Jonah's Worm

Lord,
Forgive me.

Like Jonah, I have been angry and bitter
over the worm that ate the vine
that You gave me for shelter.

But You are bigger than the worm,
bigger than the vine,
bigger than the scorching sun,
bigger than the desert that surrounds me.

You promise me shade and shelter
that is more than physical,
more than temporary.
It is eternal.
It is perfect.

You shelter my soul.
You sustain my spirit.

You protect me in and through Your gifts, yes,
but more than that –
You give me Your Presence, Your Spirit.
It sustains and shelters and comforts.
It even brings peace and joy,
if I will let it.

Forgive me.
The Lord gives
and the Lord takes away.
Blessed be the name of the Lord.


©Rebecca A Givens, 08/23/09