Garbage Frustration or Sermon Fodder?
Though I am now walking on two legs, my mobility is still limited. I am supposed to be using a walker which requires both hands. Carrying objects, holding on, and getting where I want to go requires some forethought and strategic planning.
I was gathering up some receipts I no longer need. The garbage can was across the room. Though theoretically the shortest distance between two places is a straight line, in my case, it meant taking a circuitous route. From holding onto the drawer, I had to navigate to the walker which was just out or reach. I shoved the papers into my shirt, reached for the walker with two hands and went to the garbage can. I took the garbage from my ‘high pocket’ and tossed it unsuccessfully toward its goal. Half ended up in the can – the other half fell to the floor – which necessitated taking the walker to the other room to grab my ‘grabber’. Leaning or bending over is not in my best interest at this point.
I managed to get the receipts one at a time into the receptacle. Yay, me!
My Bible study has been in the Old Testament lately. The prophets aren’t my favorite. Their messages are often echoed in the pages of today’s news. Throughout time, people haven’t changed their wicked ways a lick! So sad.
But in that sacred text, there are also constant reminders to draw close to God and see His hand in our lives. Which of course ended up making me think. Which got me thinking about the sin aka garbage in my life.
Life is all about choices. Humans were given freewill by the Creator. Sometimes, it is a real struggle to choose to do the right thing. Sometimes, I hand over things to God. Sometimes, I toss my frustrations in His general direction and miss the mark of true repentance.
So what am I holding on to that keeps me from heading the right direction? Is it bitterness toward someone who mistreated me 40 years ago? Or something I perceived someone meant to say last week that made me angry? Am I letting the disappointments and failures of my past dictate my attitudes and actions that keep me from trusting God with my future?
In those prophecies, God promised blessings for the people in response to them turning their hearts to God and obeying His Word.
Honoring God and acknowledging His Divine nature brings me to a wonderful conclusion. I can safely hold onto His Truth. Living with Jesus as Savior is truly a straight path to blessing. In all this, I am reminded that even in His magnificence, God loves me.
The Message version Proverbs 3 elaborates on verses 5-8. ‘Trust God from the bottom of your heart; Don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; He’s the one who will keep you on track. Don’t assume that you know it all. Run to God!’
The Living Bible says it pretty simply. ‘If you want favor with both God and man and a reputation for good judgment and common sense, then trust the Lord completely. Don’t ever trust yourself. In everything you do, put God first, and He will direct you and crown your efforts with success. Don’t be conceited, sure of your own wisdom. Instead, trust and reverence the Lord.’
May it be so.
Blessings
Kara Beth
