God Tends to His Creation

Today's devotional (Jesus Calling, page 207) begins "self-pity is a slimy, bottomless pit." Today's UpperRoom reading is about not being locked in....locked into despair, emotionally locked into hopelessness.

I am not suffering from despair or hopelessness, or even self-pity, well maybe a little self-pity. I can't help but wonder why I'm not finding a job. I have several explanations that make sense to me, but that doesn't keep me from questioning myself. Do I need new skills? Don't I have plenty? If I need new skills, which ones do I need and how do I go about getting it? I'm already "over qualified" (whatever that means) and in this economy, for other positions I am not exactly qualified. There are other people who meet a job description exactly who are out of work. We are ok. At this point, we don't NEED the income. But we sure would like to have some spending money, planning money, extra money.

So two of today's devotionals, and even my Daily Bible, talk about hope in one way or another. The headings of sections in today's reading of the Daily Bible include "Exile will end", "Exiles will not be forgotten", "deliverance promised", "Captives must trust God". I think God is trying to tell me something. Even though I am not in despair or a deep depression, I have been ..... self-absorbed, perhaps? having a pity-party? feeling personally rejected? These verses and devotionals offer hope and deliverance. Isaiah 49:4 says "But I said, "I have labored to no purpose;
       I have spent my strength in vain and for nothing.
       Yet what is due me is in the LORD's hand,
       and my reward is with my God."

That is the key, isn't it? "what is due me is in the LORD's hand, and my reward is with my God." There is not only hope in that, there is peace, knowing that God has this under control. Whether I get a job or not, or have spending money, or whatever comes next, it is in God's hand. How can I question that? Who am I that God should think of me? (Psalm 144:3) Man may want me to feel rejected (I can name a few) but God does not. He loves me. He listens to me. He even provides specific daily readings on the days that I need them. Who could want for more?

My favorite flower is the tiger lily. The reason is that tiger lilies seem to bloom anywhere and everywhere. Beside the road. Along a ditch. Far away from a house where someone is tending to them. I feel like God uses tiger lilies to remind us that He takes care of all of His creation.

God, My Father, Thank You for your constant care. It is that care that gives me peace and keeps me from the slimy, bottomless pit of self-pity.

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