What’s Saving Your Life?

The LORD God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. The LORD will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right.

In her memoir, author Barbara Brown Taylor writes about being asked to speak at a church. The host invited her to answer the simple question: What’s saving your life right now?^a

She points out that it’s easy to list what’s killing us. Most of us have a litany of hard things cluttering up our minds and hearts. We can feel as though we are drowning beneath the weight of work, school, errand-running, or other people’s expectations, making it a cinch to rattle off what makes life difficult.

But asking ourselves “What’s saving your life right now?”—that is, making it more bearable—can lead to endless answers too. Perhaps it’s a new recipe for Thai chicken tacos topped with slaw and peanut sauce, a morning cup of coffee, or the worn-in feeling of your favorite sweatshirt. Maybe it’s a friend’s steady presence or a hug on a hard day. It could be a book you can’t wait to finish, the promise of an after-dinner walk, or laughing so hard that your sides hurt. Maybe it’s a promise from God that you scribbled on a Post-it Note and placed next to your kitchen sink to look at each time you plunge your hands into hot water.

Whatever it is, taking the time to list the things that are saving our lives can be just what we need to redeem the day. God is our source of light and joy (“our sun”), protection (“our shield”), favor and friendship (“grace and glory”). As a loving Father, he doesn’t withhold good things from us. He delights in lavishing on us his love, the beauty of creation, and the peace and comfort of his presence.

When we choose to consider what’s saving our lives, we are reminded of the good gifts we have access to every day, little reminders from our generous God. He delights in us! When we take the time to thank him for the things that make life feel a little easier, we recognize both the gift and the Giver.

Kristin

Today’s Act of Gratitude

List ten things that are saving your life right now.