Ever had your mom or dad, or a friend recommend you to do something or not do something and you did exactly the opposite of the recommendation? Ever had it turn out where you actually then needed their help because of what they said to do or not to do?
How about going out without a coat when the temperature was dropping and then it was freezing...then the car breaks down? What about hanging with friends that got the raised eyebrow? Maybe you spent your money on something frivolous or an instant desire and then needed to borrow money? There are many examples that can be life changing or wear away at you day by day and all of a sudden you awaken and wonder how did I get here, against all previous advice.
When I was maybe fourth or fifth grade, before dishwashers were common, my sister and I were the dish washers. It was a game at times to see if the dry-er person could dry faster than the wash-er person or be the clean 'inspector'. But one day I wanted to carry all the plates and bowls we were using at once. Dishes were stoneware. Dad or mom suggested I not carry them all at once. I said I could do it....I bet you know what's coming. Yeah, I'd done it successfully a thousand several times. But that day was the day they mentioned it and it was that day that I dropped every last one. I still remember the feeling.
No one said I told you so. No one even got upset. That was a surprise. They helped me clean it up. Said they were just dishes. I still tried to make excuses. Remember saying something about my hands being wet. Grace was given. And they knew me, how I felt.
My God, our God, KNOWS you. He knows who you are, where you are, and what's happening. He loves you. Completely.
Ephesians 4:32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as Christ forgave you.
Isaiah 44:2 Thus says the Lord who made you, who formed you from the womb and will help you:
Lamentation 3:22 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Psalm 9:9 The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.
Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
And so my prayer today for you and for myself is, no matter the circumstance, no matter the thought, whatever your current station:
Jeremiah 14:17 Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved, for you are my praise.
and
Psalm 91:14-15 Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name. When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”
Amen