momma bird

Psalm 81:10, "I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt.  Open wide your mouth and I will fill it."

It is good to remember all the God has done for you...in good and bad times...and the in between times.  I've heard our pastor explain that bad times are going to come, that's just part of this life on this earth; but it is "easier" to Hold Fast in the storms when you have been preparing (remembering God's truths and spending time with Him).  He is faithful regardless of whether we are, but you walk in a little more confidence through your storm if you are already walking with Him.  One quick example.  Two Christmases ago, my daughter came home for the holidays from college and totalled my car.  She was okay, but understandably devastated...first wreck and it was a doozy.  My past M.O. would be to freak out wondering where the money would come from, how I was going to get to work, etc... She was in the backseat despairing and I remember telling her, "The times that seem tough are really when God gets to show off.  Let's see what He does."  He showed off...I sit in my "new" (used) car and love it so much...I basically got an upgrade with a few more miles and I LOVE IT.  And that's just one small thing.

The Israelites were celebrating the Feast of the Tabernacles and recalling and rejoicing at God's deliverance from Egypt.  Talk about showing off BIG...clouds and fires leading them, oceans parting, water from rocks, manna from Heaven and so on.  God tells them, "I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt.  Open your mouth and I will fill it."  I love how Dr. Constable explained it:  "opening the mouth signifies trusting in the Lord to provide...filling it has in view the many blessings that God wants to bestow on His people."  I love that image!  I thought of momma birds feeding their babies who just wait with mouth open until mom returns and gives them the nourishment they need.  God does the SAME thing.  Not necessarily materially, but He provides.  When we open our hearts, He provides the nourishment we need for our souls.  Open up!