Much more than an idea 

February 11^th, 2024 (Week 56)
 
2 Samuel 22: 1-4
 
In my writing life, and particularly when I was working as a freelance journalist, I needed a constant supply of good subjects about which to write. Ideas were my lifeblood, especially when writing articles for the mainstream media where the competition was severe, and producing an article every week for a government organisation and local evening newspaper, whilst also finding ideas for the various Creative Writing groups I taught. It’s no different now when it comes to writing these notes each week. I need the idea. It would be easy to wonder where they all came from.
 
A few years ago, I was fortunate to meet with one of the country’s most successful and celebrated authors Ian Rankin, writer of the now televised Rebus novels. We met in the Oxford Bar in Edinburgh where Rebus frequently drinks to discuss our writing. Ian had also been the subject of a BBC “Imagine” documentary that followed him through one year and the writing of one novel. During the programme titled, Ian Rankin and the Case of the Disappearing Detective (available on Youtube) and in response to being asked about his writing process he said, “If you were a spiritual person you’d say there’s something up there that’s connecting all these things and bringing the stories to you. It’s as though the stories are up there just waiting to be channelled to you.”
 
I have never missed a writing deadline because God is faithful and the ideas have been channelled to me just when I have needed them. But God is faithful in much more than the simple provision of ideas. I have seen his faithfulness in so many different aspects of my life, like when an anonymous cheque dropped through our letterbox at a point of real need many years ago. I have seen His protection against physical harm from others, His grace in accepting me, a sinner, and granting me mercy rather than the guilty judgment I deserve. I have seen his hand at work in my marriage of nearly fifty years which should have failed a long time ago as a result of the havoc I wreaked upon it. Ultimately, I have witnessed the powerful presence of His Son Jesus and the Holy Spirit in my Damascus Road conversion.
 
Kind David, once a mere shepherd boy, also claimed the Lord was his protector and saviour after running from various enemies. His recognition of God’s work in his life resulted in an outpouring of gratitude and love expressed in today’s reading and many of the Psalms.
 
God is interested in every aspect of our lives, however large or small. His love for us is so great that he gave His one and only son, Jesus to die a painfully excruciating and lonely death. If He is prepared to do that, how much more do you think He wants to give to you in your life right now.
 
I need to ask myself what my outpouring of love and gratitude looks like. How about you?
 
  
Prayer: Father, thank you for everything you give to us, and help us to show our love for you in a daily outpouring of love, faithful service, and worship.