Turning Tide, Open Hands
Sunday, May 4, 2008
How do I explain the shift happening in our lives? A turning of the tide? A parting of the Red Sea? Some have suggested I've been given the gift of new perspective, that the only difference in our lives is that we can now simply SEE the waves of mercy and grace that were always there. But, who can deny the measureable change in our circumstances?
We can finally BREATHE! This month, we survived two, major, unexpected hits to our budget. $600 dollars later, we're still floating! This is such a good feeling. And in the meanwhile, a "push" from our landlord to move by the end of June has opened up the possibility of renting something that better fits our family.
I struggle to find words to describe the outpouring of blessing I am experiencing in my spirit. Several times this week, Psalm 145 has been brought to my attention in a way that feels like a favorite song on the radio, cranked up loud! I've even been given the image of God jumping up and down, like an ecstatic child, bursting with celebration and wild, wild joy at all that he has in store for me and my family.
Psalm 145: 13-16, 19, 21
The Lord is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made. The Lord uplifts all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down. The eyes of all look to you and you give their food at the proper time. You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them. My mouth will speak in praise of the Lord. Let every creature praise his holy name forever and ever.
The phrases that stick out to me are "You open your hand" and "You give their food at the proper time." We may have been given the invitation for this season of celebration many, many years ago. . . yet waiting and believing that this "year of jubilee" would come proved terribly frustrating and faith-stretching. However, the time is now. Now is the proper time. I can feel it. I will trust it.
I am so grateful that God opens his hand.
In return, I open my own hands, praising God for his forever faithfulness. . . even if it's only my perspective which is new!
We can finally BREATHE! This month, we survived two, major, unexpected hits to our budget. $600 dollars later, we're still floating! This is such a good feeling. And in the meanwhile, a "push" from our landlord to move by the end of June has opened up the possibility of renting something that better fits our family.
I struggle to find words to describe the outpouring of blessing I am experiencing in my spirit. Several times this week, Psalm 145 has been brought to my attention in a way that feels like a favorite song on the radio, cranked up loud! I've even been given the image of God jumping up and down, like an ecstatic child, bursting with celebration and wild, wild joy at all that he has in store for me and my family.
Psalm 145: 13-16, 19, 21
The Lord is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made. The Lord uplifts all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down. The eyes of all look to you and you give their food at the proper time. You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them. My mouth will speak in praise of the Lord. Let every creature praise his holy name forever and ever.
The phrases that stick out to me are "You open your hand" and "You give their food at the proper time." We may have been given the invitation for this season of celebration many, many years ago. . . yet waiting and believing that this "year of jubilee" would come proved terribly frustrating and faith-stretching. However, the time is now. Now is the proper time. I can feel it. I will trust it.
I am so grateful that God opens his hand.
In return, I open my own hands, praising God for his forever faithfulness. . . even if it's only my perspective which is new!
Beautiful!!! Bless the Lord!
-Sal
Thanks be to God for His unfailing mercy and goodness!
love,
julie mac