Arise, LORD! Lift up your hand, O God. Do not forget the helpless.
I love spending time on our backyard deck. It's always where I do my best thinking. So, it isn't unusual to find me out there multiple times during my day.
A few days ago, coffee in hand, I go out on the deck and discover this little fellow.
A hard-shelled beetle lying on its back, its spindly legs waving frantically to and fro, but unable to set itself to rights.
Poor little guy! Maybe you just need a bit of help to get you on your feet . . .
I pick up a twig and ever so gently roll the beetle right side up.
It staggers as if dazed. Lurches clumsily forward. Moves about one inch.
Then, losing its footing, down on its back it goes. Flailing its tiny legs helplessly in the air.
I prod it carefully once again. Back on its feet, my little friend can't seem to maintain balance. Teetering. Tottering. Down for the count!
Again and again . . .
No matter how I try to help it, the beetle is incapable of cooperating. Then, a thought hits me. Hard! All those years when I ignored the outstretched hand of Jesus. Offering me His love. His comfort. His mercy.
His help . . .
I was no better off than the struggling beetle, beating to air with purpose, but getting nowhere. And, feeling so empty inside . . .
Oh, how I thank the Lord who never gave up on me! Who kept offering His saving hand. Patiently. Steadfastly.
Again and again . . .
Until the eyes of my heart were opened.
And, I agreed to walk with Him.
Hand-in-hand . . .
~
Are you holding fast to the hand of Jesus today?
Please pray with me:
So many people, Father, are struggling with problems, troubles, and trials. Remind them that Jesus' hand is outstretched to help them through the storm and give them the peace which passes all understanding. Amen.
Nice reflections here.
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed today's meditation, Janu. :) Thanks for coming by!
DeleteBlessings!
Awesome comparison. Love your devotions, Martha.
DeleteThanks so much for coming by! Glad you are enjoying the devotions and hope to see you here often, new friend!
DeleteBlessings to you!
Janu, just saw this was you? Well, thank you much and thanks for being a tried and true friend!
DeleteWOW...what a beautiful insight Marta..very beautifully put across. Loved it!
ReplyDeleteSomehow I feel this one was for ME today :)
Thank you for your kind words, Me, and that the post spoke to your heart today.
DeleteThanks for stopping by!
Blessings!
Ooo Martha, the Lord holds me by the collar...pretty much like what He did to St. Philip Neri :P
ReplyDeleteI reflect on God's loving kindness and infinite mercy and deep patience to us...Many times, we do wish to be left to do things on our own~only to be brought back to God's embrace.
Ooo that beetle ~ it's like most people here who do not wish to leave their homes even if there's impending danger from flood and everything. Security...we hold on fast to what we have, could we blame them?
But if we only reach out our hands, then we'll know we'll be safer...
I pray with you... may we learn to trust God in these trial times...may we learn to reach out to others and to extend our hands to those in need. We are God's hands...
Oh, yes, Melissa, we are to be the hands and feet of God in this hurting and broken world. But, as you stated here, sometimes we stubbornly hold on to our possessions instead of clinging to the one and only thing we can count on - God's steadfast love. I praise the day I decided to take the hand of Jesus. Oh, happy day!
DeleteBlessings to you!
This is beautiful Martha. I think because we humans are gifted with great intelligence, well some of us, lol, so we think we can and should do it all. But we aren't put here for that and that is something I'm still struggling with, but getting better at all of the time. Thanks for the reminder.
ReplyDeleteAlso, what happened to the beetle? Did he ever set himself right and scamper into the grass happily?
Thanks, Tameka!
DeleteThere is definitely that temptation to think we are in charge and act on it, but if I've learned one thing over the years, God's way is the only way. I don't make any decisions without going to Him in prayer.
And, the beetle? Poor baby! I guess he was breathing his last when I was trying to rescue him because he died later that day. :(
Blessings to you!
Beautifully written Martha. I enjoyed the metaphor with the beetle. Recognizing and accepting help seems difficult for many people.
ReplyDeleteBe well,
Ron
Thanks for stopping by, Ron!
DeleteGlad you enjoyed the metaphor; I know I had fun writing this. :)
Blessings to you!
