Life's little "If...Then" statments

Last week my son brought home a sheet full of “If…Then” math equations for homework. You know the ones right… if 2 x 3 = 6, then 3 + x = 6. His job was to solve for “x”.

I couldn’t help but be reminded of that night of homework as I read the words of Psalm 34. This Psalm has little “if…then” statements of its own.  Allow me to explain.

God’s word is full of promises and blessings to His people (those who choose to trust, obey and put their faith in Him). When we take a closer look, many of these blessings require active participation on our part. There is a good example here in Psalm 34 (verse references included).

The “if” part of the promise:

We can appropriate God’s blessings if (and when) we seek him (34:4, 10), cry out to him (34:6,17), trust him (34:8), fear him (34:7,9), keep from lying (34:13), turn from sin, do good, and seek peace (34:14), have humble hearts (34:18), and serve him (34:18).

The “then” part of the promise:

God promises to free us from fear (34:4), deliver us from trouble (34:6), guard us (34:7), show us kindness (34:8), supply our needs (34:9), listen when we talk to him (34:15), and redeem (rescue/save) us.

When we work at the “if” part of these verses, God will bless our socks off with the “then” part of these verses.

I encourage you today to do a little digging in God's word to find more of His promises. When you come to one that requires something on your part…just do it and watch the blessings flow!

Matthew 7:7-8 is one of my favorite promises in scripture. These 2 verses tell me that if I am truly seeking God…I WILL find Him and His answers.  

Matthew 7:7-8  - 7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.