Merciful Monday: GOD KNOWS!

It is human nature to seek approval for the things that we do. We often see this trait in children, seeking the approval of their parents so that they can receive their reward; whether it be a gift, piece of candy, a pat on the back, a hug, or an “I Love You.”

Though seeking approval is a trait inherent in us all, it is important to remember whose approval we should seek. Matthew chapter 6 discusses this topic in detail.

• “Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others for you will lose the reward of your Father in heaven” Mathew 6:1
• “Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.” Matthew 6:4
• “When you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.” Matthew 6:6

A lot of times we get so caught up in worldly aspects and forget that God is the one from whom we should seek approval. Maybe you were overlooked for a promotion, didn’t receive that special award for your hours of community service, or didn’t win first place in the talent show. Don’t fret. Remember that your goal is to please God in all that you do.

In my final semester of college, I had to take Senior Seminar, which was basically the culmination of all of my studies. I had to write a 25 page paper on “gapology” (I KNOW, RIGHT! WHAT IS THAT?!), and boy was it rough. It also didn’t help that I didn’t like my professor too much, but that is beside the point. I spent countless hours and sleepless nights in the library all semester, and when the paper was due I had done all I could do. I ended up getting a C+ in the class, which was really hard for me because it messed up my Dean's List run! I was seeking the approval of my professor and was kind of jealous of those who received As. But deep down I had to accept that I had done all that was in my power to do, and know that God saw my labor and my dedication to my work.

I shared that story to show that even when you can’t see the fruit of your labor here on earth, as long as you are doing what you know to be right and following God’s commandments (such as the Ten Commandments we read about last week), you will see your reward one day. God sees your hard work and he knows the sacrifices you have made for him. Like he told Moses, “I know your name. I know all about you. And I am pleased with you” (Exodus 33:12). Furthermore, Proverbs 15:11 says, “Even Death and Destruction hold no secrets from the Lord. How much more does he know the human heart!” GOD KNOWS YOUR NAME, YOUR HEART, AND YOUR ACTIONS BEFORE YOU MAKE THEM. HE KNOWS ALL ABOUT YOU WITHOUT YOU EVEN TELLING HIM! Isn’t that an awesome! Let's remember to seek the approval of our Heavenly Father above all else :)

Merciful Mondays: Jael

^“For the Lord your God is a merciful God; he will not abandon you or destroy you or forget the solemn covenant he made with your ancestors.” Deuteronomy 4:31