Someone once said, “Be careful what you pray for, you might get it.” That sounds funny, yet that is exactly what happened in Psalm 106. The Israelites were tired of manna and asked for meat.
God’s response:
“And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul.” – Psalm 106:15 KJV
As I read this during my quiet time I spent some time thinking what leanness of soul might look like. What comes to your mind?
Webster’s 1828 Dictionary gives these definitions:
1. Destitution of fat; want of flesh; thinness of body; meagerness; applied to animals.
2. Want of matter; poverty; emptiness; as the leanness of a purse.
3. In Scripture, want of grace and spiritual comfort.
I read this description too:
To make thin; to cause to waste away; to destroy
What could you ask for that might cause this to happen? I think it could be any number of things, but the scenario in Psalm 106 seems to suggest that it can be anything other than what the Lord has for you.
For instance:
He wants you to serve in some way and you choose not to
He wants you to get up earlier and spend time with Him and you choose catch a few extra moments of sleep
He asks you to call someone, write to someone and you fritter away the time instead
He…you fill in the blank
I’m not trying to put a guilt trip on anyone, but I do think I whine a bit too much about the little things I’d rather not do that I know the Lord has asked me to do and as I walk in that on a daily basis my soul grows lean.
I don’t long for more time alone with HIM, or His people. I don’t take every thought captive. I don’t turn to Him in prayer, and with each step my soul grows leaner.
You might say these are all relatively small things, but so was wanting meat instead of bread. For me the message is this: if I don’t listen and learn to accept what God is giving me, my soul will grow lean.
This is a recipe that you really must try – but not because its gluten free, or can be made dairy free if you use dairy free chocolate chips, but because they are absolutely the best cookies I have ever tasted. Yes, that is a strong recommendation, and I haven’t had much sugar or chocolate the last few weeks, but hands down they are terrific! They are also easy to make! How much better can it get?
Finding Joy in the Journey,
Phyllis
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Finding Joy in the Journey,
Phyllis
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Phyllis Sather
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12 Comments
educator
I once attended a workshop, and the speaker told us to close our eyes, and he was going to ask us to think about something most people don’t like to think about. “But”, he said, “this has a purpose behind it.” He asked us to imagine we were at our own funeral. “Now”. he said, “what do you want to be remembered for.” He went on to point out that no one one wanted to be remembered for being a good housekeeper, or that they made lots of money, ext. He said but we often put such things first, and ignore the the one thing we want to be remembered for. So live your life with that as your guiding star. It made a big difference, I have never been as good of as housekeeper since. 🙂 I want to be remembered for making a positive difference in the world.
Mrs. Sarah Coller
This is good, Phyllis. On the flip side, we can find ourselves so wrapped up in doing what we THINK are good things for God when we are really ignoring the simple things he wants us to do. I have felt much more “lean in the soul” when I was out ministering to everyone else’s kids, running women’s ministry events, etc., but ignoring my responsibilities at home and to my own kids and husband. Functioning well within our God-given role is best to keep our souls full and fulfilled!
Blessings!
Mrs. Sarah Coller
Phyllis
I totally agree. Thank you for mentioning that.
I remember telling others that I was the default parent. When Dan was gone more it meant I was home more because the children needed that consistency. If I had made plans and Dan couldn’t get home to be with the children, once again I was the default parent. With the job he had at the time that happened frequently but as his wife it was my place to see that our children were well cared for first.
Blessings, Phyllis
Phyllis
I stopped at your site and shared your post on voting. How did you end up in Croatia?
melanie
Newest follower here! I found you through the Monday link up! Cute blog, I can’t wait to read more!
-meandmr.com
Phyllis
Welcome aboard! I’m looking forward to getting to know you. Blessings, Phyllis
Gin
Wonderful words of wisdom–thank you for sharing! This blessed me today. (We’re near neighbors at the Moms Against Manic Mondays link party this week). Blessings, Gin
Phyllis
Oh dear, I should not have gone to your site! Graham Heath bars…with lots of photos…and to think you are my neighbor, could you bring some over? I pinned it for later. Blessings, Phyllis
Callie
Hi Phyllis, these cookies look fantastic but the words speak to me more. Thank you for reminding me of the important things that He has set out for me, not what I deem as important. Many blessings to you.
Phyllis
Thanks for your kind words and for stopping by. I need to remind myself of these things too. Blessings
Michelle
Such a good meditation. I’m definitely trying the cookies…my son is gfcf and my best friend gf, too
Thanks,
Michelle
http://normalchaosforamultitaskmom.blogspot.com/2012/10/one-moment-at-time.html
Phyllis
Thanks for stopping by Michelle. No one in our immediate family is gf but we have friends who are so we try to check out some recipes to make when we are with them. Let me know how you like them. Blessings, Phyllis