? The things of this world, or the things of your Father? Ask the Spirit to search you for any worldly affections that may be competing with Him. Ask Him to help you overcome these lesser things as He fills your gaze.   

Inheritance

Spurning the allure of riches and the draw of applause becomes much simpler when we set our hearts instead on something much more satisfying. Both money and recognition are fleeting, but the not the endowment of God. While there is an unfathomable extent of it waiting for us in eternity, we do not have to wait until this life is over to begin to enjoy it.

Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 ESV

He is and has everything we need both now and forever. We may want some other things, but our deepest needs are supplied only when we look to Him for there provision. With this in mind, we commit to turn from the things that would impair our glorious pursuit of Him and run with abandon to the One who is our Inheritance.

It is with that commitment we find is the beginning of the clarity and conviction that allows us to pay no mind to riches or praise, the singular fact that God is our inheritance. That knowledge changes everything. I do not need gold or applause if I have Him.

RESONATE!
Setting our hearts on Him routinely helps to create a rhythm which protects us from the things that would seem to satisfy but never can. Thank Him for revealing to you that He is everything you need. Tell Him, maybe again, you will place your trust in Him alone. 

Jesus, thank You for supplying everything I need. Help me to develop a habit of setting my heart on You so I am enabled to resist the temptation of seeking that supply in counterfeits. I will trust You alone. In Jesus’ name. Amen!

Satisfied Tuning!

Keep coming back, and we will work to help you remove the things that may hinder your longing for His return by cultivating an awareness of God’s presence. We will help you tune your heart to live out your worship by providing resources like this to help you acknowledge the greatness of God as you become more Resonant, 7 days a week.

Like what you’re finding here?  Fill out the form to the right to get an email with each fresh post and updates of new tools to help you be Resonant.

Please comment below and share if you have found this helpful in your journey of being more resonant.

Video 44.4Transcript, 25.4 REFRAMED

Welcome to Tuesday Tunings at Resonant 7, where we reflect on the reality of God and resolve to let it resound in our lives, repeatedly. Let’s tune our hearts.

Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,
Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

To take no notice of riches or people’s praise is a difficult assignment. Like so many of our hymn texts, this one is easy to sing, but not so easy to live. The rest of the stanza illuminates the path that makes it possible. Ask the Spirit to search you for any worldly affections.

Spirit, search me for any worldly affections.

Here is the beginning of the clarity and conviction that allows us to pay no mind to riches or praise, the singular fact that God is our inheritance. That knowledge changes everything. I do not need gold or applause if I have Him. Thank Him for revealing this to you.

Lord, thank You for revealing You are my Inheritance.

When we are convinced He is our Inheritance we find it much easier to put Him and Him alone first in our heart. We love others to be sure, but none so much as Him. Do you know what it looks like to put Him first in your heart? Ask Jesus to show you today.

Jesus, show me how to make You first in my heart.

We set out on this journey believing He is our Treasure, but the further we go the more we realize just how true that is. Wherever you are on that journey, ask your King to take you higher into the knowledge of what Treasure He truly is, now and forevermore.

High King of Heaven, lift me to a greater knowledge of You.

Take a few moments to talk to Jesus about what has surfaced in your heart, or just listen to what He is saying to you, then we will sing once more.

Sing

Take the awareness of God’s presence cultivated in these last few minutes into the next ones and beyond.  Until next time, Be Resonant.

The post Finding True Satisfaction, Not a Counterfeit REPOST appeared first on Resonant 7.

Image Attributions
Riches I Heed Not, Nor Man’s Empty Praise – https://pixabay.com/photos/gold-treasure-rich-golden-money-207585/
Thou Mine Inheritance, Now and Always – https://pixabay.com/photos/people-concert-fans-the-crowd-1728150/