DO YOU REMEMBER HOW YOU BEGAN WITH GOD?
As Jacob returned to the land of Canaan with his wives, children, servants and flocks, he remembered how he had left there with only the clothes on his back and the staff in his hand. His prayer reflected that it wasn’t only the outward blessings that were different. His heart was changing too. He credited God’s “mercies” and “truth” for all that he had, not his own scheming or self-effort. The Hebrew word, “chesed” (חָ֫סֶד – kheh’-sed), is the word translated, “mercies.” It is the Hebrew word that comes closest in meaning to the New Testament Greek word “agape,” which speaks of God’s unconditional love. Jacob recognized that it was God’s faithfulness and favor that had brought him thus far.
When have you had a moment like this, when you became aware that it was God who has blessed you with all that you have?
PRAYER: Dear Father, we remember how we began. Help us not to forget how far You have brought us. Father, we give you all the credit for our lives. We are thankful for Your “chesed” love. In Jesus’ name, amen.