Benevolence

It had been a busy week. That day in particular I'd been running around furiously and was heading into my fourth wardrobe change. When we'd first been invited, there was a sincere plan to make something delicious for the barbecue, but opportunity and time were not on my side. Instead, Mom and I headed to the nearest bakery. Pies, cookies, danish. Cupcakes! Seemed appropriate for some one who had such fond memories of Mom's cupcakes. We arrived to my friend and his sister loading up the grill, toting condiments and snacks, and double-checking the necessaries had been put in place. Then, the rundown on beverages available and their location. Make yourselves at home. Burgers should be ready soon; hot dogs and sausages are ready now. What does your mom want to drink? Miss Helen are you ready to eat? Here, give your mom some chips if she wants. You like to eat, don't you, Miss Helen! And the soiree had begun. We chatted and ate and chatted and ate. Before I knew, there was chicken, slathered with barbecue sauce, perfectly browned and ready to eat. There were pork chops on the grill, and more food sitting on a nearby table. The more we ate, the more food continued to appear! At one point I was almost convinced our hostess was simply cooking everything in her refrigerator. I love to see people eat! she would exclaim again and again. It showed. As I sat there, I imagined a picture of God's benevolence. 

Psalm 37:4 says, "Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart." As we delighted in our hostess' hospitality, she delighted in our delight. Sounds a little crazy, I know, but it's like purchasing that special gift for someone you love. You wait for the day to arrive that they will open it; you watch, holding your breath, as they remove each little layer; you simply cannot wait for them to lay eyes on it. The more genuine their reaction, the greater their appreciation, the more they delight in it --the greater your joy, the more eagerly you anticipate giving them something more in the future. Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you what your heart desires!

Psalm 84:11 says, “No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly." That afternoon, it seemed to me our hostess was pulling out all the stops; the more we ate, the more she brought out. There seemed to be no end to the good food she shared with us at her table. We were genuinely welcome to whatever was available, and it was all so carefully prepared and delicious. Make yourselves at home was not a platitude; it was sincere. Quite the picture of God's abundant goodness toward the people of His righteousness.

Psalm 145:16 says, “You open your hand; you satisfy the desire of every living thing." God opens His hand. Our hostess prepared tables full of food, meeting one of our most basic needs as human beings: the need for sustenance. Additionally, the busy week I'd had left me in want of relaxation and laughter. Our hostess provided us with a generous bounty of both. Care and kindness in abundance! How much more, the God who satisfies the desire of every living thing?! It's all for you. There is nothing in My hand --My open hand, that is off-limits. If I'm giving it to you, I'm not rationing anything. Come and partake as you will.

Our God is merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from Him. I hope God has blessed you with wonderful people in your life. I hope you take the time to listen as He speaks and uses those people to remind you what a benevolent God He is.