Psalm 119:33-40
God, teach me lessons for living
so I can stay the course.
Give me insight so I can do what you tell me—
my whole life one long, obedient response.
Guide me down the road of your commandments;
I love traveling this freeway!
Give me a bent for your words of wisdom,
and not for piling up loot.
Divert my eyes from toys and trinkets,
invigorate me on the pilgrim way.
Affirm your promises to me—
promises made to all who fear you.
Deflect the harsh words of my critics—
but what you say is always so good.
See how hungry I am for your counsel;
preserve my life through your righteous ways!
Scripture
quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002
by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs,
CO. All rights reserved.
This morning, Greg’s mother
called and told us about an estate sale in a neighborhood near hers.
She wanted us to drive over and see all of the wonderful “treasures” for
sale. At one time, I would have been “all in!” I love a good estate
sale, and when I was reselling items online and at a local antiques
store, this would have really gotten me excited. But today, all I could
think of was, “It’s just stuff.”
I know this is in large part
because of our present circumstances. I have been sorting through
things with my family that my mother wanted me to have…and the items she
wanted my sister, my niece and me to divide amongst us. I spent two
months last winter clearing every closet and drawer in my house of
clutter and “stuff” – for our benefit, and to save someone else from
having to do it someday. And now I find myself bringing in more
“things.”
We will get through this…it happens to everyone who
loses a loved one. But what I really want to focus on right now is my
family…and the faith in God that sustains me…not the “stuff.” I know
what really matters…and it’s not Aunt Susie’s butter dish or Grandma’s
diamond ring. Yes, there are items that hold great memories for
us…things that are sentimental and significant. But they are only
representations of the person who owned them – and our relationship with
him/her is what truly matters.
This is a good reminder for us
not to get caught up in things that don’t aren’t really important. It’s
not about the “stuff” – but rather the person behind those items. It’s
not about the physical things...what matters is our relationship with
God and how we are allowing Him to use us.
And one more
thing…it’s also not about what others think. I will admit that I have
been beating myself up a bit because I do not feel emotionally strong
enough at this point to attend worship…much less a funeral service or
visitation – even for a dear friend. I have questioned how this
reflects my claim to trust in God completely and exercise great faith. I
received a card in the mail from my fourth grade teacher, who is also a
close friend to my family. She gently suggested that I give myself a
break…that I take time to breathe - and heal…to let God wrap His arms
around me and comfort me for a season. This dependency on God actually
IS a demonstration of faith!
This is good advice for a lot of
situations where we rush to heal and get better too quickly…where we
don’t take time to call on God to help us – and give Him time to do so!
Whatever you are experiencing today, know that God is with you. He
never leaves us. Give Him space – and the time – to work in your life.
Clean out the clutter and focus on what is truly important. God will
help you to heal…He will help you get back on track when the time is
right…and stay the course! Aren’t you ready to let Him?
©2016 Debbie Robus
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