These are the words that echo in my head after a long day with the kids. They are the words I cling to after I've given in to the allure of "Hot Now" sign. It's like a supernatural do over every day, and boy do I need it.
When I think about this scripture, I get a mental picture of God filling up pots of mercy to be given out each day. I'd like to think that having 4 boys running around my house qualifies me to receive one of the bigger pots like possibly a well-worn chili pot or restaurant-sized stock pot. The noise level alone should guarantee me an extra scoop or two of mercy, right? I dip into my pot throughout the day and by bedtime, I feel like I have to use a rubber spatula to scrape the last bit out of my pot. I'm spent, I'm done, but by God's great love, I was given just enough.
This morning, I woke up and did the dreaded "after-holiday-come-to-Jesus-weigh-in." I put it off because I knew it was going to be bad. I worked so hard last year to lose 20 pounds. Tons and tons of control, miles and miles of running...and I knew I had messed up and let it all go in just a few short weeks. I could feel the bloating and I knew it was bad, but didn't realize it would be SIX POUNDS bad. SIX POUNDS, folks, SIX POUNDS.
My heart broke and the tears flowed. My mind went back to the deserts and the lack of control I had shown, and I began to doubt myself. In an instant, I allowed a number to define me again. That is until my husband came to scoop me up and reminded me of this scripture. He reminded me that today is a new day with new mercies. Boy do I need that extra large pot of mercies today as I surrender myself to the Lord and his plan for me in this area. Just like the children of Israel wondering in the desert eating their daily portion of manna, I'm thankful that God gives us just enough for the day so that we must depend on Him. Unlike the Israelites, I have more than enough to eat, but I'm desperate for Him and His mercies to tackle these challenges.
Once again, I'm encouraged by my favorite scripture. What an amazing, hands-on Savior I serve. Thank you, Lord, that you see me, you know my name, and you know just how much I need in today's pot of mercy.
I LOVED this description of the Lord dishing out grace to us! What an incredible visual to think of His generous loved poured out to us ladle by ladle. Thanks for sharing this :)
ReplyDeleteI loved the visual you had of the pots. I like how you said we are given just enough to see us through, God is faithful to supply what we need at the proper time. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteMarilyn (OBS Small Group Leader)