This morning I stood in the shower talking to the Lord. It’s always the perfect time for us to chat since no one is typically in there pulling on my pant leg asking for fruit snacks or chocolate milk. I mean, they normally would be reaching eagerly through the shower curtain, but as early as I rose this morning they slumbered on. I prayed for my day, for my family, and other odds and ends of praise. But as I stood there my mind went to a recent conversation with a friend. In our talk I had lamented about financial constraints I currently found myself in, and as I soaped up I pondered her response. Then suddenly I remembered specific times past. In those instances we had been under true financial duress, yet the Lord had supplied all our needs. In fact, looking back there was no logical explanation for how we had gotten by. None. Yet somehow we had. But God!
In those previous circumstances the Lord had been our provision, and His character had not changed. Despite any new challenges we faced, He was the same God today. And knowing that actually made me feel ashamed standing there in the shower. Not condemnation, mind you, but a firm conviction that it wasn’t necessary for me to fall into any kind of pit of worry or despair over things that I knew very well the Lord had, would, and could handle. He had proven Himself faithful numerous times, and it was almost like my negative complaining was an exercise in doubt. In all reality the Lord deserved nothing but my praise for His past provision and continued protection on my life. And if I chose to look at it a certain way, most things I complained about were actually wonderful gifts.
A financial constraint was actually a trigger to recall God’s past provision.
A busy schedule was actually a life chocked full of blessing.
A messy house was a home overflowing with love.
Loud, crying or whining babies were healthy babies.
A stressful job was the blessed opportunity to provide for my family.
Friends or family who always needed help were ways for me to serve God’s kingdom.
Seeing my own sin and faults was the chance to relish in God’s grace.
Not being perfect was the opportunity to improve.
He didn’t ask for my perfection anyway; He just wanted me to see His hand and to understand that I could be made perfect in Him already, despite myself.
So it was okay when I forgot and complained about my perceived plight, but the best news was that by seeing things from His perspective I could live a life more fulfilled and purposeful. I could also pour that vision out on others.
“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”~2 Corinthians 9:8
It was a good reminder for me today.
