With everyone we love, we carry burdens because of that love. When they hurt, we do, too.
In a sleepless pocket of the night, concerned and praying for someone close to me, some words popped in my mind…
“Open wide your mouth and I will fill it.”
I recognized the words had come from scripture, but exactly from where I did not know. But they comforted me and I drifted into a replenishing sleep.
With the first awareness of morning, the words were there again, crisp and clear. I went to my Bible, eager to look up the context. They belong to Psalm 81.
“I am the Lord your God who brought you up out of Egypt. Open wide your mouth and I will fill it.”
The psalmist talked of the joy in remembering the things the Lord had done for His people Israel. Delivered them from famine. Removed the burden from their shoulders. Even made water come from a rock when they were thirsting in the desert. He had done wondrous things they could never have done on their own. He had made things possible in situations that seemed impossible.
All God asked then – and all He asks now – is our loyalty and trust, looking only to Him for all we need. No idols, no looking to something or someone else to resolve those difficult issues in life.
“If my people would but listen to me…how quickly I would subdue their enemies (v. 14),” He said. “You would be fed with the finest of wheat, with honey from the rock I would satisfy you (v. 16).”
God reminded His people that they were no longer slaves. In essence, He was saying, “Remember, I set you free?! But you are not acting free. What’s keeping you weighted down? Think about what I’ve already done and these are the things I long to do for you – and even more!”
As I remembered these sweet sentiments, the anxiety I felt gradually melted away and was replaced with a gentle comfort. As I recalled this rich picture of God caring for all and being in control of all, my heart was warmed. What a huge difference it makes to shift my focus off my concerns and onto trusting in God alone for all life’s needs.
Loving Lord, I hear you saying, “I’ve got you.” My part is putting my full trust in you once again. You know my needs way better than I know them myself. Thank you for letting me put all of this in your very capable hands.
