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Roast Duck Anyone?

 

Medical bills, car repairs, house repairs, growing kids, and taxes…this isn’t how I thought 2010 would play out.  I’ve completely lost track of many of my proverbial ducks I wrote about in January.  (Chasing Ducks – see past devotionals)  I’m not drowning but at times I certainly am treading water.  Concerns can weigh on me, even though I know I shouldn’t.  Can you relate?

 

I have realized some of these ducks aren’t lost all.  They were never mine to begin with.   Especially ducks named fear, worry, and anxiety.  Contemplating these lost ducks, I realized they were more “what ifs” instead of “what is”.  You know what I mean?  I can get so caught up in what might happen I miss the beauty of what is happening.  Life has its struggles but it also has blessings. 

 

Throughout this year, God has reminded me to trust Him.  I have spent the last month devouring Proverbs 3.   Yes, that is right feasting on it as if it were a banquet made just for me.  Savoring every bite, I have taken in the nuances of its entire flavor profile.   I have stood on verse 5 and 6, declaring I trust Him when circumstances urge me to do otherwise.  I have been reminded not to rely on my own wits to manipulate outcomes to my favor.   I am settled in here.  I am not willing to move until I’ve fully digested all that this chapter has to offer.  My faith has been boosted by the promise of God’s word.

 

So today I am handing over those ducks (AGAIN).  Fear, worry, and anxiety are sneaky fellows that slip into our life and cause all sorts of stress.  They don’t come from God, so I should not entertain them.  Enough is enough; those little rascals can just swim on their merry way.  They are not mine to take care of, nor do they belong to you.  In fact if we give them over to the Lord, He can take care of them permanently.  God knows what to do with them.   After all Psalm 23:5 says “You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies.”  (NLT)  Who’s to say He’s not serving roast duck?

 

Proverbs 3: 1- 8

¹ My child, never forget the things I have taught you.
      Store my commands in your heart.
 ² If you do this, you will live many years,
      and your life will be satisfying.
 ³ Never let loyalty and kindness leave you!
      Tie them around your neck as a reminder.
      Write them deep within your heart.
 ⁴ Then you will find favor with both God and people,
      and you will earn a good reputation.

 ⁵ Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
      do not depend on your own understanding.
 ⁶ Seek his will in all you do,
      and he will show you which path to take.

 ⁷ Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom.
      Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil.
 ⁸ Then you will have healing for your body
      and strength for your bones.

© Leslie Schonfeld 2010