Tuesdays with Tanya 01.10.17 "Create in me a clean heart, O God ...

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Tuesdays with Tanya 01.10.17 "Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation And sustain me with a willing spirit." Psalms 51:10-12 I started restoring furniture over the past few months and it has become a surprisingly, fun and rewarding hobby that allows for some creative productivity and a few moments to myself---hey, no one can talk to me while I'm using a sander and wearing my bright pink, noise-canceling headphones! Ironically, the noise of working with power tools provides a buffer for treasured, quiet time with God, without interruptions from the outside world. Recently, I was blessed with a dresser from a very sweet and thoughtful friend. The dresser has beautiful lines to it, seriously, incredible curves that I can only dream of, but it was definitely well-worn when it came home with me. Its top had been knocked loose from its body (can anyone relate?), the drawer liners were peeling, nails were popping out in a few places, and some of the edges were scraped and chipped. It was way more shabby than shabby chic, but oh, how I loved this piece of furniture from the moment I saw it! The other day, my husband helped me move it out of the garage so I could start the process of restoring it and I heard him mumble something about it being junk. I just smiled, because I can't really blame the guy. You see, without some sort of imagination and understanding of how to fix the mess I had hauled home, it's hard to see it for more than what it currently is. And I think Hubbyman was really thinking it would make for great firewood. As I started sanding away, my mind went to how thankful I am that God is in the business of restoring humans. As we go through our daily life, we can become © Grace to Joy 2017

Tuesdays with Tanya 01.10.17 rusty and worn out. We can get a little rough around the edges as sin, such as pride, selfishness and jealousy often stick out like the nails that needed some attention on this pretty dresser of mine. But thank goodness God doesn't cast us aside as a "waste of time". He doesn't see us as junk, because He is able to see past our nicked trim work and tarnished surfaces, to the heart inside that so desperately needs time with its Maker. And the best news is that He knows how to fix us! It's only through the process of His refining, that our unique character and delicate curves take shape in His image, and that is when we are truly able to shine for His glory. I was happy with how quickly the dresser responded as I guided the sander over its surface, the little, curvy feet came back to their former glory and the rough, chunked edges smoothed out and showed some promise. I was also quite relieved at how easy it was to reattach the top back to the rest of the dresser, remember, I am still new at this restoration gig! Bent nails were replaced with straight, new ones and as a result, the dresser became much sturdier, much more secure. I know that God is pleased with us just the same when we surrender to His loving hands and allow Him to sand down the rough edges of our hearts. I feel more secure when I am firmly grounded in His truths by spending time with Him daily. And I know that when I allow God to work on anything in my heart that has been bent or knocked loose as I go through my days, my future---although He doesn't promise it will always be easy---will turn out beautiful and bright, like how this dresser will be once I am finished with it. Going back to Psalms 51:10-12, it is my prayer for all of us that God will create in us clean hearts, that are steadfast in His truth and that His Holy Spirit will guide us throughout our days; that God will be our true source of joy, even on the days that wear us down a bit, and that we will seek Him first when we are in need of a bit of Holy restoration.

© Grace to Joy 2017