What is Best?

On Moore Bridge Road the cows were taken a break from the heat.

Most of us are faithful to ask for forgiveness when we have sinned. When we know we did something wrong. When we are ashamed of what we did.

But it's a little bit harder to tell God, "Do with me whatever you think is best." And that's what the Israelites did as told in Judges 10:15: "But the Israelites said to the Lord, 'We have sinned. Do with us whatever you think best, but please rescue us now.'"

It takes a brave person to tell God, "Do what you think is best." Have you ever said that to God? I'm not sure I have. Oh, I've told Him, "I don't know what to do so please help me." I've said, "It hurts, Father, please help me." In those times I didn't do anything wrong but needed guidance.

But to know I've sinned and to tell God to do what He thinks best? 

I'm enjoying seeing Queen Anne's Lace on the side of the road.

David Guzik, Enduringword.com, wrote: "This indicates that Israel came to a place of total surrender to God. The prayer that comes naturally to us is, 'Do to me whatever seems best to ME.' The change in heart meant that the season of affliction eventually did affect Israel in a good way. Israel finally discovered that the worst of serving God is better than the best of serving idols."

Of course, we all know and believe God knows best. But asking that question can be difficult. 

Stacy Edwards, in her book 100 Favorite Bible Prayers, wrote: "David had a similar response when he sinned against the Lord: 'Let us fall into the Lord's hands because His mercies are great.' (2 Samuel 24:14)   David trusted the character of God." 

Matthew Henry said: "But there is hope when sinners cry to the Lord for help and lament their ungodliness as well as their more open transgressions . . . they acknowledged what they deserved . . . We must submit to God's justice, with a hope in His mercy."

A cathedral of God's creation in Cook's Forest!

This is a verse I will ponder. "Do with me whatever you think is best." It must be our wish. For in our hearts, we know God knows best. With such a loving, caring, forgiving, merciful and grace-filled God, He will always give what is necessary to bring us to a right relationship to Him.

Yes, we sin. But we have a Savior who died for us, justified us and helps us every minute of every day. That's worth any punishment we receive that prepares us to join Jesus in heaven.

The beauty of a summer day.

By His Grace . . .