Life Vacuums

We were having a typical Bible study conversation this morning in our 20’s and 30’s Sunday morning class when my friend, a spunky farm wife/volleyball coach, said “Sometimes Life Vacuums” and continued on with her train of thought as if we all spoke this way.

Everyone acted as if they completely understood her, because no one had the guts to admit they had never heard this expression before. “What does Vacuuming have to do with the Bible?” one member finally asked. “You know, the action a vacuum makes…that’s how life is sometimes.”

I have to agree with my friend and her goofy expression; there are days when life really vacuums. These days, turning on the news vacuums all my hope and seeing discouraging results in my workplace vacuums my dreams. Disappointment and failure can vacuum away my joy and there are days when my vitality is vacuumed up by depression and sadness.

You know, the days when your kids don’t seem to know what it means to obey, or clean up, or treat each other with kindness. The days when everything you touch seems to fall apart (or burn up…if you’re trying to cook supper). The days when the cupboards are bare, the laundry basket full and your brain feels like jello. The days when all of your efforts at any type of work seems totally futile. Those are the kind of days that really vacuum.

During those times when it feels like circumstances are sucking the life out of me, I often wonder if God cares. Is He paying attention to these challenges I’m facing? Does He even notice what a terrible day I’ve just had? And then, I open up my Bible and read:

Isaiah 40: 27

Why do you say, O Jacob,

and complain, O Israel,

"My way is hidden from the LORD;

my cause is disregarded by my God"?

Do you not know?

Have you not heard?

The LORD is the everlasting God,

the Creator of the ends of the earth.

He will not grow tired or weary,

and his understanding no one can fathom.

He gives strength to the weary

and increases the power of the weak.

Even youths grow tired and weary,

and young men stumble and fall;

but those who hope in the LORD

will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles;

they will run and not grow weary,

they will walk and not be faint."

Yes, He knows that life can vacuum up our strength and our hope but He promises to renew us if only we will trust in Him. He’s with us in those vacuuming days; He never leaves our side and He’s much bigger than any problem we’re facing.

Thoughts to Ponder:

1. What challenges are you facing right now that are threatening to suck away your hope or your joy?

2. Bring God into the midst of your days that “vacuum” and ask Him to renew your strength as you rely on Him.



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