Read Isaiah 49:8-18
The LORD says, “I will not forget you. See, I have inscribed you on the palms of my hands.”
- Isaiah 49:15-16 (NRSV)
I was studying full-time and trying to hold down a part-time job as a pastor. My spouse worked full-time. One day, my toddler son sat on my lap at my desk. He was playing with his juice cup. I was in the middle of a phone call and typing on my computer.
Seconds before a church member came through the door, my son spilled his grape juice all over my shirt. What a mess — upset child, phone call, computer, stained shirt, and now someone at my door! I had the presence of mind to stop typing; to say, “I’ll call you back”; and to hang up the phone. As for the church member at my door, she laughed when she saw me. She said, “You should see God’s shirt!” and gave me an understanding smile.
Her remark has stuck with me ever since. God takes on so much — all at once — for our sakes. God listens to our prayers, dries our tears, accepts our complaints, forgives our sins, and calms our fears. Getting close to us and our spills is certainly going to mess up “God’s shirt.” We may have our hands full, every hour of every day; but we are continually blessed, knowing that through it all we are fully in God’s hands and always loved.
Thought for the Day:
In times of trouble, I will give thanks that God is always near.
Prayer: Thank you, God, for loving us through the messy, difficult, painful times of our lives. We need you, and you never fail us. Amen.
Prayer Focus: WORKING STUDENTS
The scripture quotation, unless otherwise indicated, is from the NEW REVISED STANDARD VERSION of the Bible, copyright © 1989, by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
The LORD says, “I will not forget you. See, I have inscribed you on the palms of my hands.”
I was studying full-time and trying to hold down a part-time job as a pastor. My spouse worked full-time. One day, my toddler son sat on my lap at my desk. He was playing with his juice cup. I was in the middle of a phone call and typing on my computer.
Seconds before a church member came through the door, my son spilled his grape juice all over my shirt. What a mess — upset child, phone call, computer, stained shirt, and now someone at my door! I had the presence of mind to stop typing; to say, “I’ll call you back”; and to hang up the phone. As for the church member at my door, she laughed when she saw me. She said, “You should see God’s shirt!” and gave me an understanding smile.
Her remark has stuck with me ever since. God takes on so much — all at once — for our sakes. God listens to our prayers, dries our tears, accepts our complaints, forgives our sins, and calms our fears. Getting close to us and our spills is certainly going to mess up “God’s shirt.” We may have our hands full, every hour of every day; but we are continually blessed, knowing that through it all we are fully in God’s hands and always loved.
Thought for the Day:
In times of trouble, I will give thanks that God is always near.
Prayer: Thank you, God, for loving us through the messy, difficult, painful times of our lives. We need you, and you never fail us. Amen.
Prayer Focus: WORKING STUDENTS
The scripture quotation, unless otherwise indicated, is from the NEW REVISED STANDARD VERSION of the Bible, copyright © 1989, by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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