I believe Martha, that we feel we have an extended amount of time to accept the hand of Jesus. It doesn't always work out like that in life. This was beautifully written, and the beetle brings it full force. Was he ever able to get up and get his balance? I'm hoping for a 'yes' ☺
ReplyDeleteThanks for coming by, Mary!
DeleteI can't begin to imagine where my life would have ended up had I not grabbed hold of His mighty hand. I celebrate Jesus' saving grace every day!
But, the poor beetle didn't make it . . . guess I was trying to save a lost cause because I found it dead on the deck several hours later. :(
Blessings to you!
What a wonderful "God moment" Martha...
ReplyDeleteThere are days I feel like your beetle friend here, but thankfully when I reach for Him, that hand is always there to right me and walk alongside.
Thank you for sharing this!
Have a Blessed Day!
Thanks for dropping by today, Phather Phil!
DeleteI think we all have those days from time to time; days when we succumb to our human natures and forget that Jesus is there for us or think we can do it on our own. With you, I rejoice that His saving hand is always there when we reach out for it.
Blessings to you!
Oh yes, holding fast to the hand of Jesus, sister! I was like that beetle too until I realized the futility of wrestling with myself. Have a blessed weekend dear friend.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Martha... I especially love the last line... I needed to hear this today! Angels and Blessings to you! Lisa Hakenewerth
DeleteThanks for coming by, Debra, and keep holding tightly to His hand! You have a blessed weekend, too!
DeleteThanks for stopping by, Lisa, and welcome!
DeleteGlad you enjoyed the post and hope to see you here often.
Blessings to you!
What a great insight. Many times are we just too stubborn or don't feel like "bothering" God with our small problems ? These days I know that I can't make it without holding on to Jesus. I want to be connected to his hip. With Jesus my yoke is light , and AMEN for that !
ReplyDeleteOh, yes, Shalasha, with Jesus, our yoke is light, indeed! I have learned through the years that He wants our small problems as well as our overwhelming ones. He simply wants to love us.
DeleteThanks for coming by and stay close to Him always!
Blessings to you!
I've been on both sides of the stick... one being prodded and the other doing the prodding. I found myself in a situation not to long ago, when I finally realized I can poke all I want... if help isn't wanted I can poke forever but I will continue to get the same result.
ReplyDeleteI think, willingness is key!
Once again, I very much enjoyed my visit!
Thanks for stopping by, Amy!
DeleteYou are so wise. We can encourage, cajole, entreat, and poke all we want, but if the recipient isn't ready, our message falls flat. And, willingness is the key! We do have to know when to step away and allow God to work His ways.
Glad you enjoyed the post! Many blessings to you!
What a beautiful thought, Martha. I have so often helped such beetles but this thought never came to my mind. Yes how often god had stretched out his hand to guide us and so often we have not seen that hand but he never gives up, does he? Love your thoughts, my friend. God bless you
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting today, Rimly!
DeleteSo glad you could connect with this post so well. And, yes, my friend, God never gives up on us - what a steadfast love He has!
Blessings to you!
So true - just yesterday I got a call from someone who had a wonderful God experience and she asked me about mine. I told her I had my first experience very young, but kept fighting God - not seeking His outstretched hand for so long - until I got tired of it and realized I couldn't manage without Him. Thank you for another powerful reflection, Martha.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for coming by today, Corinne!
DeleteOh, wow! Your struggle sounds so much like mine. No wonder we feel so connected, my friend!
Glad you enjoyed the reflection.
Blessings to you!
I think you're correct, we all wonder around the vast universe questing and questioning life and our purpose in it. Some find the answer sooner, others wander a long while before reaching out and grabbing hold. It's a quest each of goes on or is on.
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting, Brenda!
DeleteWe all do seek meaning in our lives and we do find it at different times and junctures in our journey. I just thank the Lord He never gave up on this lost soul!
Blessings to you!
Gosh, you are good... loved reading the metaphor here, was inspiring and it is so true. I'm in the same boat, I keep needing help and He keeps prodding me along. Beautiful post...
ReplyDeleteThank you for visiting today, Karen, and for your kind words.
