Throughout 2016 we can experience growth if we elevate the covenant promises of God above the circumstances of life. Is 55:3 says "Incline your ear and come to Me. Hear and your soul will live and I will make an everlasting covenant with you - the sure mercies of David." David wrote "surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." (Ps.23:6) David trusted in the mercy of God more than he trusted in his own circumstances. His soul was strengthened because he knew the character of God.
The covenant of God tell us a lot about the character of God. In fact the promises of God reflect His character.David knew that God was merciful as seen in Psalm 51:1-2. He also saw himself in the light of God's character. David didn't exploit the mercy of God. In fact he took responsibility for what he had done wrong. When we know the God of mercy we can afford to be completely transparent with God, with ourselves and with other people. This is real freedom. This is what will feed your soul and will cause you to prosper from the inside out.
The covenants of God also affirm our real belonging. The New Living Translation says "I will give you the unfailing love I promised to David." At the heart of His covenant promises, is the God whose love is unfailing. He says "I will never leave you nor forsake you." (Heb.13:5) David's promise from God was that God would never stop loving on him. The greatest affirmation that you can ever hear is the promise that God treats you as His son/daughter and that He affirms your being. During 2016 listen for His voice that affirms your being even above your doing. Perhaps the priority for 2016 is not what you ought be doing but is to know that your being is established in Him. By the way when we know our 'being', our 'doing' is more effective. When we know our being our soul will become prosperous.
The covenants of God also undergird your purpose for 2016. Jesus promised that we would receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon us and "you shall be witnesses to Me..." Everything that He promises He also empowers and enables. He will take the very ordinary (you and I) and will open doors that no man can close. His Spirit will shape you and I this year to become the "best fit" for His promises. Again, however, the dynamic of transformation is not about what we must do but is about who we are in Him.
"I will make an everlasting covenant with you. I will give you all the unfailing love I promised to David." (Is 55:3 NLT)
This blog by Ross Smith of The Vine church, Logan City, Queensland, Australia, is based on a message given on 10th Jan 2016. The full message called "Listening For Life - Part Two"can be accessed by podcast from www.thevine.org.au/teaching.
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