Embracing Him

This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24)

On Christmas morning after all the gifts had been opened, our sunroom was full of children’s treasures. At one point, Sugar Plum surveyed the room, taking in the newness of the dolls, dollhouses, games, clothes, and craft kits. Shortly thereafter, she ran over and gave me an enormous hug and as she squeezed me she exclaimed, “Mommy, this is the best day ever!”

The next day as our family was en route to a fun Christmas gathering, from the back of the van Sugar Plum once again announced, “This is the best day ever!” After JT and I exchanged a knowing glance, he looked into the rearview mirror, caught Sugar Plum’s eye and said, “Today is the best day ever? Hmmm, I thought that was yesterday!” Without a thought, Sugar Plum offered a huge smile and cheerily informed us that “every day is my best day!”

Even in their simplicity, the words of a child often carry more wisdom than the words of an adult! A child’s naturally happy disposition and positive outlook makes it easy for the little one to view the world as a place of joy, happiness, and splendor. God desires that all of us, no matter what our age, adopt this joyful attitude daily. In Psalm 118:24, David reminds us of the importance of making each day our best day.

Some may wonder if it is possible for us to rejoice when the day brings disaster, discouragement, or doubt. Yes, it is possible and a little book of the Bible shows us why we can rejoice in the midst of sadness. Throughout its five short chapters, the book of Lamentations provides a sobering and gruesome account of what the Jews witnessed and felt as their city, Jerusalem, was destroyed by the Babylonians (2 Kings 25).

Lamentations describes how the citizens of Jerusalem watched in horror as people were slaughtered and starved to death. Furthermore, it notes the Jews’ deep devastation as they witnessed the looting and burning of the temple. Yet even in the midst of these horrific circumstances, the author of Lamentations offers a ray of hope in the middle of the book. The book’s most memorable verses, Lamentations 3:22-23 says, “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

Every day can be our best day when we recognize that God’s love prevents us from becoming completely overtaken. Each new day provides fresh mercy from God and that is why we can rejoice! We are the King’s kids and we have the privileges that come from having a deep and true relationship with Him. We can rejoice because He showers us with love, faithfulness, patience, gives us direct and immediate access to Him through prayer, and offers us the promise of  eternal bliss in Heaven with Him. Isn’t that more than enough reason to jump for joy like a happy little child?

As a new decade begins, let’s embrace this new year God’s way by adjusting our attitudes and altering our prayers so that we can see the blessings in each new day the Lord provides. My heart’s desire is that each of us will take time to renew our commitment to the Lord and rejoice all 365 days of the coming year. Happy New Year everyone!

Photo: Courtesy of loswl (Flickr)

Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)

Not too long ago, while sitting in our sunroom, I heard a disturbing noise. It sounded as if something was trying to scratch its way up through the floor. After few more minutes of careful listening, I realized that an animal had gotten trapped underneath the sunroom and behind the lattice fence surrounding it.

I moved over to the window to see if I could spot the animal trying to free itself. When I peered out, I could see the fence rattling violently as a rabbit tried to push its way to freedom. Its initial efforts were unsuccessful so the rabbit then attempted to chew its way through the lattice.

Later in the day, my husband ventured out to see if he could help set the rabbit free and save the lattice from destruction. After a short time JT reentered the house and explained that he had found the rabbit and the large hole through which the rabbit had entered. JT further explained that the rabbit could easily escape through that same hole provided it calmed down enough and got its bearings straight.

Have you ever found yourself in a situation similar to the rabbit’s? I know I have. It’s easy to become overwhelmed by the latest problem life hurls at us. Before we even fully recognize it, we’ve convinced ourselves that we’re trapped and we then frantically expel precious time and energy trying to extricate ourselves from the situation.

Often times our first inclination is to try and handle the problem alone. Unfortunately, when we do so, the results are usually detrimental. We become so fixated with trying to push, scratch, scrape, and claw our way out of misery, that we drain our strength and lose our focus. It is only when we settle down that we see that God is near. He is there all the while. Watching. Waiting. Beckoning. Ready to come to our aid when we stop trying to claw our way out.

Are you in the midst of a challenging situation? Are you devising plans to escape the trouble independently? Like the rabbit, have your futile escape efforts left you bruised, battered, frightened, and worn out? If so, I encourage you to do three things:

Give up your misplaced dependencies. Stop relying on outside sources to rescue you. None of us will ever be able to find true peace, joy, value, happiness, or refuge in external things. The only way we can experience these things fully is when we depend God, the One who dwells inside every believer.

