Malfunctions of Life

“But I will sing of Your strength, in the morning I will sing of Your love; for You are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble” Psalm 59:16 .

My college- age son grabbed the car keys from the counter. “Sure, Mom, I’ll take you. but I’m a little low on gas,”

We headed to his car on the driveway. I slipped in the passenger’s seat and with a loud squeak, he closed the door. “Keep your feet back, Mom. There are wires hanging from the dashboard.”

I huffed a bit as I sank in the frayed seat, with one hand, I lifted the roof lining that brushed the top of my head.

“Sorry Mom, I need to glue that back up.”

A loud pop startled me. “What was that?”

“A loose wire in the radio. Got to slam it to work.”

Jeff’s car, with each turn of its bald tires, begs to be laid to rest at the nearest salvage yard. But Jeff’s appearance? Gracious, what a contrast! Neatly shaven, clean haircut and dressed with stylish designer clothes.

Strange, but my son’s car and his personal grooming mirrors my life. I encountered devastating malfunctions while moving down the road of life. Adversity had rusted my soul, dented my confidence, and scratched at my sense of purpose. Worn out, I too was a candidate for the emotional junk yard.

But when it all threatened to crumble, like Jeff, I kept one area of my life well guarded and cared for—my faith in Christ.

And with each trial I encountered, my well polished trust in Him saved me from despair and defeat.

When I lost my sight, fear of living in darkness nearly devastated me, but God promised to be a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path Psalm 119:105 NIV .

My husband’s sudden unemployment threatened to drown us in financial ruin. But God’s reminder lifted me to safety: “…When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you” Isaiah 41:1 .

And when the flames of sorrow scorched my heart after losing Jeff’s 19-year-old brother to a senseless murder, God refreshed my soul. “When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze” Isaiah 43:2 NIV .

Whenever painful circumstances threaten to drive me toward the emotional salvage yard, my faith and trust in God’s Word crafts an overhaul of my soul. It includes a warranty offered by God, the master mechanic--coverage for any future malfunctions in life. In large print, the guarantee reads: NO EXPIRATION - PAID IN FULL BY MY SON, JESUS.

Heavenly Father, thank You for renewing my soul with the power of Your promises and the comfort of Your Word. May I be a vessel to carry Your faithfulness, and a testimony of Your grace.

Application Steps:
List moments when life seemed the darkest and how God pulled you through.
If the moment is now, speak God’s promises to dispel thoughts of gloom.

Reflections:
What do you listen to when facing tough moments? To the fear that rumbles within you? Or is it the world’s call to succumb to stress? Or is God whispering that fear doesn’t belong in your heart? Which voice will you listen to?