Sewing It Up

There are many different sewing machines on the market, from basic models to job-specifics that run thousands of dollars. Mine is basic. Using it recently brought home a lesson we’re apt to forget, some never to apply again.

My sewing machine has been used by a number of people. My daughters, my granddaughter, and on a lesser scale, myself. There are basics to its use. When something is not correct, the machine will not function as intended.

It is easy to check along the threads, upper and bobbin; to check the tension, foot feed, needle. Sometimes it is just as easy to overlook the error. When that happens, it is best to start from the beginning, verify all settings and rethread from the instruction manual.

A Christian’s life is often that same thing.

At times things are not working as expected, as promised. Promises include joy and a glorious future. Here and now, there is trouble and faith is wavering. There are events that bring sadness, sorrow, frustration, anger, fear. Were not the promises that these burdens would be placed elsewhere?

Some will look upon this as failure of the promises, and God who made them. Some will decide that if those promises were not valid, neither is God who made them and turn away from Him.

It would be better for all involved if we returned to the basics. Turn to the manual God has given us and understand that we are not removed from this world, but are promised a future that is eternal.

Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. (Psalms 51:12 KJV)

That’s an exceptional prayer. It admits something needs to be restored, something that existed at one time. It recognizes that salvation brings joy, and that joy is currently missing. It acknowledges the need to be upheld, and that the strength to do so is freely available. Finally, the source is not within ourselves, nor this world, but is spiritual.

Without rethreading, the process will not work properly. The instructions are in the manual several different times, but one of the best spelled out appears to me to be:

If thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to keep his commandments and his statutes which are written in this book of the law, and if thou turn unto the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul. For this commandment which I command thee this day, it is not hidden from thee, neither is it far off. It is not in heaven, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go up for us to heaven, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it? Neither is it beyond the sea, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go over the sea for us, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it? But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it. See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil; In that I command thee this day to love the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commandments and his statutes and his judgments, that thou mayest live and multiply: and the LORD thy God shall bless thee in the land whither thou goest to possess it. (Deuteronomy 30:10-16 KJV)