Day 36: Foundation in Chesed

BLESSING FOR COUNTING THE OMER:

Baruch ata Adonai, ELOHEYNU melech ha-olam, asher kiddeshanu bidvarecha

v’tzi-va-noo al sifeerat ha-omer.

Blessed are you, O Adonai our GOD, King of the universe Who has sanctified us by your Word and commanded us concerning the Counting of the Omer.

Today is thirty-six days, which is five weeks and one day of the Omer.

“I, ADONAI, search the heart; I test inner motivations; in order to give to everyone what his actions and conduct deserve.” Jeremiah 17:10

In context, the beginning of Jeremiah 17 is addressing the sins of Judah; consequences of trusting in man versus G-d; and the need for genuine faith and obedience. Verse 10 begins with “I, Adonai,” leading the reader to focus on Him and His attributes. In Exodus 34:6b-7a says, “…G-d, merciful and compassionate, slow to anger, rich in grace and truth; showing grace to the thousandth generation, forgiving offenses, crimes and sins.” Also in Deuteronomy 32:4 “The Rock! His work is perfect, for all his ways are just. A trustworthy G-d who does no wrong, He is righteous and straight.” Adonai is a G-d of Chesed (everlasting lovingkindness, mercy, enduring love, etc.). He is setting the foundation on which to focus as He addresses His searching the hearts. Before our actions begin, there is a motive. Before a motive, is our heart's desire. 

We are to remain focused on Him.

He is trustworthy, righteous, and straight. Initially, we may look at our own heart and motives. He reminds us in the verse previous that “The heart is devious above all else; it is perverse- who can understand it?” Jeremiah 17:9. Our own hearts can be devious to ourselves! We may feel we are doing a good thing, but deeper in our heart, Adonai can see that the action we may be doing is or is not following His Word. This is wonderful! As a friend of mine tells me, “Adonai is a gentleman. He knows everything, and when He searches our hearts, He will be a gentleman when He sees something that doesn’t align with Him.” We who love Adonai can have trust that He will reveal our own hearts and motives to guide us to grow if it does not align with Him. Just as King David says, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. See if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalm 139:23-24 Just as David, those who love Adonai and trust Him, we know when He searches our hearts it is Just.

Adonai isn’t only searching our own hearts, but of everyone. Again, the focus remains on Him as the foundation. He is a G-d of Chesed. David experienced cursing by Shimei from the family of the house of Saul (2 Samuel 16:5-14 ) Shimei was not only cursing him, but also throwing stones at him. King David’s strength and foundation are evident in his careful response, knowing Adonai searches hearts and motives. He told the men with him, “…Let him alone; and let him curse, if Adonai told him to. Maybe Adonai will notice how I’m treating him, and Adonai will reward me with good instead of his curses.” 2 Samuel 16:11b-12. King David is an example for us when we’re faced with challenging situations with others. Our hearts, motives, and actions should align with G-d’s Word. King David was careful not to harbor ill intent with the hopes that his heart and actions were rewarded with good, knowing Adonai was searching the heart and motives of all involved. Years later, Solomon addressed Shimei stating “…You know in your heart all the terrible things you did to David my father; therefore Adonai will bring back your wickedness on your own head. But King Solomon will be blessed and the throne of David will be established before Adonai forever.” 1 Kings 2:44.  

Adonai, Everlasting King of the Universe, Ancient One of Days, blessed be your name. Thank you for being Adonai, the G-d of Chesed, Our Rock, Our Foundation, Who we can trust in searching our hearts justly. Thank you for another day of counting the Omer as we continue to learn more about Your Word and grow closer to You each day. Please gently guide our hearts to be like David’s as we ask you to search our hearts and reveal to us our opportunities for growth. May you find no wickedness within us. Please lead us to protect our hearts from ill motives or thoughts when in situations that may challenge us with others. Let us keep you as our Foundation of Chesed. Baruch Hashem. In Yeshua HaMashiach’s Name. Amen.