Bottle It UP!!!

By Marion Smith

Romans 5:5

Our vacation in Pebble Beach was wonderful. The weather was
delightful, food superb and we had perfect conditions for golf. The
views of the ocean pounding against the sides of cliffs took my breath
away. The happy antics of the sea otters frolicking in the ocean
lifted my spirits, and the seals amused me as I watched them dive for
food and sun on the rocks. The resonance of their barking to each
other was a sound that was pleasing to me, as was the crashing of the
waves as they rolled into shore. I experienced marvelous visual sights
and sound, and when it was time to return home to reality, I wasn't
ready to leave.

Sights and sounds so wonderful... . I wanted to bottle them up
and take them home with me to keep the joy I experienced alive. I
could just let a little of it out each time I faced a trial at home... I
could recapture the way I felt - joy, peace and thrill of beauty
unsurpassed. ... I could allow the happy memories help me face the
setbacks of the real world.

But of course, this was impossible, for we cannot "bottle
up" joyful experiences and then just pour them out when we want a dab
of them, like we would perfume.

There is, however, a bottle full of God's grace, and glory,
peace and acceptance, faith, hope and love ready for us to receive. As
a matter of fact, it says in the bible- Romans 5:5, that there is so
much God wants to give us - we can't round up enough containers to
hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy
Spirit. That is wonderful news. I am so glad God has a miraculous way
to share all He has with us. It is beyond human understanding, but I
know from personal experience that if I go to the bottle of God's
love, remove the stopper and ask for His help, He will pour into my
spirit what I need. He does the same for all His children, for He
loves us all equally. Remember when you are in dire circumstances or
the pressures of life are getting you down, just go to God's bottle of
grace, and He will pour out to you a good measure, not just a dab, but
a good measure of whatever it is you need. He is faithful!