Jesus has told us that "In this world you shall have tribulation..." (John 16:33).
Have you ever wondered what to do when you can hardly breathe because the cruel grip of pain has squeezed the breath from your lungs just as you would wring the water from a sponge? It's one of those times in my life when my heart feels wounded and raw. It's as if sandpaper has been used in an attempt to smooth everything over and left deep, painful grooves in its wake. Even my body is aching and I know it's due to lack of sleep.
I feel the pressure of life within and without and I am reminded of the Potter and the clay. I am in my Lord's hands and He has power over me. He shapes me and forms me into the image of His Son. If I collapse in His hands, He lovingly begins again. His hands work from the inside and the outside simultaneously. The Potter never removes His hands from His work, except breifly, to bring the moisture to keep it pliable. He never removes His hands from my life. I find peace and joy in knowing this.
This earth is the Potter's wheel. It is spinning non-stop and there are so many clay pots that God is forming and using for His glory. After all, that is what we are here for.
This morning as I sat in God's presence, He spoke to my battered heart, "Things are changing quickly, My daughter." And I think of how there are hints of fall in the air. The nights are cooler, the days a little shorter, even the aroma on the breeze has changed. But I know that is not what my Father is speaking to me. My thoughts are inturrupted by the words, "I will carry you from glory to glory."
I look up 2 Corinthians 3:18. It tells me that I am being changed into the same glorious image of my Lord, Jesus Christ. I move from glory to glory by His Holy Spirit as I dwell in Him. I wondered why my Lord spoke that He would "carry" me from glory to glory. So I looked up the definition of carry. The word is so rich in meaning but I only chose a few of them. Carry- to hold, support, or transport someone or something: to take someone that you are holding to another place: to move someone along by a flow or impetus: to contain and direct the course of: to provide sustenance for: to be cheifly or solely responisible for the success, effectiveness, or continuation of: to gain victory for: to act as bearer...and many more. (Merriam-Webster online dictionary)
What do I do when I feel the pain and pressure of living in this unstable world? I spend time with my Father. In His presence is fullness of joy. (Ps.16:11) I praise my Lord for He inhabits the praises of His people.
And, I remember that Jesus has told us, "....but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)
Dwelling In Him,
Peggy
Just today Tommy and I were running errands in town. I told him I wanted to grab some baby snacks and see how the twins did with them because they are very interested when they see us eat. I've tried a couple times to give them softer table foods, but they gagged, and just weren't ready.
ReplyDeleteAnyhow, I wanted to try again and see if they were ready. They did very well and LOVED it! They started yelling for more between bites. This started a discussion. I asked Tommy, "Could you imagine being completely dependent on someone else to meet all your needs? To be given food, something to drink, bathed, etc.?"
Of course, I was thinking in the context of a baby being solely dependent on the parent. Then I said, "And what about those babies whose parent just doesn't think about things like... the baby might be hungry so I better feed him/her...?"
So many times we forget that we are to be completely dependent on our Father! As His children, He will meet every one of our needs. We just want to do things on our own and not be dependent upon Him!
Sorry this is so long. Not sure why your post reminded me of this conversation we had earlier!