Oh, for grace to trust Him more

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It is really refreshing to meet people who listen and take a genuine interest in you. People who accept what you do at face value. Where they do not over-analyze or slander. People who are non-judgemental and non-critical. People who like other people. When you meet someone like that, you can't help but want to spend more time with them.

It seemed as if in the past few months, God has been trying to tell us something. To be those kind of people. It feels overwhelming to be at the receiving end of someone's judgment or negativity. 

Reminds me of how we approach the gospel sometimes. We take a stick and beat someone on the head with the bible. We drive our messages with fear - fear of God's wrath or hell. 

While all of that may be true - when the soul is weary, it needs rest. It needs grace, it needs acceptance. If there is any hope that I would have for the New Year, it is just that. To be able to rest my weariness, anxiety and troubles in His arms. That, we would learn to be gracious. That, there would be discernment in our decisions. That, we would really desire to have God in our lives.

"It is not the law, but the gospel which saves the seeking soul at first; and it is not a legal bondage, but gospel liberty which can restore the fainting believer afterwards. Slavish fear brings not back the backslider to God, but the sweet wooings of love allure him to Jesus' bosom. 
Are you this morning thirsting for the living God, and unhappy because you cannot find him to the delight of your heart? Have you lost the joy of religion, and is this your prayer, "Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation"? Are you conscious also that you are barren, like the dry ground; that you are not so useful in the Church, or in the world, as your heart desires to be? 
Then here is exactly the promise which you need, "I will pour water upon him that is thirsty." You shall receive the grace you so much require, and you shall have it to the utmost reach of your needs." - C.H. Spurgeon

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