DeleteWe definitely all need His nudge and prod now and then. So glad the Lord sees us through!
Blessings to you!
You have an amazing ability to crystallize your deep insights in a way that is so understandable and clear to the rest of us. I'm blessed to be in this world; I try to maintain my grip and I'm grateful that God doesn't give up on me.
ReplyDeleteThanks for coming by today, Adriene, and for your sweet compliment here.
DeleteI share with you that same gratitude to the Lord - He never gives up on us, though, sadly, many choose to give up on Him.
Blessings to you!
loved it Martha. You are so right.
ReplyDeleteThanks for dropping by, Nikky, and so glad you enjoyed the post. :)
DeleteBlessings to you!
Great metaphor! How often are we wallowing in our own misery while help is available all around? How often is help offered BUT not in the way that we want it, so we reject what is available? Guilty as charged.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for visiting, Lynne!
DeleteOh, I love the point you make here - help is offered, but we are expecting something else so we turn it down. And, sometimes, we mistakenly think we can handle things on our own when we truly need God's help.
Blessings to you!
how many times has He turned me over..offering His love and comfort..and pointing the way?..makes me think! because I know He is the way!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for coming by, Annmarie!
DeleteYes! He is the way, the truth and the life!
Blessings to you!
I love all of your analogies.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the sweet compliment. :)
DeleteIsn't it interesting ...even with someones help ..the beetle couldn't use the help.... or refused it.... I know God is here....I know he's walking at my side during the storm..but why does he allow so many with so many struggles..... UUUUUUGGGGGHHHHH that question ..why does god allow suffering... drives me crazy... Love you...As always...XOXOXOXOXO
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for visiting, Bonnie!
DeleteThe issue of suffering - it is a question we all wrestle with, isn't it? I remind myself when the storm is raging that sometimes the Lord calms it and at other times he's choosing to ride it out with us. He is by your side, dear friend.
Love and blessings to you!
Martha, you are a wonder. Poor little beetle. <3
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting today, Jan!
DeleteYes, poor little guy . . . he didn't make it. :(
Thanks for your kind words.
Blessings to you!
I love how you find lessons in the small things in life! It's so instrumental to our spiritual growth to have our hearts and mine attuned to the seemingly insignificant things that have significant things to share. Loved this post!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Jessica!
DeleteI think it is when we take to time to notice the little things that God points us to the miracles all around us. Nothing should be taken for granted, but celebrated as a blessing. :)
Blessings to you!
You always have a way of reading simple situations into God moments. Your thoughts always inspire me. Thanks for sharing them here.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for dropping by, Anne, and thanks for your kind compliment here. :)
DeleteSo glad to know you are inspired by the posts. I certainly do love sharing them.
Blessings to you!
Only you would be able to reach hearts through a bug, Martha. What a touching post. Sometimes it is so easy to forget how a little "righting" someone can changing their life. Just a touch, a hand, a minute to change their predicament. Great post and pictures!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for coming by, Kathy, and for your sweet compliment!
DeleteYes, some people are receptive to our nudges and suggestions. We might actually meet a need they have without realizing it just at the right time in their lives.
Blessings to you!
Dear Martha,
ReplyDeleteI will call this..."the art of teaching". Well done my friend. Your point is made loud and clear, but with love and kindness. I am touched by this.
Thanks so much for coming by, Andy, and leaving such a lovely, kind comment. Glad this post touched your heart.
DeleteBlessings to you!
A great post. I am so grateful that God never tires of stretching out his hands to us. Thanks for the reminder. Blessings to you.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for visiting, Suzy!
DeleteYes! Isn't it so wonderful how He loves us and never wants to let us go? Wow!
Blessings to you!
Thats simply a beautiful thought. It reminds me of the story of a guy who refused all help during floods and said that he was waiting for god to help him finally he drowns and meets god and askes him, why he didnt. He said, my child I came so many times to help u, in boats in helicopters but u refused my help!
ReplyDeleteThanks for coming by, Jerly!
DeleteThat's exactly the story I was trying to recall when writing this, but kept drawing a blank. Yes! It fits perfectly with this post! Thanks so much for sharing,
Blessings always!