Day 47 – A Torrent of God’s Grace
Brother Lawrence said that “God . . . has infinite treasures to give us, yet we are satisfied with a bit of perceptible devotion that passes in an instant. . . . We are blind since we bind God’s hand in this way and halt the abundant flow of his graces; yet when God finds a soul penetrated by an intense faith he pours out his graces in abundance. This torrent of his grace, impeded from running its ordinary course, expands impetuously and abundantly once it has found an outlet.”
Imagine God’s grace and blessing piling up as though behind a dam, just waiting for an open passage to burst through and pour out in a torrent.
God has so much more to give us than we realize.
Brother Lawrence invites us to nurture an “intense faith”: Thirsting after God (Psalm 63:1). Hungering after righteousness (Matthew 5:6). Breaking up any unplowed ground (Hosea 10:12). Preparing the way for the Lord (Mark 1:3). Seeking God’s face (Psalm 27:8). Asking to see God clearly (Revelation 3:18).
In brief, laying hold of God with desperation, crying out, “More, Lord, more!”
As you do, then by faith take in God’s love and kindness, not in small, exacting measurements as a pharmacist filling a prescription, but receiving a generous overflow as in a flood!
We can hinder and restrict the flow of God’s grace: Thinking it’s too good to be true. Being satisfied with too little. Becoming distracted with the everyday cares of life. Feeling unworthy. Being afraid of what might happen if we totally surrender to God.
Whatever our hesitations or reservations, Brother Lawrence encourages us to break through the dam and make way for a torrent of God’s grace to burst in!
Be more mindful of God’s presence with you. Consciously distance yourself from anything that would displease God. Then throughout the day, if you come to the realization that you’ve been neglecting God’s near presence, just lift up your heart toward God again.
Keep your heart open and receptive to God’s gifts of grace and do not turn them away. Don’t be satisfied with anything less than the fullness of God’s love. “How much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” (Matthew 7:11).
Action Step: Seek after God with the same tenacity as Jacob: “I will not let you go unless you bless me” (Genesis 32:26).
This is God’s Word for you today,
Pastor Dave
