In the lower places
"I used to think that God's gifts were on shelves one above the other, and that the taller we grew in Christian character the easier we should reach them. I find now that God's gifts are on shelves one beneath the other, and that it is not a question of growing taller but of stooping lower, and that we have to go down, always down, to get His best gifts." F. B. Meyer (from "One Thousand Gifts", by Ann Voskamp)
Some mornings I dread even placing one foot out from underneath the covers to reluctantly make its way to the floor. Lately, it's actually been "most" mornings. My first waking thoughts are about my perceived unanswered prayers. I'm tempted to despair even before both eyes are open. Here I go again, another dreary, weary, trial laden day.
And most mornings, these days, it takes a large chunk of time to adjust this slow heart of mine. To see again.
So this morning, I ask one more time. I put aside my devotional books and reading materials, my process, and just ask God. Please show me, help me to see what I need to see.
Low places, this is where I see God. I know Him deeper. He proves His love over and over. Because if my life were filled with ease, abundant finances, no sickness, I would miss Him. I would be distracted and full to the brim of this life. Of myself. I know it like I know my name, it's true.
And just when I think that I can't go any lower, that I've gone just about as low as God could expect...I remember. One who went lower.
"Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross." Philippians 2:5~8
Only makes me love Him more.
Some mornings I dread even placing one foot out from underneath the covers to reluctantly make its way to the floor. Lately, it's actually been "most" mornings. My first waking thoughts are about my perceived unanswered prayers. I'm tempted to despair even before both eyes are open. Here I go again, another dreary, weary, trial laden day.And most mornings, these days, it takes a large chunk of time to adjust this slow heart of mine. To see again.
So this morning, I ask one more time. I put aside my devotional books and reading materials, my process, and just ask God. Please show me, help me to see what I need to see.
Low places, this is where I see God. I know Him deeper. He proves His love over and over. Because if my life were filled with ease, abundant finances, no sickness, I would miss Him. I would be distracted and full to the brim of this life. Of myself. I know it like I know my name, it's true.
And just when I think that I can't go any lower, that I've gone just about as low as God could expect...I remember. One who went lower.
"Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross." Philippians 2:5~8
Only makes me love Him more.
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