“Lunchtime!” I called and all my kids came running down the steps.
“What’s for lunch?”
“Awww Lunchmeat sandwiches… again!”
“I wanted peanut butter and jelly.”
“I wanted ham salad.”
“Can I have bologna?”
“Can we at least have chips instead of pretzels and crackers?”
Oh, it seemed to never end. “You get what you get, and you don’t throw a fit,” I said as I turned my back to the noise.
A plate filled with food was unsatisfying because they wanted something different.
It was frustrating as a parent because I provided for all their needs, took into consideration the previous lunch meals, and tried varying it slightly, but it was met with other request.
While I would like to point fingers and talk about how spoiled or ungrateful kids can be… I am the exact same way… especially when it comes to talking to God.
So let me just be raw. This last week I received some not-so-great news… three separate times.
Knowing that God is a God who cares I took it to the Lord. But I kept taking it to the Lord instead of handing it over to Him. I hung onto it and declared what I wanted.
Why God? Why would you ___, only to ____. I don’t’ understand Lord.
Guys, I would love to tell you I prayed this and then let God do what God does. But no, I didn’t. I continued. “How about Peanut butter, Lord.” No, Ok, “How about chips?” No, well how about this…
All the while, I am lying to myself claiming to give it to the Lord. But really, I’m acting like a spoiled child.
Praise God, He doesn’t turn His back on me.
Praise God, He places people and songs in my life to point me right back where I need to be.
Today at church, the worship band played, “Graves into Gardens” and WOW did I gain some perspective.
Though I am doing what I feel God called me to do, I have been searching the world, and it didn’t fill me. Yet, He still calls me friend.
I searched the world
But it couldn’t fill me
Man’s empty praise
And treasures that fade
Are never enoughThen You came along
And put me back together
And every desire
Is now satisfied
Here in Your love (Hey)Oh, there’s nothing better than You
There’s nothing better than You
Lord, there’s nothing
Nothing is better than You (Oh)
(Yes, I know it’s true)
(Come on, stand up, hey)I’m not afraid
To show You my weakness
My failures and flaws
Lord, You’ve seen them all
And You still call me friend‘Cause the God of the mountain
Is the God of the valley
There’s not a place
Your mercy and grace
Won’t find me again (Come on, now)Oh, there’s nothing better than You
There’s nothing better than You
Lord, there’s nothing
Nothing is better than You
(I know it’s true)Oh, there’s nothing better than You (Somebody testify)
There’s nothing better than You
Lord, there’s nothing
Nothing is better than YouYou turn mourning to dancing
You give beauty for ashes
You turn shame into glory
You’re the only one who can (Come on)
You turn mourning to dancing
You give beauty for ashes
You turn shame into glory (Tell ’em now)
You’re the only one who can (Let’s turn the graves)You turn graves into gardens
You turn bones into armies
You turn seas into highways
You’re the only one who can (He’s the only Lord)
You’re the only one who canOh, there’s nothing (Come on, choir), better than You
Oh, there’s nothing better than You
Lord, there’s nothing
Nothing is better than You (Search and not found)Oh, there’s nothing better than You
There’s nothing better than You
Lord, there’s nothing
Nothing is better than YouOh, come on, if He turned your grave into a garden, say
You turn graves into gardens
You turn bones into armies
You turn seas into highways
You’re the only one who can (Turn to graves)
You turn graves into gardens (Turn bones into an army)
You turn bones into armies (He’s makin’ waves through the seas)
You turn seas into highways
You’re the only one who can
You’re the only one who can
You’re the only one who canSomebody give Him praise in this house
I don’t think we’re finished yet, come on
I think He’s turning some things over tonightYou turn my mourning into dancing, come on
You turn mourning to dancing (Yeah)
You give beauty for ashes (Shame into glory)
You turn shame into glory
You’re the only one who can (Oh, He’s turnin’ my grave)
You turn graves into gardens
You turn bones into armies (He’s makin’ waves through the seas)
You turn seas into highways (You’re the only)
You’re the only one who can (Come on, one more time)
(You turn my grave into a garden)You turn graves into gardens (You’re resurrectin’ bones)
You turn bones into armies (You’re makin’ waves through my sea)
You turn seas into highways (Shout it out, You’re the only)
You’re the only one who can (You’re the only)
You’re the only one who can (You’re the only)
You’re the only one who canJesus, You’re the only one
Graves into Gardens by Elevation Worship, Brandon Lake
Come on, give Him one more shout of praise
The God of the mountains is the God of the valley. He alone can turn graves into gardens and make beauty from ashes. He took my mess and is turning it into a message. He pulled me out of the chaos and gave me a peace that surpasses all understanding.
Yes, things may not be going the way I want, but this is the God of the universe who cares enough to listen even when I am acting like a spoiled child. When there are earthquakes, disease, and sickness all over the place, He still listens to me.
So what, you need a new job? He provided once; He’ll do it again. Rejected again, it’s going to be ok. Your book sales suck? Hey, at least you have a book to complain about…This is God! He is doing great things and has invited you to share in all that! Praise Him where you are at. Praise God for that sandwich, don’t complain that you wanted something else.
Y’all I am typing this to myself, so if you are getting anything out of it, praise God.
So many times I act like my own children as they get into the van, “Where are we going?” “Are we there yet?” “Can we go ___?” Instead of just enjoying the ride.
I’d like to say I learned something. I’m going to change. But chances are… I’ll be here again.
Praise God, that He is the God of the mountains and valleys, calling me back to experience His glory!
There’s nothing better than you Lord! Thank you for the perspective change.