The Bottom of the CupIsn't it just like human nature? We see God fight an amazing battle for us. He will take us from darkness into light; He will pass us from death unto life; and He will rescue us from Hell fire and secure Heaven for our eternity. To do this He will make an amazing costly sacrifice that evidenced His love to the fullest degree. Satan and his hordes have absolutely no power to change the eternal effects of this rescue. God gives us a NEW name, a NEW family, a NEW home and a NEW song. We even find ourselves joyfully singing along … and then we come to the bottom of the cup.
There on the bottom of the cup he sits … an indescribably ugly little creature, a creature with the full aptitude for robbing us of the joy of continued movement through this land. A little critter that is only happy with the full cup, the perfect day, the comforts of this life, and “my way”. This filthy imp
laughs when we hit bottom and loves to whisper the songs of discontentment in our ear.
Remember the story of the Israel's wilderness wanderings? … read the snapshot below. And I would like to make three observations to help stop the strengthening of the “bitter bug” at the bottom of the cup. Exodus 15:22-27
“22 So Moses brought Israel from the Red sea, and they went out into the wilderness of Shur; and they went three days in the wilderness, and found no water. 23 And when they came to Marah, they could not drink of the waters of Marah, for they were bitter: therefore the name of it was called Marah. 24 And the people murmured against Moses, saying, What shall we drink? 25 And he cried unto the LORD; and the LORD shewed him a tree, which when he had cast into the waters, the waters were made sweet: there he made for them a statute and an ordinance, and there he proved them,”
First: Three days wandering in the Wilderness of the “Wall” (what a perfect name)– Time will always put a weight on the events of this life. It will create beginnings & endings, that will constantly challenge our living. We can either learn to make the most of this “wall” by praising Him, or we can succumb to its invisible pressure by whining & complaining. Cooperate with the delays. “They that wait upon the Lord” are those who take full opportunity of the direction and speed of His winds.
Second: Waiting for temporary needs many times will result in a bitter result. The answer to a prayer may not turn out the way you had envisioned it ...you will murmur within yourself, guaranteed. Don't stop there; it would be like drinking the “critter at the bottom of the cup”. Wash out the remains, the silt, the dirt, the dead bug ...Lift the murmuring to an upward cry, and He will bring the sweetness of the “Tree” into your bitter waters. The cruel cross brings God's sweet caress to our wounded souls.
Third: (Out of sight of the story above in verses 26 -27 --- Try not to relate obedience to tangible blessings, and don't stake your claim to spirituality on the existence of a temporal blessing.) In verse 26 of this same chapter, Moses challenges Israel to give their all to God who is there Ultimate Healer AND WOULDN'T YOU KNOW IT --- (vs 27) they walk right into an oasis called Elim (“the Palm”... not much root there) … 12 wells (one for each family) 40 palm trees. They pitch there tents there like it is the promised land, trust me it was short lived.
While on this side of Heaven, temporal blessing will be either short lived whining experiences or will become part of a memory system that creates a reflex to praise when we are faced with whatever is on the bottom of the cup. Drink in life to the Glory of God. Godliness with contentment is great gain. Jesus has plenty of fresh cool water, to wash out the cup and fill it again and again with new blessings and more memories. TRUST, He is there for you.
HLFA,
Jeff