Many years ago, the parable of finding a single penny, one cent was given to me as being One Sent by the LORD. Finding a penny is a simple reminder to stop and ask the LORD if there is someone special to whom HE would like me to share HIS love. Last week, while vacuuming my vehicle at a car wash, I came across 34 pennies in a neat little pile on the cement. As it is the season of snow and ice, it is not a common time of year for me to go to a car wash. This car wash had recently reopened for $3.00 car washes and so I went to encourage the reopening of their business in the middle of winter, the week before Christmas. When I inquired of the Holy Spirit about the pennies, Psalm 34 came to mind. May it bless your soul and spirit as much as it did mine. Psalm 34 ~ A Psalm of David I will bless the LORD at all times His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul will make its boast in the LORD, the humble will hear it and rejoice. O magnify the LORD with me and let us exalt HIS name together. I sought the LORD, and HE answered me, and delivered me from all my fears. They looked to HIM and were radiant, and their faces will never be ashamed. This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him and save him out of all his troubles. The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear HIM, and rescues them. O TASTE AND SEE THAT THE LORD IS GOOD. How blessed is the man who takes refuge in HIM! O fear the LORD, you HIS saints; for to those who fear HIM there is no want. The young lions do lack and suffer hunger; But they who seek the LORD shall not be in want of any good thing. Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD. Who is the man who desires life and loves length of days that he may see good? Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit. Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it. The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous and HIS ears are open to their cry. The face of the LORD is against evildoers, to cut off the memory of them from the earth. The righteous cry, and the LORD hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all. HE keeps all his bones, not one of them is broken. Evil shall slay the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be condemned. The LORD redeems the souls of HIS servants, and none of those who take refuge in HIM will be condemned.
The Sent One Revisited During my morning walk, I found 16 cents, on the 16th day of July, 2022. When I picked up the three coins, I immediately noticed the penny was folded over, not broken, just folded over and it reminded me of my prayer posture in these last seasons...with my knees on the floor and my forehead touching the ground as I have poured out my petitions to ABBA ADONAI.
Remembering that sixteen (double portion) is symbolic of the Father's Love according to the Arithmetic of God and three is symbolic of the 3rd Day and The Trinity (Father, Son, Holy Spirit). Pausing momentarily, I ponder this gift from the Holy Spirit and continue to do so over the following weeks.
In the last few seasons, it does not seem that I have been encouraged by anyone. As I am emotionally, mentally, and physically exhausted which does not provide an accurate lens for any evaluation. Just because I cannot see clearly YHVH's perspective does not mean HE has forgotten where I live. More than likely it is because I am completely overwhelmed by circumstances and am hanging on to the fringe of YESHUA's garment as I intentionally press forward in relentless faith.
However, in the last three plus years I have been the sole caregiver 24/7 for my disabled son...every day has felt like it is too much. Much more than I am capable of managing. The truth is that it is more than anyone is capable of handling...most caregivers work a 4, 6, or 8-hour shift then go home. Or in some families, the caregiving is shared by siblings and other family members.
Each day is a walk of purposeful faith, trusting YHVH, the One who sustains me....always and forever.
Cast your burden upon Yahweh and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken. ~ Psalm 55:22, LSB