Banish foolish notions and futile efforts. We can’t fix this our problems independently and no amount of scratching and clawing will improve the situation. We must admit to the Lord that we’re in a mess and tell him that we’re not content to stay there. He is our omnipotent Father and already knows all about every situation we find ourselves in, but He wants us to talk directly to Him. We must pour out our hearts in prayer, tell the Lord how we found ourselves trapped in such a difficult situation, and ask Him to provide a way of escape.

Embrace the Lord. Ask Him for guidance and direction. As we travel the road to freedom, we must not grumble about the way of escape. Many times the road leading to the problem was complex, and the way out will be just as complex. Along the way we may experience chastening, so we must be prepared to accept it and continue moving along.

As we do these things, we will experience peace and eventually freedom. We can rest our worn and weary bodies and relax knowing that our Savior will make a way of escape for us!

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:27)

Sugar Plum is sick. At around 2:00 am her cries for Mommy roused me from sound sleep and sent me zipping down the hall to her room. I was greeted by a feverish little girl, eager for medicine and juice.

After providing her with both and tucking her back into bed, I slipped down to the living room to pray for both Sugar Plum and myself. I could feel the worry and fear beginning to take root and I didn’t want to become overwhelmed by such a crippling attitude. As I prayed for Sugar Plum’s health to blossom and for my worries to wither, I remembered a wall plaque I had recently seen and been encouraged by in a Christian catalog. It read,

Why I shouldn’t worry…

• I am chosen by the will of God,
  
• Saved by the Grace of God,
  
• Held by the Love of God,
  
• Enpowered by the Spirit of God,
  
• Guided by the Word of God, and
  
• Protected by the Hand of God.

Aren’t those some excellent words of reassurance?

I need not worry because God has chosen me. God did not make a mistake when He chose me for motherhood. He purposely sent Sweet Pea and Sugar Plum into my life and made His will for my life quite clear. God is using motherhood to grow me and to transform me. He has equipped me for the task so I do not need to worry (Psalm 28:7).

I need not worry because I am saved by the grace of God. God fully understands my human weaknesses and my worries never catch Him by surprise. Just as the song Jesus Loves Me says, when I am weak, He is strong. When I am at my weakest, God seizes this opportunity to remind me that He is God Almighty. His grace is all I need! (2 Corinthians 12:9).

I need not worry because I am surrounded by the love of God. God is the ultimate loving parent who never stops caring for His children. The Bible tells me that God’s love is powerful, sacrificial, and unfailing and reminds me that there is nothing that can separate me from the love of my Heavenly Father. When I recognize the depth of God’s love for me, I have no reason to worry. His love will sustain me (John 3:16, Romans 8:35-39).

I need not worry because I am empowered by the Spirit of God. The Holy Spirit has the power to flood me with joy, hope, and peace so that I am able to defeat worry. In addition, even when I’m so flustered that I cannot pray as well as I’d like and my words seem incoherent, God knows exactly what I’m saying. The Bible notes that the Holy Spirit intercedes on my behalf (Romans 15:13, Romans 8:26-27).

I need not worry because God’s Word guides me. It’s never wise for me to attempt to solve problems using my own limited strength. Whenever I do so, I always end up worrying. If I want to see true results, I need to consult God first. One way of doing so is by reading His Word and seeking guidance there. God’s Word provides the ammunition I need to eradicate worry. (Psalm 119:9-16).

I need not worry because I am protected by the hand of God. Because I am one of God’s children, His protection covers me. When frightening situations arise, it’s easy to feel vulnerable and slip into worry. I need to remember that God never leaves me and His protection is always with me. Even when faced with uncertainty, I know that God will not abandon me or allow me to be devoured by worry. I can give my troubles to Him and rest. (Psalm 4:8).

By the time I finished meditating on those truths, Sugar Plum’s medicine had begun to take effect. She was resting much more peacefully and I was able to climb back into bed with a lighter heart and a renewed mind. Shedding our worries is often easier said than done. But if we pray and meditate on God’s Word, we’ll find that we can slowly free ourselves from the bondage of worry. That’s one of the many benefits of being the King’s Kids!

Photo: Courtesy of toastforbrekkie (Flickr)