Of Greater Value

I’m one of the lucky public employees who gets to take six unpaid days off before the end of September, meaning a substantial loss of income in the next few months. My first reaction after this new revelation was utter PANIC!! Compared to the many who have lost their jobs, I am still very fortunate. But finances have already been tight lately, & the prospect of stretching even further was melting my brain!

Eventually, good sense began to seep through the panic, as I realized a very salient fact: Our Lord has never let me down. Psalm 37:25 says “I have been young and now I am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, or his descendants begging bread.” Not that I’m OLD, mind you, but the concept certainly holds!

Last week after the swans were killed, I took great comfort in Matthew 10:29: “Are not two sparrows sold for a cent? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father.” This verse tells me that God knows where those swans are now, whether it be in “swan heaven” or not. He knew them every moment of their lives as their Creator. This brings some solace in my sadness over their loss.

Today, as I considered the financial struggles that lie ahead, I received even more comfort from the verses following: “But the very hairs on your head are numbered. So do not fear, you are of more value than many sparrows.” (Matthew 10:30-31, NAS) These verses tell me that, if our Father loves & cares for the sparrows (& the swans!), He certainly will love & take care of me too!

I think sometimes we all forget how much God loves & values us. It’s humbling to receive that love, realizing how unworthy I am. For me today, it helps me see that I can rest in peace, knowing that He will provide for me.

Take this world from me,
I don’t need it anymore.
I am finally free --
My heart is spoken for.
Oh! And I praise You!
Oh! And I worship You!

Covered by Your Love Divine,
Child of the Risen Lord!
To hear You say, “This one’s Mine!”
My heart is spoken for.

Now I have a peace
That I’ve never known before.
I find myself complete --
My heart is spoken for!
Oh! And I praise You!
Oh! And I worship You!

Covered by Your Love Divine,
Child of the Risen Lord!
To hear You say, “This one’s Mine!”
My heart is spoken for.

By the power of the Cross,
You’ve taken what was lost
And made it fully Yours!
And I have been redeemed
By You, Who spoke to me,
Now I am spoken for!

Covered by Your Love Divine,
Child of the Risen Lord!
To hear You say, “This one’s Mine!”
My heart is spoken for, yeah!

Covered by Your Love Divine,
Child of the Risen Lord!
To hear You say, “This one’s Mine!”
My heart is spoken for.

Take this world from me,
I don’t need it anymore...

~~”Spoken For” by MercyMe (Album: Spoken For, 2003?)