I was visiting with a friend recently who had a pleasant countenance about him. I posed a question we often just ask without thinking. I asked, “How are ‘ya doin’?” I must admit that often times when I ask that question I don’t really listen to the answer because I expect a “stock answer” like the “stock question.”
However, on this occasion I did listen and was amazed. My friend replied, “I’m living in the fog.” My first reaction was surprise, and the thought occurred that the response was rather odd. I thought of it as possibly being negative. Who wants to live in the fog? It sounds like you are depressed, grieving or confused!
I quickly asked my friend, “What do you mean by that answer?” He said, “Living in the fog means I’m living in the Favor Of God.” Wow, that was an answer that caught me by surprise. It was one that also convicted me and prompted some introspection of my own life. It’s a wonderful way to live in 2017.
The Favor Of God – that’s a great focus for each day. It dawned on me that I always have a choice. I can either live in the negative where I see how bad things are – they look like a dense fog early in the morning that impedes the ability to see well. Or my choice can be positive – that the fog refers to the Favor Of God. Living in God’s favor makes a huge difference in how I live each day.
Living in the FOG makes every day refreshing. Life can become tough and barren. We need refreshing. Solomon said, “His favor refreshes like a gentle rain” (Prov. 16:15). He later reminds that God’s favor is like “dew on the grass” (Prov. 19:12).
Living in the FOG reveals to us that God can do anything. He is constantly redefining the possible. Nothing is too big for Him. He provides everything that we need.
When the people of Israel began to question God and spoke against Him, the Psalmist David said, “Can God prepare a table in the wilderness? Behold He struck the rock so that waters gushed out and streams were overflowing. Can you have bread also? Will he provide meat for his people . . . God commanded the clouds above and opened the doors of Heaven, and He rained down manna upon them to eat and gave them food from Heaven. He gave them food in abundance. He caused the east wind to blow in the heavens, and by His power He directed the south wind. He rained meat upon them like the dust” (Ps. 78:19 ff).
Living in the FOG means that we live in abundance. God doesn’t just provide “almost enough;” He provides more than we could ever need. As David reminds us that He doesn’t just provide 50 percent or 75 percent of what we need. He provides until our “cups are running over” (Psalm 23:5).
Living in the FOG fosters trust and direction. David said, “You will find favor with God . . .” (Prov. 3:4). The result of this is we can trust in the Lord with all our hearts, not depend on our own understanding, and seek His will in all we do so He can direct our paths (Prov. 3:5).
Living in the FOG doesn’t mean that we do everything perfectly. We make mistakes which can easily become a burden. But when we live in the FOG we can experience the mercy of God (Is. 60:10).
Living in the FOG makes it possible for us to view everyday as a day of possibilities, hope, rejoicing, and accomplishments. This is the day that the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it! (Ps. 118:24). The FOG sets the “climate” for an attitude of gratitude regardless of what we face.
2017 Weather forecast: FOG everyday! Live in the FOG!
