You Do It Anyway

This is probably going to be a very brief blog; but I have the sense that someone out there needs to hear this comforting word from the Lord.

As my eyelids fluttered open this morning and I awoke from my sleep, the usual complaints crossed my mind first thing. I don't utter these complaints out loud; they just permeate my very first thoughts in the morning and I know it's not good. "Oh God, another day," my heart sighs. "I will have to do it all over again today, just like yesterday and the day before and the week before and the month before...."

Realizing how displeasing this must be to God, as I awaken with complaints filling my thoughts instead of praise, I began to apologize (as I have many times before). "Forgive me, Lord. I know it must be so grievous to you to perceive these negative groanings from my mind and heart as I first awaken in the morning. I know I should be arising with great praise and joy in a beautiful new day, and fresh opportunities to serve You!"  Then this morning, in the Spirit, I heard a still, small response from the Lord. Ever so gently I heard Him say, "It's true that I don't like the complaints. I know that this is not what you expected your married life to be like.  But what blesses Me is that you do it anyway! Each and every day I watch as you resolve to set the complaints aside, arise from your bed, and go out to find your Bible.  You sit with Me as together we choose what you should read to your husband. Then once he is up you do what you do every day. You read to him, you pray for him, you make him a good breakfast and then you spend your day meeting his needs and showing him that you love and honor him.   It's not what you really want to be doing, but you do it anyway. You do it for him, and you do it for Me.  And I notice. Every day.  It is obedience that brings blessing."

Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in obedience to Him - Psalm 128:1

Take heart all you who are spending your days caring for someone. Know that your occasional grumbling is not what matters.  It's your obedience to God that counts. You are blessing Him!