Lesson from A Bookshelf

 I have a confession to make.  I am addicted to books. I realized it when my bookshelf took a turn for the worse.  Too many books found their way on the shelves and the weight caused it to wobble and lean.  Eventually it’s going to collapse.  I haven’t replaced it yet so it’s still leaning.  I took some books off  the shelves and laid them down gently instead of standing them up tall.  It helps but it’s not good enough to stop it from leaning. The back particle board has come apart from the frame so there’s no support from behind.  It looks like a bookshelf but it’s not acting like one.  It has become defective. I know it’s still a bookshelf but the books aren’t being supported the right way.  It reminds me of my life ‘s bookmarks.  Sometime things get wobbly on the job or at home, I start to lean and sometimes I really feel like I could collapse.  The weight of dealing with everyday life, work, finances and family gets heavy. Sometimes I look like I’m living on pitch and doing ok but I’m not. I’m just living and leaning, wobbling and shifting.  One thing I’ve learned, when I’m feeling as if I’m about to collapse is God is my support.  My bookshelf taught me that one day.  I realized God has my back covered and he won’t let me fall off the shelf.  I can gently stack my burdens, problems and fears and lay them down before God.  I am renewed and refreshed by reading my Bible, taking time out for prayer and meditation so that I can stand up again.

Psalm 31: 1 (ESV) In you, O Lord do I take refuge; let me never be put to shame; in your righteousness deliver me!

Psalm 119:116-117 (ESV) Uphold me according to your promise that I may live, and let me not be put to shame in my hope!  Hold me up, that I may be safe and have regard for your statutes continually.