Trying to Earn His Blessings

Psalm 147:7-11
"Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving;
Sing praises to our God on the lyre,
Who covers the heavens with clouds,
Who provides rain for the earth,
Who makes grass to grow on the mountains.
He gives the beast its food,
And the young ravens which cry.
He does not delight in the strength of the horse;
He does not take pleasure in the legs of a man.
The Lord favors those who fear Him,
Those who wait for His lovingkindness."

This is the scripture verse that God gave me this afternoon. Lately I keep trying to earn what God has given me. I keep thinking that I somehow need to be deserving of all the incredible blessings he puts in my life. I start striving and trying to perform, only to find that my efforts are never quite good enough.

I have to remind myself that my relationship with God is not based upon my performance and the wonderful blessings he puts in my life are a result of his lovingkindness, not perfection of my efforts. By learning to wait on Him and trusting in His lovingkindness to me, I learn to a develop a deeper, more abiding relationship with Him. It is out of this abiding relationship that true godly performance flows.

Galatians 5:25
"If we live in the Spirit, let us also follow the Spirit."

Four disciplines I received in this morning's church service to develop a deeper abiding relationship with Jesus are:
1.) Slowing your life down
2.) Paying attention to God
3.) Confession of sin, and
4.) Memorizing scripture.

I think I'll start with memorizing Psalm 147:7-11.