“The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22–23
The pantry shelves were empty, and all I could imagine was my young family going hungry. My mind was spiraling toward panic. My husband, who was just out of seminary, and I, along with two toddlers, were in England training to be missionaries. I knew the learning curve would be high in a new culture. So, I tried to be prepared for everything, but all my planning left little room for trust. Staring at empty shelves wasn’t on my preparedness checklist.
I had already watched God provide generous funds to make our training in England happen. Still, I had my own idea of what that year would look like. I can tell you it didn’t include dependence on so many other people to make life happen. It’s humbling to feel desperate. But in that desperation, I was learning to be grateful for the things the Lord does for us.
Extra cans of food in my pantry had always been my safety net for the more-month-at-the-end-of-the-money moments. The emptiness was scary. It’s ironic we had just come from seminary—a school that teaches deep truths about God, His sovereignty, and His infinite love and provision. I’m also grateful for His patience with me!
When the outcome is positive, it’s easy to say, “What a blessing,” or “God provided for me today.” But saying, “Your love never ceases,” when the shelves and your wallet are empty? When the unexpected happens and still proclaim, “Your mercies are new every morning”? I was learning to say, “Great is Your faithfulness,” in unexpected seasons.
God is a good Father and a kind teacher. Our living arrangement for the year included housemates who generously shared a few of their “extras” to get us through the empty shelf saga. I can’t remember if I asked or if they noticed our need. What I do remember is God’s goodness and grace throughout that year.
I’m still growing in trust and gratitude. His kindness and provision still show up in unexpected ways. Today, set your need to do it yourself aside. Trust Him and give thanks in the middle of your empty shelf season.
Prayer: Lord, I thank You for the hard lessons of growing my character into Your likeness. Your grace is great even when my trust is low. Your mercies never end. Every morning You are faithful. I’m so grateful that You show up even when I think I’ve got this. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Want More?
Read 1 Thessalonians 5:16–24.
- What does rejoicing look like?
- How does one never stop praying? How is that possible?
- How, when, and why do we give thanks?
- Define quench. What is the benefit of the Spirit?
