It’s part of my Italian heritage to be sure no one leaves the table hungry. After dinner with family last week, I pulled out containers to store leftovers.
I grabbed one container and looked for a matching lid, then two, then more. I stared at the assortment. Not a single one fit.
Sometimes, nothing fits. There’s a disconnect between what I thought, and what is. What I had hoped, didn’t materialize. What I planned, didn’t happen. What I dreamed, evaporated. We try to do the right thing; it doesn’t work and we stumble.
Do these scenes sound familiar? What do we do with mismatched lids and empty containers? When plans and hopes don’t fall into place and even emerge opposite? When a scenario unfolds and we stare in disbelief-even asking, why doesn’t God fix this?
This morning I spent time exploring my “mismatched lids and empty containers.” I didn’t look in cupboards, but in the Psalms. The beauty in reading Psalms, the longest book in the Bible, is that they include a variety-a lid-for every life situation.
We read of God’s faithfulness, praise for God’s greatness and power, prayers for insight and guidance, laments and cries in hard situations, confession and repentance, and songs of praise.
Let me share a few “lids” that fit when we feel empty.
- In unpredictable and surprising situations, none are a surprise to God. He responds by lifting me up and sustaining me. The situation may not change, but I do, when I rest in His confidence. (Psalm 3, Psalm 143)
- In sadness and irreversible situations, I am secure in His arms (Psalm 16, Psalm 46)
- In working through a hard relationship or task, He supports me, even broadens my path, so I don’t collapse with the weight, my feet don’t slip, or my ankles turn (Psalm 18)
- In doubts and discouragement, His Word offers trust, love, and wisdom (Psalm 19)
- In tears, I know that He notices, and deeply knows I am sad and troubled (Psalm 56). I have hope in Who God is. (Psalm 111, 117)
- In questions, He assures me He knows the details of my life. (Psalm 139)
- In emptiness, His love and faithfulness have no limit. (Psalm 36:5)
Our disappointing and troubling life scripts aren’t pleasant, and if we’re honest, unwelcomed. But in our feelings of emptiness, they have a matching lid when we search the Scriptures. The problem may remain and may be irreversible, but the fit for security, comfort, and assurance of God’s promises and unfailing love are custom made for you.
Will you comment and share your experiences with the Word of God to sustain you hard times? How have you found “matching lids”?
I love the Psalms too. Reading through again and again gives me fresh insights and beautiful reminders of the variety in God’s being–justice, love, grace, mercy…
The Psalms are an all occasion book! Thanks for contributing, Nancy.
Wow! I woke up this morning to this email & I know it was God who made sure I read it. It was the answer to my sleepless night & my prayer for help as I anticipate my book manuscript returning from the editor in time to load it. I prayed as I sat wide awake at 5AM that God send me help. I laid back down & was able to fall asleep. When I woke up at 7AM this article was in my email & my answer – the message in Psalms blessed me assuring me of God’s presence. Thank you – Dr. Velma
Oh my! I pray every time for my posts to reach one woman where she is. Thank you for sharing your experience. Blessings on your new manuscript. Marilyn
Marilyn,
Such a wonderful analogy. The Psalms literally brought me back from the brink of an absolute breakdown in 2020. I’ve never been that close to falling over the edge. They have the power through Holy Spirit to minister to our hearts, souls, and our minds. I’m so thankful for this precious book of God’s Word.
Debbie, the Psalms have brought me back to focus many times too. I love what you said about ministry to us. Thank you, Marilyn
Where do those missing kids go? I laughed when I read the beginning of this because I can relate. I relate also to the comforting words of the Psalms. I try to read one every day.
Candyce, A Proverb and a Psalm a day! I have no idea on the lids but similar to socks in a washing machine. Thankful for the real lids I discovered. Marilyn
I think one of the truths God has impressed on me lately is that He will never leave me and never forsake me and will be with me wherever I go. Even when things seem uncertain, I know He is always by my side and I am not alone.
Joanna, He has proven to be faithful in His presence for me always. It’s hard when life is uncertain and irregular, but He never leaves us. Marilyn
Boy can I identify with the mismatched lids. But I love how you transitioned that example into how we can feel mismatched in life. God’s Word is what gives us that fit and puts us in the right place.
Barbara, Mismatched, missing, and irregular pieces in life– the Psalms are always my “go to”. Thank you for commenting and adding to our conversation. Marilyn
Oh, those missing lids…It takes up more space, but I keep the lids on the container so I won’t be searching for missing pieces. I wish it was that easy when I’m missing my connection to our Father. Thankfully, He is patient in my struggles and is always waiting for me when I stumble and finally fall before Him. Thank you for sharing these Psalms. They are a blessing. Another that brings me comfort is Psalm 62, particularly verses 5-8. And of course, Psalm 23.
Katherine, Missing pieces is a thought and prayer provoking comment. I’m glad even when I have missing pieces, He fills not always with a fix or an answer but a reminder He is there and bigger than my missing and irregular piece that doesn’t fit. Marilyn
As your post started, I had to laugh out loud. I’ve never been in a Nonna’s home where there wasn’t an overabundance of storage containers. Further, I’ve never left an Italian home without one filled with something. Love the post Ms. Marilyn! I too am glad that Father God always finds just the right fit for us. God’s blessings ma’am.
JD- you know that for sure- a container filled with something! My grands go to the treat cabinet before they leave–it’s a staple:). Some day I may tell you about the cookie table as one of my daughter’s weddings–both sides are Italian and enough for two receptions–really! And back to our Psalms- HE always gives us more than enough. Ephesians 3:20 is my life verse. Marilyn
I am so relieved it isn’t only me with all the mismatched lids 🙂 This is a wonderful analogy. I’ve been using a devotional this year that is a daily walk through the psalms. I am so grateful God gives us a lid for every situation!
Yes, Joanne–for every situation!
I love your catchy title and Psalms. The book of Psalms is full of real emotions and real encouragement for our daily struggles. Thanks for the reminder.
You’re welcome! Glad you visited and commented. Thank you.Marilyn
I hate mismatched, useless plastic containers, Marilyn, so I’m militant about keeping them organized. But, much to my dismay, I can’t control life in the same way. That’s why I’m particularly thankful for the psalms that faithfully match every life circumstance.
Annie, I love your comment-“Psalms that faithfully match every life circumstance.” Marilyn
Marilyn, I enjoyed this post and appreciate you highlighting multiple values in the book of Psalms. I love this truth: “The beauty in reading Psalms, the longest book in the Bible, is that they include a variety-a lid-for every life situation.” True!
Thank you jeannie.. I think that’s why I love reading the Psalms and often using them as prayers because as you say there have “multiple values”. You can see your need addressed in them. Marilyn
I wish I did not understand the mismatched lids as much as I do. But I too am so thankful for God’s promises.
I agree! Thank you for stopping by and commenting! Marilyn