The dictionary defines free-falling as a sudden, sharp, uncontrollable drop in something such as value, popularity, or credibility. It also means to descend with an unopened parachute. Does this sound familiar to anyone? Do you feel the wind rushing past your face, hear the roar in your ears, and feel the panic in your limbs as you frantically, hopelessly try to defy the law of gravity and save yourself before impact? I don't know about you, but there are times when life is great, my balloon is full of hot air, and I'm floating along without a care when suddenly everything turns upside down. I get cross-ways with my husband, my kids start to remind me why I believe in the doctrine of original sin, the refrigerator breaks down, and my car won't start. My illusion of control is popped like the empty bubble that it is and in a most unpleasant display of humanity, I go splat. This always happens just when I'm feeling so spiritual, so in tune with the Lord, ready to let His love shine through me to everyone I meet.
God is so gracious - when we belong to Him, He never lets us live a lie for very long. We may fool ourselves for a while, but eventually He will bring us to the place where we can't hide from the truth that apart from Him, we can't do a thing. We've been free-falling since birth. It is only God's mercy that keeps us from death, from grievous sin, from total annihilation. Sunday during worship, the Lord reminded me of a beautiful picture of His gracious hold on our lives. It is a scene from the animated movie The Rescuers Down Under where a small boy is being propelled down a river by a giant eagle who has befriended him. The boy is laughing as he races down the surface of the water, but suddenly he goes over a cliff and finds himself falling. For a moment or two, he panics, but then the eagle gently comes up under him and rises into the sky. The boy shouts for joy, throwing his hands up in the air. As this scene played out in my mind, I felt the Lord asking me to trust Him despite the helpless panic that was assailing my heart. The Father is longing for us to trust Him enough to laugh into the wind and believe He is ready to swoop up under us and take us higher than we've ever been.
Last night as I prayed for God's word for us this week, my little Rebecca brought her Bible to me and asked me if she could read something to me. She thought she was in Psalms, but it was actually Jeremiah 31:1-7. I believe this is our Abba Father's word for us today. Here are verses 2-4, but try to find time to read it all!
Thus says the LORD: The people who survived the sword found grace in the wilderness - Israel, when I went to give him rest. The LORD has appeared of old to me, saying: "Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you. Again I will build you, and you shall be rebuilt, O virgin of Israel! You shall again be adorned with your tambourines, and shall go forth in the dances of those who rejoice.
Abba Father, please give us grace to believe that You are good and even when we feel like we are falling, we are always safe in Your hands. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
~~Jennifer Davis
2 comments:
Love your post and how I too can relate to this!! Thank you for sharing your encouraging and inspirational post. I needed to be reminded of this!
Have a great day!
Blessings and hugs
Beautiful devotion! It's so easy to relate to that free-fall when things in life don't go the way I think they should. I'm thankful the Lord is gracious and His Word points me back to the truth. Thanks for the post!
Thanks for stopping by Life Lessons. I wanted to respond to your comment: I appreciate your sweet, encouraging words! The meeting with Jody DID give me lots to think about. Now to incorporate it! Hoping you have a wonderful week, full of God's blessings!
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