TROUBLE

noun: difficulty or problems; a cause of worry or inconvenience

“Disciples so often get into trouble; still, God is there every time.” Psalms 34: 19

I really don’t like the word “TROUBLE”.

Nothing feels good about being in trouble, having trouble, or causing trouble.

I remember clearly the first time I got in trouble at school. I was in kindergarten. I had finally learned to climb up on top of the coat closet after watching many of my classmates accomplish this challenging and dangerous feat. As I sat there proudly swinging my feet above the admiring faces of my friends, our teacher suddenly came around the corner and spotted me. With a volume and tone that I had never heard come out of her mouth, she demanded that I “come down right now.” In one split second, my delighted heart turned ashamed and afraid. I silently vowed to stay out of trouble from that day on.

I worked awfully hard to keep my precocious and adventurous self in my teacher’s good graces. I didn’t want her–or anyone else for that matter–to get angry with me. I really tried not to get into trouble again.

But sometimes I did.

And I surely didn’t want to have any trouble either. As I grew older and more responsible, I would diligently overplan, overpack, and overthink every situation. I felt confident that if I prepared well enough, I would be able to prevent anything from going wrong.

But, of course, it still did.

My deepest fear, though, was being trouble. I became quite adept at pleasing people–trying desperately to say and do what they wanted me to. I was determined not to be an inconvenience. Annoying? Difficult? Needy? I would've rather died than be any of those.

But sometimes I was.

When I talked to Jesus about this recently, I told Him that I was so sorry. That I never meant to be any trouble…

His response took me by surprise and caught my heart. He lovingly, gently, and very clearly told me that I actually am a little bit of trouble.

I think I stopped breathing.

Immediately, he reassured me with an overwhelming sense of peace that he absolutely adores me. And this is why he came–to be with me in the middle of my mess.

It was almost as if I could see his eyes smiling at me, loving the girl he created with her adventurous, feisty spirit. Trouble and all.

Invite Him In

Take a deep breath and share your troubles with Jesus. He understands the messes you get into, and he has so much compassion for you. He created you, adores you, and wants to be with you–just the way you are.

One WordSusie CrosbySeptember 21, 20204 Comments