Kids & Parenting

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Tanks or Laundry?


Psalm 119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.



I sent my son off to Marine boot camp yesterday. I cannot say in words how I can feel the grace of God wrapped around me. I was able to make it out the door before the outburst of emotions let loose. Throughout the day little reminders brought on more outburst. Silly things like the cans of ravioli he so liked to eat randomly still sitting on the shelf, The things left lying around that he will no longer need. The usual ritual of getting ready for bed, saying goodnight. This is only the beginning of this new season in life I am facing. However, along with all the ‘little’ reminders came the phone calls and emails that told me “I am praying for you”. God does not leave us in our time of need with out the encouragement needed to go on!

I remembered something Trevor shared with me yesterday morning before he left. He was telling me how he just doesn’t know how some of these men will get through basic training without the Lord’s strength. He knows it will be difficult. He knows there is a chance he may not make it. But he also knows the Lord will give him the strength and courage to go as far as he possibly can. How will those who don’t have the Lord’s strength do it? He continued, sure, the ones who don’t have the Lord will find comfort in reading their bible, but he realizes that he has a real source of strength. That is a blessing to hear from him as it encourages me that he is truly thinking about dependence on the Lord. It also reminds me that I too have the Lord to help me through this. It is funny also to read David’s words as he was facing battles. The Pslams now take on a new and actually exciting meaning to me. I have relied on those Psalms to give me the encouragement to face the everyday woes of a housewife and mother. “Lord, this laundry is too much with all the other responsibilities I have, how will I ever get it done?” “O, yea, ‘The Lord is my strength’…And now reading the scriptures, it is so evident that these were written from a man who was facing the real dangers of war. He fought the fiercest of men, armies upon armies, even lions. I’m talking real weapons, real blood and real battles! The Lord was his continual strength and encouragement. His shield, His refuge, His rod and staff truly comforted him!
It tells me that God’s word is truly tailor made to minister to each of us no matter what the battle. Isaiah 55:3 Incline your ear, and come unto me and hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David. His promises are the same for us as they were for David! The Lord is a refuge and strength to the woman whose marriage seems hopeless. He tells those who are battling cancer, disease, and emotional problems that He will never leave them or forsake them. He tells the little boy who really needs that home run “You can do all things through Christ who strengthens him! It also tells me that no problem to God is less ministered to than another. It could be the pile of laundry or it could be a huge tanker headed your way. God is God and His word is sufficient for every need and His promises stand the same to all who call out to Him to deliver those promises for every need.

Lisa Smith

03/11/08

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