"I'm Not Where I Want To Be, But I'm Not Where I Was."
I remember in high school talking to my mentor after one of our weekly group meetings and she would always say “Well, I’m not where I want to be, but I’m not where I was—and I thank God for that.” At the age of 17 I couldn’t fully comprehend what she meant…but I do now.
And actually I might even add “I’m not where I want to be, but I’m not where I was…and I actually like right where I am”.
I’ve had a couple years of significant seasons where I learned I needed to stop and build altars of remembrance to the Lord (Exodus 24) as He was the one carrying me through it all. And though I wouldn’t want to trek the milage again I’ve found myself saying at the end of these days “I really like where I am.”
God has anchored, lead and rebuilt me the last year and I’m so very grateful.
This Summer my goal has been to study through the books of 1 & 2 Samuel. And as I’m coming to the end of 1st Samuel I’m just completely impressed by the way David waits on the Lord for promotion, for guidance, and for direction. The three repeated phrases that stood out to me were:
“David inquired of the Lord” (1 Sam 23:2; 23:4; 1 Sam 30:8; 2 Sam 2:1; 2 Sam 5:19; 2 Sam 5:23)
“The Lord was with him” (1 Sam 1:24; 1 Sam 3:19; 1 Sam 18:12; 1 Sam 18:14; 1 Sam 18:28; 2 Sam 5:10)
“The Spirit of the Lord rushed upon Him.” (1 Sam 10:6; 1 Sam 16:13)
It’s clear to me that David knew the Lord intimately, intentionally and passionately. God was so close and present in David’s life and it’s clear that He couldn’t live without Him. David’s reliance on God is truly remarkable and admirable to me.
I think I’ve always seen the way David’s character was turned toward the Lord in intentional pursuit but as I’m reading through the book of Samuels I’m seeing God’s presence upon Him and moving towards Him—so significantly and intentionally.
I believe today God is with us the way He was with David in 1st & 2nd Samuel.
“And David became greater and greater, for the Lord, the God of hosts, was with him.” 2 Samuel 5:10
Partnered with our obedience to pursue, listen and respond to Him I have seen first hand the way He provides, surprises and leads through every season. I am forever marked and grateful.