Now the people of Reuben and the people of Gad had a very great number of livestock. And they saw the land of Jazer and the land of Gilead, and behold, the place was a place for livestock. So the people of Gad and the people of Reuben came and said to Moses and to Eleazar the priest and to the chiefs of the congregation, “Ataroth, Dibon, Jazer, Nimrah, Heshbon, Elealeh, Sebam, Nebo, and Beon, the land that the LORD struck down before the congregation of Israel, is a land for livestock, and your servants have livestock.” And they said, “If we have found favor in your sight, let this land be given to your servants for a possession. Do not take us across the Jordan.”
Numbers 32:1-5
Lord, as I look at where I am, I must say that I am truly blessed! You have continually been good to Your servant, supplying all of my needs and keeping me from the snags and snares of the enemy. You have blessed my going out and my coming in. Though things are not perfect, You have made my soul walk at ease. Thank You.
As I reflect upon my current state, I confess that I must be careful because it is easy for me to become complacent where I am, and not look for the “better” that You have for me. My heart and mind can quickly reason that I have everything that I need right now and cease to long to be in that place that You have prepared for me and move beyond where I am right now. I can see myself asking You not to take me “across the Jordan”. The old adage, “A bird in the hand is better than two in the bush” can play against my aspirations and logical reason can prevail!
I pray today that You would continue to cause a righteous discontentment to well up within me, reminding me daily that this is not my home (Hebrews 13:14), that I am looking for a city, whose Designer and Builder is You (Hebrews 11:10)! Remind me that where I am right now does not compare to what You have in store for me (2 Corinthians 4:17-18), that I cannot fully imagine what You have prepared for those who love You (1 Corinthians 2:9). No matter how good things get – and You have proven You can make things go real good – help me to keep my eyes on Christ and the better that He has prepared for me. The good I am experiencing now is but a foreshadow of what You have for me. It is my aim, my goal, my life’s destination to see You face-to-face and experience You with ever increasing glory. Never allow me to be satisfied on this side of the Jordan, with what I have right now of Your presence, no matter how good things may seem. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.