Distasteful Remedy

More than once this summer I got a taste of what life will be like once the kids have moved away from home. I didn’t like it!

Where do you turn when you need something good to fill a void? I tasted from the goodness of God’s Word. I delighted in the full-bodied flavor of the Spirit’s gifted Word. Sweet morsels of Jesus-words satiated to the very depths of my soul.

Ezekiel’s telling of the words he feasted upon personally came to life.


Then he said to me, “Son of man, eat this scroll I am giving you and fill your stomach with it.” So I ate it, and it tasted as sweet as honey in my mouth. [Ez 3:3]


In my longing, I looked around at what the world had to offer and it only left the bitter taste of loneliness. Then I tasted of the words from the Master’s heart and was fed with rich, everlasting promises that bore the fruit of hope and contentment.


Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty. [Jn 6:35]


I know Jesus spoke not of companionship in this context, nor of a physical filling even. But I can honestly say that when there is a longing and one chooses to fill it with Him, a sweet blessedness results.

He replaced that awful taste of emptiness with delicious hope and the rich assurance that He is there to fill the void of an empty home.

So, as my kids pack up to head out for yet another week away from home, I imagine pulling my soul up to a savory fish breakfast on the beach with my merciful Lord.


My Sweet Jesus; Fill every room in this heart and home with nothing but You.

How sweet are your words to my taste,

sweeter than honey to my mouth! 

[Ps 119:103]

The Power of Compassion’s Touch to Break Fear’s Hold

Her long arms wrapped gently round shoulders all ashudder.

Touch.

Touch brought calm.

The touch of compassion ~ a blessing to still the quaking within.

It brought no answer. No solution. No change. No victory. It didn’t end the battle, just the feeling that I’m fighting it all alone. Love makes the fighting worthwhile. It sure lightens the load. This battle’s burden too heavy for one. For this one, anyway.

Moments before, I prayed a prayer of confession, asking God; “forgive my fear, my lack of faith that You are in control.” Her act I perceived as His affirming nod to this guttural plea.

I think I was somewhat overcome by the difficulty because I felt I faced it alone. I suffered from a lapse in reality by forgetting I am never truly alone. I allowed that lie to fool me, blind me, and send me emotionally reeling.

But that touch.

That blessed touch.

The touch of compassion helped me remember.

Her expression of love - powerfully tender - brought me back from fear’s grasp . . . enemy territory. Compassion adds another set of footprints to the rocky path. It reassures the trepid navigator they don't travel that valley floor alone.

Her arms? . . . or His?

Don’t think a teen is too self-absorbed to notice. Don’t think they’re too young to be used by God to help the needy. And don’t think you have to do something spectacular to have the power to change someone’s outlook.

A compassionate touch.

Tender. And yet it has the extraordinary power to break fear’s hold on a choking heart lost in its grip.

Another Look Into Abram's Faith

My reading in Genesis 14 today gave me a deeper appreciation for the faith of Abram that God “credited to him as righteousness.”

The king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the people and keep the goods for yourself.”

But Abram said to the king of Sodom, “I have raised my hand to the LORD, God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, and have taken an oath that I will accept nothing belonging to you, not even a thread or the thong of a sandal, so that you will never be able to say, ‘I made Abram rich.’ I will accept nothing but what my men have eaten and the share that belongs to the men who went with me—to Aner, Eshcol and Mamre. Let them have their share.” [Gen 14:21-24]

How many of us, when presented with riches, would pass it up—trusting God for greater things?

Abram kept his word to God so that no one could rob God of the glory of being the only source of his possessions. Abram wanted people to give God due credit for whatever he gained. He believed God would provide and felt no need to accept riches from another. He gave a tithe to the king of Salem, and he would not deny his companions their share, but he asked nothing for himself. Now that's faith.

And he chose people over treasure, for he knew not to trust the king with the people…

The king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the people and keep the goods for yourself.” (Gen 14:21 emph added)

Earlier in the chapter we read of Lot’s dire predicament (which is precisely what brought about the need for his uncle's involvement). Abram, his fighting men, and allies had to rescue Lot from captivity. Lot’s desire for worldly wealth drew him to Sodom—at the cost of his freedom. Abram saw clearly that chasing after one’s wants could have disastrous results. He would discern wisely to pass on the alluring offer.

Abram trusted God over kings and spoils of war. He believed God. He believed God for His promise to make him a blessing.

That’s just the kind of faith that pleases God. And God-pleasing faith is my desire.

Glorious God; You are my very great reward and I will trust You as the only treasure worth having. Work in me a God-honoring faith that is a blessing to others.