Finger Painting with God

When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?
Psalm 8:3, 4

Ever found yourself in the midst of loneliness and despair? The troubling times of our economy are enough to bring a person's spirit low! Maybe you're "there" now, wondering if anyone could even help pull you out of your situation. If you're not feeling the pangs of despair just now, more than likely you will be at one point or another.

Thinking back on the storms in my life, particularly when my husband was out of work for several months from a ruptured disc, one thing remains prominent---the sweet sounds of our two little children (who were ages 3 and 1 at that time) playing, completely unaware of the dire situation we were in. Even though we were burdened, and frankly quite scared of our uncertain future, they remained untouched by the stress. Being carefree, they continued in their childhood routines such as choo-choo trains and finger painting.

Even though troubling times are cause for concern and sometimes despair, it may help to think about finger painting. Now I'm not recommending you finger paint---but think about the ease of finger painting. It's totally hands-on, and easy! The pictures are usually simple. Who can forget the mess? But that makes it fun.

Did you ever realize that our God finger painted? Psalm 8:3 says the universe was created by the fingers of God. The awesome part is He didn't even use PAINT! The only instrument He used to create the vast, beautiful universe was His fingers! Yet here we are, up to our ears in distress--no matter who caused it---it just is what it is...and He, the Creator of the universe actually THINKS of us! Wait! That's not all! He actually VISITS us, even in the midst of our storms. Talk about being totally "HANDS-ON!!" WOW!

Open your ears. Do you hear the sound of thunder and the torrential, flooding rain? Open your eyes. Do you see the lightning flashing just above? Listen carefully. You'll hear the sound of God's voice. He's calling out to you. Look closer. He's right there, reaching out to you. Not only did this wonderful Creator of all the universe come down and dwell among us, but He also took it upon Himself to bear our most heavy burden--SIN. Look up to Him. Reach out to Him. He is more than able to calm the storms in your life! That's not all! He WANTS TO--because He loves you! Let the truth of His Word sink into your heart! He's there, and He's ABLE to pull you OUT of your situation! It's just that we have to get to the "end of our rope" sometimes in order to realize He's all we need!

I believe in the creating power of the Almighty's hand! Do you? Even if we unintentionally created our current "messy" situation, HE is in the "business" of making something out of nothing. Let's trust Him, and only Him, to take the brokenness of our shattered dreams and create something wonderfully new from the rubble!

(In case you're wondering how things turned out back in 2001, the Lord provided for us, even when we had nothing! He blessed us with not only His provision, but also with the calming sense of His presence. So, even now, in our current storm, I have to remember His deliverance for us back then, and just trust that He does not change, and He will be here for us as well.)

Oh Father, Our eyes are on You. Sometimes we don't know WHAT to do, but our eyes are on You! We deserve nothing good from You, yet You want us to come to You and ask for help. You realize we are helpless without You. Thank You for loving us! Create in us a new heart--the carefree heart of a child. Allow us to simply leave our troubles in Your capable hands, and walk away with a song in our hearts! Give us something to "draw on" so that we can finger-paint a beautiful testimony for Your glory! In Jesus' Name, Amen.