Revisiting the Box

Read: Exodus 18:1-12

Several years ago, I wrote a devotion based on Randy Travis' song "The Box." The lyrics of that song tell the story of a dad who was known better after his loved ones opened an old dusty box that contained treasured things. Objects that showed the family members how much their father truly loved them. A truth that hadn't been obvious to them during their dad's life. That song reminded me of what might be in God's box. Precious things that He might keep in a box that are a part of our every-day lives.

Our tears, Psalm 56:8.

Our words about our love for Him, Malachi 3:16-18.

Our prayers that He delights to hear, Proverbs 15:8.

If I may, I would like to visit the theme of that song with a new twist because of something I heard this week while getting ready to draft in fantasy football.

It concerned Clyde Edwards-Helaire, a running back for the Kansas City Chiefs who has just signed a one-year contract with the team. However, that wasn't all the commentator said. Edwards-Helaire announced earlier in the month that he struggles with PTSD. He has been hospitalized on more than one occasion due to difficult physical symptoms. He believes that it might have been triggered by a traumatic incident that occurred when he was at LSU or the deaths of several friends who had been in what he noted was the wrong place at the wrong time. This story stood out in my mind at least partly because Clyde Edwards-Helaire was on my fantasy team a few years ago. Of course, I had no idea that he dealt with PTSD. Of course, I'll never meet him, but because he "opened his box", I am aware of something I would have never known about him. I don't know what his walk with Jesus is like, but I ask the Lord to help him to know how much he is loved by the Savior and how he can begin a relationship with this One Who has seen his tears whether shed or unshed.

We all have a box. Precious truths that have been and continue to be a part of our lives. Joyful incidents that cause us to smile. Sad things that bring a tear to our eyes. Things that are between us and Jesus, and all kinds of circumstances that fall into unnamed categories. The beautiful thing is that part of fellowship is cracking open our boxes to allow someone to get a glimpse into our lives. Even just a little bit. Sharing even small incidents with someone helps him get to know us. It might be something minuscule that has been a part of our day or week. Something that might cause us to thank Jesus together or something that might help us pray for one another.

In Exodus 18:1-12, we see the sweet fellowship that Moses and his father-in-law enjoyed. Evidently, Moses had sent his wife and two sons back to Jethro. When Jethro heard all that God had done for Moses and his people, he brought Moses' wife and sons to where the people were camped at Mount Sinai. After small talk, Moses and Jethro went into the tent. What a conversation that must have been. Moses opened the box and told his father-in-law the wonders God had worked on behalf of the children of Israel. Imagine the joy of telling about the parting of the Red Sea and the daily giving of the manna. Perhaps Moses told him about the cloud that was visible during the day and the fire that was visible at night. No wonder Jethro praised the LORD. Saying that there was no other god like Him. No wonder Jethro offered God a burnt offering.

What a good thing to bring out of our boxes. Like Moses did. relating an incident concerning something that Jesus has done for us. No, He has not divided the sea so we could cross on dry land; however, He has answered many prayers where we felt as boxed in as Moses and his people surely did. No, the Lord has not provided manna, but he has brought us provision at just the right time.

I remember the day many years ago when two cards came in the mail. Each had two twenty-dollar bills. Each had a message that had been typed on the same typewriter. Yes, this was before personal computers. My husband tried to figure who had sent the gift by an imperfection in the type. To no avail. Behind the gift was of course, the ultimate Giver, James 1:17. I wonder if opening our boxes with someone might just give them hope, laughter or someone to pray for. In the account in Exodus 18, Jethro had heard of what God had done; however, when he received the first-hand account from Moses, it surely was even sweeter.

Today I read the account of a friend's journey towards healing. One thing she said was so encouraging. She stated that she had never felt closer to God than she has during these days. Talk about cracking open her box. She is far away, but knowing this truth might cause those who read her words to praise God for what He is doing on her behalf.

A few days ago, I received a question. Another way that we sometimes open our boxes. Without betraying a confidence, the question basically came out of a wondering heart. Had I heard of anyone else who was facing a circumstance like hers? I said yes. Her response? It is good to know that she isn't the only one. We all need to know that at times, don't we! I'm glad that Clyde Edwards-Helaire spoke about his struggle. May the Lord meet him right where he is. At his greatest point of need.