As I read the 43rd chapter of Isaiah, a portion of a verse stood out to me. I hesitate, always, to give my interpretation of scripture. I dread getting it wrong and misleading someone else. I will share what my heart said and leave it to your own good judgement. Sound okay?
At the end of the 23rd verse the Lord says, "…though I have not burdened and wearied you with requests for grain offerings and frankincense."
Perhaps I am taking it too far out of context. Left alone it speaks about the way the Israelites were offering sacrifices. For me it speaks about my constant striving to earn the Father's approval - despite all the truth I know (in my head).
I've been trying to finally, at long last, stop the doing. When I list the things I do, they don't seem like very much. Yet every day is filled, and I have grown weary. I am once again caught in that trap of "shoulds." It leaves so little time for the things I have loved. I know it sounds overly dramatic, but I feel as though I don't know who I am any more. So, I am determined to pare things down a bit - and not feel guilty about it.
I began to waver on something I had determined to cut out of my schedule last evening. It sounded so good and right and involved ministry, and I felt that old tug to do. Then this morning those words.
I memorized this verse last year:
"He has told you, oh man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8
So simple. Why must I try to add to what God has said? Surely out of doing justice, loving kindness and walking humbling with the Lord will flow all those things I long to do - things of eternal value.
Oh Lord,
I'm so thankful for the grace and patient love you extend to this daughter. How often have You spoken this truth to my heart? You have shown me only love and mercy. You have forgiven the things I can't seem to let go of. You know and want only those things that will draw me closer to you and make me more like your dear Son. There is not one single, solitary thing I can do, either for good or bad, that will ever change that.
With love,
Linda
Painting by my talented and beautiful-in-every-way granddaughter, Stephanie.
