You are familiar with the phrase, taking something “for granted”. We use this as an adjective sometimes, describing the action or item that is “taken for granted”: “the gift was taken for granted”, “her kindness was taken for granted”.  We have also used it as a verb, we might say that someone “takes” an action/item “for granted”: “Mildred took this gift for granted”, “Mildred took Hortense’s kindness for granted“. When we talk about something being “taken for granted”, this isn’t generally a good thing, we don’t generally have a positive feeling about taking something “granted”. It’s presumptuous, and we generally criticize presumption.

The dictionary defines “take for granted” this way: “to fail to properly appreciate (someone or something), especially as a result of overfamiliarity”.

A failure to properly appreciate – sounds right. Wait, sounds wrong.

Of course, like many things in life, there is another side, the other side of the coin, the other side of the story.  The dictionary has a second definition: “to assume that something is true without questioning it”.

Let’s take a “selah” right there, a moment to pause and think of that: to assume something is true without question. A deep breath, a release, a moment for peace. Assume something is true, without question.  Assume the possibility that something could be true without question. In our world where so much changes, the thought of something true without question gives me peace.

The Lord wants to be this one true without question in your life!

Imagine taking Him at His Word.  Imagine the peace that must accompany taking Jesus “for granted”. The second kind, not a failure to appreciate but living in the assumption/assurance that He is true without question. How would your behavior change if you were SURE, if you were CONVINCED? How would your behavior change if there was no possibility in your mind other than Jesus being absolutely true? Beyond salvation, truly experiencing the benefits of being His, enjoying the privileges of being a child of the Most High? 

Peace, not given as the world gives (John 14:27)

Healing, purchased for you, all you have to do is receive (Isaiah 53:5)

Joy, filled with all peace in believing and abounding in hope (Romans 15:13)

Restoration, of all the years you may have wasted in not truly believing (Joel 2:25)

And the list goes on and on and on and on…. 

Let’s do a smash-up of these two part of the definition (is a definition smash-up a thing or did you and I just invent it?):  “as a result of overfamiliarity, to assume that something is true without questioning it”. Let’s become so familiar with the Word of God, so familiar with the character of God, that we live in the abundance that only He can give as if He is true without question – because He truly is! Let’s also notice the part of the definition that we left out, and make sure that we never fail to appreciate His gifts.  

Jesus not only gives you what He HAS, He gives you what He IS. He will never be disappointed in you for presuming that He is true.  In this context, presumption is a good thing! The Lord never criticizes us for believing too much! I think that He is longing for you to take Him at His Word and receive His gifts to you with gratitude and praise.  Try it out – I think you’ll find result of taking Jesus for granted will be a treasure ❤

On the podcast this week, we are continuing the discussion about transitions.  You can catch up on part one here and the part two will come out on Thursday!