Even the Squirrels

Taking a Sabbath these days has been more intentional, more purposeful.  It’s been over three weeks since I have been in a church “service”, yet I have maintained a weekly Sabbath.  An extremely meaningful time set aside to worship this God who loves me so dearly; a time to pursue God and his purposes for my life.  I understand that the Word says we should not give up meeting together and I believe that.  However, for me, in recent days, I’ve had to give that up.  For me it has been necessary in order to gain perspective.  Why do I believe?  Why do I serve? Why do I follow?  Who do I believe in?  Who do I serve? Who do I follow?

The study from the Word this morning is from Psalm 56.  I’ve been drawn to the Psalms as of late—it seems more relatable for such a time as this. Beautiful poetry, lyrics, and structure adequately describing my hearts song on many occasions.

Psalm 56- The Message

 ^1-4 Take my side, God—I'm getting kicked around, stomped on every day.
   Not a day goes by
      but somebody beats me up;
   They make it their duty
      to beat me up.
   When I get really afraid
      I come to you in trust.
   I'm proud to praise God;
      fearless now, I trust in God.
      What can mere mortals do?

 ^5-6 They don't let up—
      they smear my reputation
      and huddle to plot my collapse.
   They gang up,
      sneak together through the alleys
   To take me by surprise,
      wait their chance to get me.

 ⁷ Pay them back in evil!
      Get angry, God!
      Down with these people!

 ⁸ You've kept track of my every toss and turn
      through the sleepless nights,
   Each tear entered in your ledger,
      each ache written in your book.

 ⁹ If my enemies run away,
      turn tail when I yell at them,
   Then I'll know
      that God is on my side.
 ^10-11 I'm proud to praise God,
      proud to praise God.
   Fearless now, I trust in God;
      what can mere mortals do to me?

 ^12-13 God, you did everything you promised,
      and I'm thanking you with all my heart.
   You pulled me from the brink of death,
      my feet from the cliff-edge of doom.
   Now I stroll at leisure with God
      in the sunlit fields of life.

Amazing!  I am so proud to praise God.  I mean, the God of the Universe has been so good to me!  I’m humbled and overwhelmed today.

Look at all the blessing in my life!  First of all, I have sight—I can look at the creation surrounding me; the trees, the sun, the grass, the ants, the birds, the water, the dirt, the squirrels (yes, even squirrels)… my children, my husband, my family.  Right now, I am seated at my kitchen table.  I can see the sun streaming through the trees outside; I can hear the birds. Abby is resting peacefully in the other room; there are pictures of my family all around me-- these beautiful, precious children that God blessed my life with.  I do not deserve this 20/20 vision.  I do not deserve these beautiful children.  Their smiles, their laughter, their life energy!  I don’t deserve the devotion and adoration of my wonderful and amazing husband.  I don’t deserve the devotion of beautiful friends who love me even when I’m unlovable. 

Yet God opened up a giant gift closet and he keeps pulling out gifts just for me! They just keep coming.  Daily he opens my eyes to the precious gifts that He has hand-picked specifically for me.   He placed each and every piece of my life together long before I was even conceived.  He had a plan for me—for my life.  He wanted me.  He needed me.  He chose me and created me for His purpose.

When I look in the mirror, it is a difficult concept to grasp.  Why would God want me?  Why would my husband or children or family want me?  Why would my friends want me?   I am nothing.  I don’t love like I should; I don’t give like I should; I don’t reach out as I should; I’m incredibly flawed.  Yet I am surrounded by people who love me!  People who want me and people who need me.  Maybe the needing part isn’t entirely true—I don’t know.

The most amazing part of the story, of my story, is that I’m surrounded by God.  Jesus wants to walk with me and talk to me.  This Father and Son duo are intentional about loving me.  (Yes, I know it’s really a Trio.) They are intentional about seeking me.  They teach me with purpose and vision; they know what they want me to know.  They know what they need me to do and they are patient teachers, counselors and friends.  WOW!

This morning, my walk with God is a leisurely stroll in the sunlit fields of life!  He has captured each tear that has fallen.  He removes the sadness from each drop.  In its place, He puts a hint of joy in the salty mixture—a river of beautiful life streams down my cheeks.  He takes the wounds gently cleanses them.  A healing balm is placed over the cuts and scrapes on my delicate skin; the bruises are cooled with His tender hand.  The Spirit (ah, the Trio) breathes life into my lungs—a warm, radiant and comforting feeling pervades my body.  I am peaceful and I am at home with my Jesus. 

For all that You've done I will thank You,

For all that You're going to do,

For all that You've promised and all that You are

And all that has carried me through, Jesus I thank You.

And I thank You, thank You, Lord.

And I thank You, thank You, Lord.

Thank You for loving and setting me free,

Thank You for giving Your life just for me

Now I thank You, Jesus I thank You,

Gratefully thank You,

Thank You.

©1991, Shepherd's Heart Music

Words and Music by Dennis Jernigan

I want to be fearless in You.  Teach me how; show me the way.  I want to be bold and courageous in You.  Teach me, mold me, and shape me.  I want to love unconditionally!  Grow that kind of love deep within my soul. 

LIVE FREE!