
Genesis 15:5
Hello Friend,
Two weeks ago I wrote to you about Abram inquiring of the Lord, “What can you give me?” This is a continuation of that story in Genesis 5. This week I wish to focus on the words The Lord brought him outside his tent. Now I must admit right now that I have never slept in a tent. The idea makes my skin crawl. I am definitely a Hampton Inn kind of
girl. Doesn’t have to be a Marriott deluxe resort, but when traveling, I want the comfort of a real bed. But I digress.
This tent was literal and also metaphorical. Abram was living in a tent; but this scripture means much more than a factual interpretation. Living in a tent means thinking only of yourself and your own little world. Inside your tent, you tend to focus only on your own circumstances, your own problems, your wants, needs, even your own opinions about the way life should be. Wilderness living in your tent is ego-driven. Living in the lower self figuratively means EGO (edging God out). From this lower self, our questions are all about ourselves: I want…what I can get. . . I need. You get the idea. Hence, Abram’s question, “What can you give me?”
This is clearly not God’s plan for our lives. So the Lord brought Abram outside his tent and said, “Look up. Count the stars. And to us, God says, “Count your blessings; look at the possibilities.” Begin to live in the spirit. Our higher self asks questions like, “How can I be used? How can I serve?” And you and I get to choose our accommodations. I’m glad I don’t like camping. Tent living is not for me. Outside on the balcony of the Hampton Inn, I gaze heavenward and give thanks.
Praising God from whom all blessings flow,
Linda