Categories: Ministry

Seek the Lord First

Psalm 106:13-15 – “They soon forgat his works; they waited not for his counsel: But lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tempted God in the desert. And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul.”

Have you ever heard the expression, “Be careful what you wish for, you just might get it?”

God delivered the people, cared for them with Manna, but . . .

In Deuteronomy 16, the nation of Israel begins to complain that there is not enough food. So God gives them Manna. A little time passes and they complain there is not enough water, so God gives them water. Then in Numbers 11, the people complained there was no meat, so God gave them meat until it made them sick.

All throughout the Bible there are examples of people who got what they thought they wanted, only to realize they could never enjoy it.

In the Book of Joshua, Achan pillaged gold, silver, and a “Babylonian garment” and this resulted in the death of many Israelites as well as himself. (Joshua 7)

In Genesis, Lot thought Sodom was great, then moved there. The city was soon destroyed. (Genesis 13)

In 2 Samuel, David thought he wanted Bathsheba, got her, but lost his kids. (2 Samuel 11)

In Matthew, Judas sold the Lord, and never enjoyed the money he received. (Matthew 27)

The world today is designed to teach us that if we don’t have the newest, biggest, brightest, and best, then we cannot be happy. Our minds have been programmed by our flesh to believe that the grass is greener on the other side.

We need to be careful. That thing that you desire most, God may give you, even if it is not the best, just to teach us happiness is not in things.

He may give you the desires of your heart, but you may not like how it turns out.

As His children, we must:

Be content. I Timothy 6:8 – “And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.”
Be Thankful. I Thessalonians 5:18 – “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God Jesus concerning you.”
Desire Him. Hebrews 12:2 – “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Seek the Lord first, and everything else will fall into place. As Proverbs 10:22 reminds us, True blessings bring joy, not sorrow.

Jerry White

Jerry White has been a part of J Bar since 2020, when he joined the team as a roll off driver. While he continues to work as a driver, he also leads our Tuesday morning meetings with the J Bar prayer and a weekly devotional to encourage staff to show kindness and grace in their work here, and at home. Jerry is also a pastor at Main Street Baptist Church and is all about his family - especially his new grandbaby! Jerry loves to drive in his free time, and attend car shows with his own classic cars. He also recently started a podcast with his buddy, named “Jerry & J Rob Cover It All,” which is worth a listen if you are looking for an inspirational story and encouragement. You are welcome to continue checking in to this Ministry page for Jerry’s weekly devotionals - we hope they offer you comfort, encouragement, and inspiration.