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Our God is in the heavens;
He does all that He pleases.
Psalm 115:3 ESV

Do you remember the moment you found out your husband was gone? That moment when you experienced the severing of your spousal “limb”?

I remember distinctly the last moments as we unplugged each of the machines, one by one. Some of you were able to hold your husband’s hand as he took his final breath on earth. Every time I hear a song about passing from this life to the next, my throat tightens, I stop singing, and I have a memory flash before my eyes. I saw the “passing from this life to the next” first hand. Those words reach deep into my most inner self.

Or maybe you were not with your husband during his last breath but remember exactly where you were when word reached you. You might even remember your first words at that moment.

Many people heard Lila’s words when she was given the news of her husband’s sudden death. Dawson Trottman, her husband, was one of the founders of the Navigators ministry. He passed away while saving a young girl in a water skiing accident in 1956. As friends were telling Lila of Dawson’s death, she calmly responded with the verse above from Psalms. Our God is in the heavens, He does all that He pleases. How could she respond like that? How could she not fall apart from the sudden news? She was in the similar situation as many of us as widows– Suddenly, a solo parent with four children. But she was so full of God’s Word, when she was “squeezed” by life, God’s Word came out. Our God is in the heavens, He does all that He pleases.

We are squeezed by life often. And what comes out of our mouths?

I can be “squeezed” by the

• worries of my bank account.
• lack of love or grace being shown by a person.
• stress at work.
• exhaustion from parenting.

I want to be so full of God’s Word, that when I am “squeezed”, only God’s Word spills over. Not irritation or angry words. Not isolation or hateful gossip. Only God’s Word. Our God is in the heavens, He does all that He pleases.

I cannot get to that point by just wishing or hoping. I only get there by filling myself up with God’s Word. Not just on Sundays sitting in a worship service. Not just an occasional cracking open of Scriptures at home. I really have to pour it in. So often I can tell you advertisements and movies I have seen only once, but recalling Scripture is much more challenging. I have to want it. Dig for it. Push myself.

When we “exercise” our faith, what comes out of our “pores” will be what we put in.

Rest in this, Sister. God IS in control. He is in the heaven. What He allows in our lives is for the ultimate good of bringing glory to His Name. I have to believe that. It gives the Hope I need to keep going. The contrary leaves me hopeless — with no god, no purpose, and no future. It is either one or the other. Our God is in the heavens, He does all that He pleases.

When we are “squeezed” today, let’s take note of what comes out – and see if we need to make any changes on what we are putting into our minds.

Lord God, You are in control. Thank You for watching over me today. Fill me with Your Word so when I am “squeezed” today, Your glory will shine forth from me. Amen