...other meditations

the Launderer

create in me a pure heart, o God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
do not cast me from Your presence or take Your Holy Spirit from me.
restore to me the joy of Your Salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
psalm 51:10-12

as i read the text above, i am reminded of three simple words: i need God. infact, we all need God! every new day is a reminder of that and with each new day comes a desire and a need for cleansing and purification. we make our request known that we wish to remain in His presence always. we also cry out for fresh breath and a new zest for the life He's given us and the endurance needed for our long haul. i am so thankful that i serve a powerful God who can meet my needs and who walks with me throughout my good times and not so good times.

many people feel they can't draw close to God. mainly because they feel they are not good enough. i've heard many say "…i've done too many wrong things…maybe when i straighten up my act…i can't go to God now, after all i've done." this is so far from the truth. here's an example i heard from someone recently. when one goes fishing, that person doesn't expect to clean the fish first, throw it back and then hook it, do they? no and neither does God when He's fishing for you. He wants you to come to Him, right now, just as you are. He doesn't expect you to clean yourself because He knows that it's an impossible task for you. however, all things are possible through Him.

my God is in the laundry business, and when we come to Him and allow Him to work in our lives, He can begin His work within us. the sorting process begins when He examines us to find our trouble spots. He has the correct solution for each area. there may need to be a soaking process or a pre-treating process, if we need to quiet ourselves and be still. during these times, we learn a lot about ourselves and Him as our stains are slowly and carefully lifted away. when the water starts flowing and He covers us with his cleansing power, the cleaning process continues. of course not everything will come clean using the delicate setting. sometimes we must undergo harsh agitation and spin cycles. but do not lose hope; a heaping of softeners and a good rinse is on its way.

life brings many tumbles and some problems do not come clean as quickly as others. but in the meantime, if the scripture above is the cry of your heart, then you're still inviting God into your life. and that is exactly where He wants to be. allow Him to come in and create a new you!

pre-treated and presently soaking,

tamara