Rest in Thee

The lessons have been plentiful: abundance, contentment, staying ready. God is using so many loaded words to refine me, change me. I'm experiencing a paradigm shift of gargantuan proportions. And I love it. It hurts, but it hurts so good.

"He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your fathers had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. Your clothes did not wear out and your feet did not swell during those 40 years. Know then in your heart that as a man disciplines his son, so the LORD your God disciplines you." -Duet. 8: 3-5

Am I humble? No, but I'm getting there. Am I hungry? Yes, but for something deeper, more fulfilling. I want Scripture. I want Truth. (Okay, I'll be completely honest. I also want one of those delicious December-only treats, too.)

Making the transition from two incomes to one has been eye-opening... How wasteful we have been with the resources God has blessed us with... How little we can really live on, and still live so extravagantly. (Honestly-- our kids don't even notice!)

And, here we are in the midst of the Christmas gift-giving season, with nothing much to give... or do we? T-shirts that are overflowing from our drawers have become scarves. Paint and crafting supplies that has been carted to four addresses in six years is finally being used! A plethora of picture frames are being swapped out with Scripture word art, and passed on.

"... you brought us to a place of abundance." -Ps. 66:12

The fact is,  I've always had everything I ever needed, or wanted to give, or thought I should craft ... I was just too distracted to see it.

Thank you, Jesus! You're saving me from myself!

"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstance. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty." -Phil. 4:11-12

I'm learning what it is to have waaaaaaay too much. And do I ever!

So now, what?

This advent carol has been playing over and over again in my head...

Come, Thou long expected Jesus
Born to set they people free.
From our fears and sin release us
Let us find our rest in Thee.

Where are you finding rest? Who or what  is feeding your soul? What fears and sins do you need to be released from?

Mine is gross. It's filthy. It's full of judgement, entitlement, self-righteousness. Gross. Gross. Gross. I could go on and on...

By thine own sufficient merit,
Raise us to thy glorious throne.

Thank you, Jesus, for meeting me where I am, in my filthy sin, and carrying me right back to the foot of your throne! Come, Jesus, come!