When I was a little girl, going to my grandparents’ home, almost daily, was just like breathing for me. It just came natural. I have many wonderful memories of the activities I did at granny and grandpa’s house. One memory that just popped into my mind while reading God’s word this morning was fishing in grandpa’s pond. This pond wasn’t great in size, but boy oh boy was it great in the size of catfish, bass, and bluegill that were in it.
I’d put a little piece of bread on the hook that was attached to my cane pole and gently toss the line into the direction of the fish. Sometimes my bait would land in just the right spot. When the fish would take the bait, it was exhilarating! I think grandpa gave those fish some vitamins to grow so large just so he could see the look on his grandkids’ faces when we caught those fish.
God knew what He was doing (of course) when He gave me Tim Shuff because those days of fishing still continue. Instead of a cane pole and a small well-stocked pond, my fishing days have graduated to an abundance of rods and reels and the deep blue sea.
Casting your line in the just the right spot takes technique. Whether it is placing the bait just outside the mangroves, gliding the bait under a dock, or dropping the line down to catch a big grouper, your casting ability can play a big role in your results. Oh yea, and with fishing…patience is a mandatory technique too.
Well, this morning I read Psalm 55:22a. It says, “Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you;” In other words, “Pile your troubles on God’s shoulders—He’ll carry your load, He’ll help you out.” (The Message)
Here’s the problem, we can sometimes “cast” our troubles to God, but we keep reeling them back in. We’ve got to work on our techniques. Cast your worries His way, and wait upon the Lord.
Remember the verse from Isaiah 40:31, “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”
When you are feeling bogged down with the worries of the world or the daily pressures in life, just:
- Put them on a hook
- Cast them God’s way
- Wait patiently
- And be ready to feel the exhilaration of freedom in Christ.
Just like my grandpa would enjoy seeing his grandkids’ expressions when we caught those fish, God delights in seeing your face light up when you realize that giving your worries to Him is freeing.
Blessings to you!
May 5
