A Moment To Praise 8.9.21
Joyce Lochinger, Gravel Hill Worship Leader
Tough Nut
I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase, “That person is a tough nut to crack!” Perhaps someone has said that about you? It may have been said about me a few times in my life!
As far as actual nuts go, I’m sure at some point, you have tried opening nut shells with your bare hands. Walnuts are the toughest to crack, in my opinion! If you want to do that, you have to use a nutcracker!
Recently, I ate lunch at one of those steakhouses where you get peanuts to eat before your meal arrives. I enjoyed the satisfaction of breaking the nuts open and eating a tasty appetizer of the soft, salty nut, not to mention throwing the shells on the floor! As I talked and cracked the nuts, I noticed that some of the shells opened very easily, and some of them were quite difficult. Still others I had to set aside because them seemed fused together too tightly and did not break! I hate to say it, but sometimes these ‘tough nuts to crack’ mirror the phases of my heart.
The Nut of Our Heart
Sometimes, I run to God or a trusted sister in Christ to share and ask for assistance very open with my problems. Other times, it is almost impossible for me to open up and share my troubles with anyone, including God. I mean, I’m not supposed to burden others with my problems, right? And I certainly shouldn’t bother God with my incessant whining!
Though sometimes it may feel challenging, we should always go to God! He wants our vulnerability with Him and to share the innermost details of what’s inside our hearts. He already knows how we feel. Take Jesus for example! When close to His crucifixion, He went to the garden of Gethsemane to pray. Jesus came to his Father completely open and transparent. Here’s what he said:
A Moment To Praise 8.9.21 in Scripture
| Bible Gateway passage: Matthew 26:39 – New International Version
Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” |
Jesus, knowing exactly what He was going to do for all of humanity, still opened up to God and pleaded with Him asking if the cup could be taken from Him. Jesus asked if He really had to die on the cross to save mankind. He was vulnerable and honest and shared all of his feelings with God.
It’s hard to let others see your pain, your sadness, or distress. However, there is one place where you don’t have to pretend that everything is okay: within your relationship with God. Lean on Him. Give Him all of your struggles. Allow Him to give you all of the peace that you need for that moment, and keep moving forward! Let His will be done in your life!
A Moment To Praise 8.9.21 in Song
| Matthew West – Truth Be Told (Official Music Video)
Watch the official music video for “Truth be Told” now! Listen to #TruthBeTold everywhere: https://matthewwest.lnk.to/BrandNewID!TBTMVConnect with Matthew. |
Have a great week!
Joyce
