All Mine

The past couple of days I have been reading another challenging book of prophecy in the Old Testament, the book of the prophet Zechariah.

I am encouraged by the pictures of what God does for His children that we find throughout Zechariah chapter ten.

Ask rain from the Lord in the season of the spring rain, from the Lord who makes the storm clouds, and he will give them showers of rain, to everyone the vegetation in the field. ~ Zechariah 10:1

As a follower of Jesus, I have spiritual restoration.

The Lord of hosts cares for his flock, the house of Judah, and will make them like his majestic steed in battle. ~  Zechariah 10:3

 As a follower of Christ, I have strength.

They shall be like mighty men in battle, trampling the foe in the mud of the streets; they shall fight because the Lord is with them ... ~ Zechariah 10:5

As God's child, I have courage.

Their hearts shall be glad as with wine. ~ Zechariah 10:7

As a follower of Jesus, I have joy.

He shall pass through the sea of troubles and strike down the waves of the sea. ~ Zechariah 10:11

As a follower of Christ, I have confidence.

I will make them strong in the Lord, and they shall walk in his name,” declares the Lord. ~ Zechariah 10:12

As God's child, I have security.

Redemption and restoration, courage and strength, confidence and security - all mine because I am cared for by the Lord of hosts.

My List of Benefits

Jeremiah 31:9b I will make them walk by brooks of water, in a straight path in which they shall not stumble …

I love lists. I find myself constantly making lists of things to do, people to talk to, things to purchase. Give me a list and I am one happy camper.

My favorites lists are lists of things I find as I read my Bible. My journals are full of lists, and today I found a list full of delightful items.

This 31st chapter of Jeremiah contains some beautiful word pictures, images of what God does when a person puts their trust in Him, turning from their sin to the salvation He offers.   

There are so many benefits of having a relationship with God! Take a look at my list:

↙RELAXATION - "I will make them walk by brooks of water" (v.9). 

↙STABILITY - ""I will make them walk ... in a straight path in which they shall not stumble" (v.9).

↙SAFETY -  "Redeemed ... from hands too strong for him" (v.11).

↙JOY - "They shall be radiant over the goodness of the Lord" (v.12).

↙FULFILLMENT - "Their life shall be like a watered garden" (v.12).

↙COMFORT and PEACE - "I will comfort them and give them gladness for sorrow" (v.13).

↙SATISFACTION - "My people will be satisfied with my goodness" (v.14).

↙HOPE - There is hope for your future" (v.17).

↙REST/REFRESHMENT - "I will satisfy the weary soul, and every languishing soul I will replenish" (v.24).

↙KNOWLEDGE/UNDERSTANDING of spiritual things - "No longer shall each one teach his neighbor, saying 'Know the Lord' for they shall all know me" (v.34).

↙FORGIVENESS - "I will forgive their iniquity and I will remember their sin no more" (v.34).

That is quite a list! 

God has provided all the necessities for a strong, satisfying life. I have many benefits from walking with God.