“The waters saw you, O God, the waters saw you and writhed; the very depths were convulsed. The clouds poured down water, the skies resounded with thunder; your arrows flashed back and forth. Your thunder was heard in the whirlwind, your lightning lit up the world; the earth trembled and quaked. Your path led through the sea, your way through the mighty waters, though your footprints were not seen. You led your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.” (Psalm 77:16-20 NIV)
Bobbie and I like to regularly drive “through the woods” as a relaxing escape from the troubles of life. The back-roads of the countryside offer the natural beauty in God’s creation. Such wonders are not often available to the “super highway” travelers. Although, many states are now sowing wildflowers in the medians of their highways.
The wildflower flourishes in disturbed soil. We might think that highway medians are not disturbed, yet wildflowers thrive in the inhospitable environment there. We might compare the debris, gravel, and grit found there to disturbing elements in our lives. We might not believe that such disturbance causes growth . . . but it does. Disturbing elements are not very pretty . . . but they form the character that produces beautiful lives.
Carefully read verses 1-15 of today’s Scripture. It proclaims the troubles experienced by the Psalmist. Yet, the last stanza (vss. 16-20) clearly recognizes the moving of God’s spirit upon and in the lives of his people. Despite the trouble, despite the sleepless nights, despite the illnesses, despite the despair and unanswered questions . . . the Psalmist recognizes that natural elements and circumstances fear God and submit to him.
Perhaps we should carefully re-consider the disturbed soil in our lives. God doesn’t consider our troubled circumstances as worthless scrapings to be pushed away or to run from. Maybe it isn’t where we would plant flowers, but God sees opportunity, growth, and beauty.
Dear Father, thank you for the disturbed soil in our lives. Grant that we may experience the power and beauty of your work in our lives. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be encouraged today from God’s work in your disturbed soil,