“You know me inside and out, you hold me together, you never fail to stand me tall in you presence so I can look you in the eye.” Psalm 41.12
As often as I think I know God, understand his ways, and believe I can anticipate his acts, I am touch by a surprise move. Take yesterday for example.
Reaching out to people in need the opportunity to introduce God, his ways, and his power came with regular frequency. In virtually every situation, I let the Spirit do the talking. As the day progressed, my confidence grew with appropriate measure. By early afternoon, it took more than two hands to count the instances of God touch. My confidence soared!
It started with a telephone call from Cherry in the middle of two concurrent meetings in my office. I recognized the stress and urgency in her voice. There was little I could do but say I would call her back in just a few minutes. Minutes became hours and the call remained unanswered. It wasn’t that I didn’t care, just my priorities of the moment. Acts of being self-centered became more and more frequent as the day progressed. The first decision, which I rationalized as being “important”, carried a seed that grew into a full-blown problem sitting on my heart.
As I began the trip home, I knew I was in trouble. How could I look at God when I so clearly and openly failed? When would I ever be able to get something done right?
Like many, I began to let the failure on one front drag me into a spirit of giving up. I could not face God so what would be the use to keeping the link open. My failures were so blatant!
David’s prayer and reflection stood me upright. I can testify that it is true. When I took the step this morning to sit, pray, and write God stood me up straight and gave me the courage to look into his eyes.
I found grace, acceptance, and love for you and me.
