Lifted From the Mud

Today I feel like I have gone through my own small Red Sea … crossed over to the other side. I am so grateful that I’m standing on solid ground. God, you have carried me through - you have been my shield and my rock. I can say to anyone who will listen, I thought my feet were sinking in the mud and I didn’t know if I would get out. Then my God plucked me by the scruff of my neck and He lifted me up. He didn’t stop with that lifesaving rescue - it wasn’t enough to save me. No! He chose to wash me off, he even put new clothes on me so I could have a fresh start. I don’t only look new, I feel brand new. Restored from my hard place, it is good to be in the company of my God. 

He is there for me every time. There was a moment when I wondered, “What will happen? Will God rescue me again?” I knew He could come through but I started to wonder if he would. It was just need to be in control that got in the way. I would have rescued me sooner but only because I don’t want to get my toes dirty. God knew that I needed to get a little messy - He knew I was relying on myself and that getting in over my head would mean I’d have to reach up my hands - that’s what it took to put God back in control of my life. It is so good that He reminded me how much I need Him! He didn’t have to do that but because He loves me, He did. 

What if God had let me keep walking on dry ground? I would have kept my head high and never looked up. That's the thing about standing tall, you think you can see everything from up there, but all you do is look down. That’s why lying flat on your back is so good. It’s in the getting knocked down that we really see what’s going on. I thought to myself, “I’d like to stand tall like this all my days” but I knew that wasn’t right. Deep down I knew that nobody deserves that. It would actually be a tragedy to et that gift box handed to you. Like opening self-indulgence and self-pity in one big box. It’s not good like we hope, just hollow and meaningless. 

So I can say, it is good to receive all you give me. To humbly accept the trouble and heartache. It’s the only way to really find joy, to live in the goodness of life.