As many of you know, I’ve been going through a season where some major things I previously had taken for granted have at least temporarily shifted around. Areas of previous trust have been a little dinged: my trust in the health system, my trust in the daily physical strength I previously had, my trust in being able to wade through the fears of “oh, is that just a twinge or another giant blood clot forming?” – those are just a few of the items. I feel vulnerable.
If Google gave me the only understanding I had for vulnerability….
The word “vulnerable” can have nasty associations. Google lists some synonyms for “vulnerable”: danger, in peril, in jeopardy, at risk, endangered, unprotected, unguarded, open to attack, exposed, undefended, unfortified, unarmed, defenseless, easily hurt/wounded/damaged, powerless, helpless, subject to, at risk of, and at the mercy of. Not one of these synonyms reflects something positive. No wonder I have friends who would rather have a root canal than make themselves vulnerable by trusting others. The negative vibes of vulnerability are from all the humans out there who have failed to lovingly encircle those they are to care for. If Google gave me the only understanding I had about vulnerability, I would never want to go there.
THE Safety Zone
However, God says a lot about trust and vulnerability. God is the Safety Zone. I can make myself open and vulnerable to Him because I know He is eternally up to the task. He is always there, never napping, never off His game, never caught unawares. He will be there when I have my first time visit with the hematologist next this week. He is certainly able to cover the bases regarding work which I had previously considered vital and which now has taken a back seat (yes dear husband, you have to keep up with the housecleaning 😊). God is there when I fall asleep (yet again!) on the sofa due to post embolism exhaustion. God has an incredible memory when my mind is fuzzy around the edges. He is good.
Promises related to being vulnerable
He has given many promises relating to resting (being vulnerable) in Him:
Psalm 4:8 In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.
Ps 5: 3 In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.
Psalm 27: 1 The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?
Matthew 11: 28-30 Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.
God never looks away
God never looks away when I fall into His arms. God is always strong enough to bear the burden. I can make myself vulnerable to Him. He is the One Who will never let me down. He is Trustworthy.