Would it be Enough?
It would have been enough. For those of you keeping up on the show The Chosen, there is an episode where the characters are performing “Dayenu.” This song is traditionally sung during the Passover celebration. It’s a Hebrew word that means, “it would have been enough.”
It’s sung in remembrance of all God did for the Israelites in exonerating them out of Egypt – a way to remember and revere the Lord. The point of the song is to say something God did for them and even if He didn’t do the next thing – it would have been enough.
The thought is a powerful one. It challenges our view of how we see ourselves in relation to God. Reflecting on my own life and thinking through things I desire – some of which I have and some of which I don’t – it hit me, do I follow God just for the things He gives me, or do I follow Him for Him alone?
How many times I’ve cried out to God wondering where the next provision is. As if He owes me something. The posture of the Dayenu is one of reverence for God in a way I don’t always find myself walking in. If all God ever did was told me He loved me one time in my life and I never heard or saw Him again, would that truly be enough for me?
I struggle with that question. What it comes down to is quite simple – who’s in charge? My broken perspective often has me at the helm, leading the way, where God is at my beckoning call, needing to do my bidding when called upon. Then frustration boils over when He doesn’t perform as requested.
Oh friend, are there times when I have it all wrong. God is the one in charge here. He’s the all-powerful One. In whose Presence I am not worthy to enter. It’s a posture like this that allows us to begin to get a glimpse of the greatness of God. Isaiah pens the words of the Lord in saying, “as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my (God’s) ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8-9).
I want to encourage you to two things. First, would we be a community that practices remembrance. Remembering all that God has done for us in the past. Keep those things on the forefront of your mind, because we are a forgetful people. Too often I’ve shook my fist at the Lord in perceived lack, all the while forgetting His prior abundant provision.
Secondly, can I challenge you to ask the question – would it be enough for me if all I ever get from the Lord is the salvation of my soul? I get it, this is a pointed question. I hope it challenges you the way it challenged me – do you really value and understand your need for the Lord in the saving of your soul?
Friend, God’s desire is for you. He does not operate under the “name it, claim it” equation where we’re the ones in charge. No, He is the one guiding the ship. In His wisdom, He chose to love you and I. Is that love from Him – even if we never get the girl, the house, the car, or whatever it might be for you – truly enough?