Open Wide

Springtime in the Smokies

With everyone we love, we carry burdens because of that love. When they hurt, we do, too.

In a sleepless pocket of the night, concerned and praying for someone close to me, some words popped in my mind...

"Open wide your mouth and I will fill it."

I recognized the words had come from scripture, but exactly where I did not know. But they comforted me and I drifted into a sweet sleep.

With the first awareness of morning, the words were there again, crisp and clear. I went to my Bible, eager to look up the context. They belong to Psalm 81.

"I am the Lord your God who brought you up out of Egypt. Open wide your mouth and I will fill it."

The psalm talked of the joy in remembering the things the Lord had done for His people Israel. Delivered them from famine. Removed the burden from their shoulders. Even made water come from a rock when they were thirsting in the desert. He had done wondrous things they could never have done on their own. He had made things possible in situations that seemed impossible.

All He asked then -- and all He asks now -- is our loyalty and trust, looking only to Him for all we need. No idols, no looking to something or someone else to resolve those difficult issues in life.

"If my people would but listen to me... how quickly would I subdue their enemies (v. 14)," He said. "You would be fed with the finest of wheat, with honey from the rock I would satisfy you (v. 16)."

As I went about my day, the anxiety I had felt was replaced with a gentle comfort. My heart was truly warmed by these sweet words that formed a rich picture of God caring for all and being in control of all. It was a powerful reminder of what a humongous difference it makes to shift my focus off my concerns and onto trusting in the Lord alone for all life's needs.


Almighty God, Our Father, I thank you for the wondrous ways you provide when we look to you for all our needs. I love to hear your comfort and direction when I am open enough to listen.