When most hear the question "What's in your wallet?", their mind ultimately goes to the Capital One commercial, talking about how beneficial their credit card is to have. For me, it's the dust in my wallet or the lint in my pocket where money isn't. But this question came to my mind today for another reason. One, not necessarily related to money, but rather something intangible.
It's no secret that I have been a follower of Jesus Christ for many years; 18 to be exact. I like to believe that my faith is unshakable, that I am fully confident in God's abilities and that I fully trust Him, but the truth is all of these things are a daily struggle for me. Let me say unequivocally that this is not because God has failed me ever, It is because, I, in the face of trial, fail God. I revert to self-preservation and what I can do to fix my situation, even when it seems beyond anything I am capable of. Of course I will pray and ask God to help with whatever situation I am facing, but as quick as I say the word, Amen, I pick back up the fear, the anxiety, the pain, the disillusionment, the anger, the sorrow, or situation that I just offered to Him. Instead of trusting things in His capable hands, I pick them right back up, in my own weak and feeble hands. And guess what, it just leads to more anxiety, fear, pain, disillusionment, anger and sorrow.
When life is good and things are going well, complacency sets in and my prayer life, for myself, becomes non-existent. I will fervently pray for the needs of others and thank God when He has answered the prayers lifted for others, but when it comes to daily communion with God, to just acknowledge all He has given me, sadly, I fail at that. I'm ashamed to admit that I am guilty of putting God in my pocket, like a credit card, to be pulled out when I "need" Him.
I am not deflecting because I am guilty of everything below, but I think that a lot of people are guilty of this as well. When our marriages are happy and life is just rolling along, God is in our pockets. We aren't thanking Him for the blessing of our spouse or our children and we take the good times for granted. But when our marriages hit a rocky patch and anger, disillusionment, resentment and pain, bubble to the surface, we reach for our pocket and pull out the God card. Suddenly, we are on our knees praying for God to fix whatever the problems may be and we flood social media with references of God like He's our newest best friend.
When our finances are in ruins and the bills are beyond what is coming in, hopelessness sets in. There's fear of losing your home; you hide your vehicle to keep it from being repossessed and the only time your telephone rings is when a bill collector calls. It all becomes so overwhelming and frightening. You don't know where to turn, so you reach for your pocket and pull out the God card.
Feelings of failure and uselessness set in when we lose a job. Our self-esteem and self-worth go down the toilet because we feel we have no purpose. Everyday tasks become a chore because depression sets in and even getting out of bed becomes difficult. Not knowing where to turn, we reach for the God card in our pocket.
An unexpected diagnosis, chronic illness, depression, anxiety, and even death, all times when you feel you have no where else to turn, you reach for what's in your pocket, God.
Let me be very clear in this, God WANTS you to come to Him all your troubles. He wants you to trust Him with your every need. He wants you to express your anger, your sorrow, your disillusionment, and your pain. "Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened. And I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28 God desires to be your source and strength when you are in need. But what He desires above all is a relationship with you that is not one of convenience. God desires to hear our joys and our thankfulness. He desires to hear our worship and our praise. God wants to know that we love Him and more than anything He wants to know that we recognize how much He loves us.
Even in our unfaithfulness, He is faithful! "If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself." 2 Timothy 2:13
There is a huge difference between the cards we decide to pull out of our pockets. If I pull the credit card out when I need it, its satisfies the immediate need or want; the pair of shoes, the groceries, that slice of pizza. While some credit cards offer benefits for their use, the fact remains that it's going to cost me for quite some time. The God card is not a credit card. It is not intended to be used just when you need it. It's intended to be used at all times, without cost. There is no interest, no annual APR and no redeemable points, but this card never expires, has a limitless credit limit and isn't just for wants or needs. This card entitles you to a constant companion; a lifelong partner; someone who wants to share all aspects of your life,good and bad. And yes, its good for our needs as well. The cost to use this card is simple, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart,with all your soul and with all your mind." Matthew 22:37.
When you apply for and accept the God card, the rewards are endless. Your problems won't necessary all disappear, but facing them will be much easier than without it. With every use, your faith will become stronger, loneliness will disappear, peace will be restored to your soul and joy will find you again.
So in closing, I'm asking, "What's is your wallet?" Do you need to pull that God card out and keep it in your hand? Has God been your go to person with everything that is going on in your life, good and bad or has He been your credit card? Credit cards can get you in trouble; God never will.
Until next time, I've got my God card out and I'm gonna use it until it smokes!
God Bless,
Cat
