Wednesday Walkabout.
I love this title that my friend, Debbie, gave to my Wednesday Bible musings!
Today I'm sitting down with Jesus, and He and I are going to have a little dialogue:
"Sharon, can I talk to you about worry today?"
(Inner "Oh no…") "Sure, Lord."
"You either store your treasures with the Father, and serve Him alone, or you do not serve Him at all."
(Inner sigh…) "Yes, you're so right, Lord."
"That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life…Isn't life more than food, and your body more than clothing?"
"Yes, it is."
"Look at the birds." Just at that moment, a tiny sparrow lands on Jesus' hand. "They don't plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them."
Jesus hands the small bird a piece of bread, and it flies off happily.
"Aren't you far more valuable to Him than they are?"
"Yes, Lord, I am. Because You died for me…"
Jesus smiles – and I look at His hands.
"Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?"
"No, but those worries can sure steal moments from my life."
Jesus' smile gets bigger. He stoops over and picks a dandelion.
"If God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, He will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?"
A thousand excuses come to my mind – because it's a tough and scary life down here, Lord – because there's a lot of suffering and struggling – because I never know what's coming next – because I can't control a thing…
I remain silent and bow my head.
"Sharon, don't worry about these things. These are things that dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs."
I look up at Him.
"He does, doesn’t He?! He always watches over me. He never takes His eyes off of me, and I am never out of His presence."
Jesus grins. "No, you never are!"
Now I smile.
"Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need."
"Yes, Lord – everything I really need - which isn't always what I think I want!"
"You're a quick learner," Jesus says with a wink. "Don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. And do not be afraid. For I have overcome the world."
(Inner sigh)…of relief and joy and peace!
(Based on Matthew, Chapter 6, New Living Translation)
BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"
Oh Sharon - wouldn't it be nice to never worry!?
ReplyDeleteI tried to comment this morning but got whirly swirled. That's my new word for the day. I like Walkabout better. I had forgotten that I called it that. That is EXACTLY how I read your Wednesday posts.
ReplyDeleteAs I read this morning, I thought of how beautifully teachable you made that passage. It is exactly as you wrote it, warm discourse and gentle conversation. Everything about it speaks of TRUST and not worry, and yet...
Well, you know.
This has been my conversation lately with the Lord and even in the middle of the night, you share it so well...cast your cares, I will take care of you, I have never forgotten you before, why would I now?
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome God we serve.
Hi Sharon -
ReplyDeleteWow! This is so GOD. My plan was not to do a post today but due to circumstances...our Lord told me to do one. My inclination was to do one with a conversation between me and our Lord. But He told me not to do that type today. So I did as He instructed and just finished posting it. And then our Lord led me here, and you have this post with your conversation with our Lord! That is so GOD, Sharon. Also, there are some similarities in our posts today.
I really enjoyed this post, Sharon. There is a love and tenderness in the tone. My spirit could feel your union with our Lord. That moved me indeed. Thank you, dear sister in Christ.
AND THANK YOU, LORD, FOR HOW YOU SO MEET US FINITE SOULS WITH YOUR INFINITE PERSONALITY!
I love that Wednesday Walkabout title and I love this one this week, Sharon. Why don't we just take him at his word and not worry and trust in him, knowing he will meet our needs and protect us and for us to seek him and only him. I read those scriptures and I "get" it in my mind, I just need to figure out a way to get it deeply engrained in my heart too!
ReplyDeletebetty
Sandie - I'm not sure I'd know what that would feel like! Yes, it would be awesome to never worry. That's one of the things that I look forward to in Heaven the most - the complete rest from the trials and troubles of this world.
ReplyDeleteDebbie - Yeah...I know. That's why I have to have these *walkabouts* - to really hear the word of God as He speaks to me. I figure this is how Jesus would talk to me in person - (I hope He would be this kind and patient!) - and so, in writing the conversation down, He speaks...
Janette - I guess there's just a disconnect between our feelings and God's truth at times, don't you think? And I am beginning to realize that just when I feel Him the least, I believe that is when He's closest to me. Quiet sometimes, yes - but there in all His majesty. Kinda like that poem "Footprints" - I am learning to have a greater trust in the fact that sometimes He just carries me, usually when I'm least aware of it.
Sandra - God works in such wonderful ways, doesn't He? I love how He weaves and guides those of us who endeavor to capture some of His words. I'm glad you enjoyed this conversation - and yes, it did dovetail with many of your thoughts. Oh, the kindness of a God who reaches down...
Betty - Oh yes, how often I also experience that "belief in my head/experience in my heart" disconnect. I think one of the reasons it's so tough is because we have active forces that fight against our closeness with God. The one who was thrown out of heaven does NOT want us boldly marching into the throne room and bowing at the feet of God. He does NOT want us trusting anything other than what WE can control (which is really nothing, by the way!) I'm working on trust - and I know you are too. Don't you feel God refining us?!
GOD BLESS!
"He always watches over me. He never takes His eyes off of me, and I am never out of His presence."...praise the Lord...what blessed assurance!
ReplyDeleteLove this dialogue...
Karen - I am amazed at what God teaches me when I interact with His Word! And yes, this week I was given the most BLESSED assurance! What a wonder - we can never escape God's presence!
ReplyDeleteGOD BLESS!