Encouragement for Today - November 30, 2011
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November 30, 2011
Completely Full, Yet Totally Empty |
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." John 1:1, 14 (ESV)
How are you? I'm posed this question many times a day, but haven't delved into the truth lately. ‘Cause truth is, there are only a few I want to be that honest with. And those I generally share the depths with are wading through extenuating circumstances. Filled to capacity, they've needed a place to pour out.
Cupped hands catch their words, worries, wants. Until my hands are heavy.
I'm weary from taking in and not pouring myself out in return. I understand; they don't have it to give right now. Yet, hour upon hour of listening... I'm not sure I have it to give right now either.
Irony is, my very name means "Listener." Double irony is my life verse from last year: "Whoever refreshes others will be refreshed" (Proverbs 11:25b NIV). But I can not take any more words into a soul cram-full. And I can not pour out refreshment that is not there.
I'm completely full, yet totally empty.
And so I selfishly check out in the name of self-preservation; retreat into myself, away from their words weighted with pain and trouble and questions. Distance my being from all words. Until the Word beckons me with cupped hands large enough to hold my needy soul, friend's worn circumstances, the thin world.
I pour into the Word, a measureless crevice in which my words rest. He asks three words my parched soul thirsts for, "How are you?"
I'm weary. "I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10b (NIV)
I feel alone. "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:20b (NIV)
I can't take much more. "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28b (NIV)
I pour out, He pours in. An ebb and flow more natural than the ocean's tides. My needy soul needs His words; needs Him: the Word.
Community is God-given. But friend's and family's ability to be leaned on will ebb and flow. Hence our soul's deepest need: friendship with the Lord. {Inhale deeply that delight: we're friends with God.} Friends with the unchanging nature of the Word, Jesus.
Will you take His cupped hand, reaching out to hold you, your cares, your friends and family members? Take His hand and take a walk through Him, the Word. Pour your truthful answers into Him and pour yourself into the fields of Scripture. Refreshment awaits. He's asking, "How are you?"
Dear Lord, thank You for never changing. Thank You for listening and hearing. Thank You for Your faithful friendship. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
Pour yourself into the Word through one of these Bibles.
A Confident Heart by Renee Swope has helped thousands of women overcome the emptiness of insecurity, hurt, loneliness and doubt by learning to live in the fullness of God's promises. Here's what some are saying:
"I feel like someone finally jumped in my head and my heart and painted over my insecurities with God's Word."
"If you are looking for a practical way to apply God's Word to the areas of your deepest insecurities, as well as an enjoyable and personable read, this book is for you."
Visit Samantha's blog where she's creating an online community to encourage one another. Click here to visit and leave a comment letting us know how you are. Then leave a comment with a prayer for the person who commented before you.
Application Steps:
Pour into the Word. Memorize one of the scriptures listed above and talk to the Lord about your needs.
Ask Jesus, "Are my hands cupped, open to receiving friends' words? Or have I poured out onto others more than I've poured into them?"
Reflections:
"Sometimes the girl who's always been there for everyone else, needs someone to be there for her." Author Unknown
Power Verses:
Malachi 3:6, "I the LORD do not change." (NIV)
John 15:15b, "Instead, I have called you friends..." (NIV)
© 2011 by Samantha Reed. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
www.Proverbs31.org
