Appointed

 

I’ll gather back
those driven out

saving you
who are lame

and among the peoples
of the earth

it’s to you I’ll give
praise and fame.

**********

You are with me and appoint me for more than shame.

**********

“Behold, at that time I will deal with all who afflict you; I will save the lame, and gather those who were driven out; I will appoint them for praise and fame in every land where they were put to shame.”

Zephaniah 3:19 NKJV

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No Shame

 

I will restore
what the locusts have eaten

bringing you former
and latter rains

for I am the Lord
God in your midst

and you shall never
be put to shame.

**********

You will restore what has been taken, for You are with me.

**********

“Be glad then, you children of Zion,
And rejoice in the LORD your God;
For He has given you the former rain faithfully,
And He will cause the rain to come down for you-
The former rain,
And the latter rain in the first month.”

“So I will restore to you the years the swarming locust has eaten . . .”

“Then you will know that I am in the midst of Israel,
And that I am the LORD your God
And there is no other.
My people shall never be put to shame.”

Joel 2:23,25,27 NKJV

No Shame In Asking

“And with many such parables He spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it.
But without a parable He did not speak to them. And when they were alone, He explained all things to His disciples.” Mark 4:23-24

I wonder if the disciples felt a little embarrassed for not understanding? Or if they pretended like they understood when they didn’t? And don’t I do that too, sometimes?

Jesus, thank you for not shaming us when we don’t understand, but patiently explaining as we ask. I’ll trust that You know when I’m ready to hear what You have to say. And here’s a simple poem . . .

Hand Fed

When I don’t understand
and am feeling a little confused
You calm my fears
and hold me close
until I get used

to the fact that I can’t always know
all there is to know
but You will share
what I can handle
as I seek and grow.