Faithful Servant

Psalm 119:135 – Make thy face to shine upon thy servant; and teach me thy statutes. (KJV)

In the 1970s, I had a wonderful relationship with George — my 1969 Dodge Dart, a two-door hardtop with a slant six engine.

George always started easily and never stalled, yet he wasn't the perfect car. He wasn't dressed with fancy gizmos, he drank leaded fuel, he had no air-conditioning, and he developed strange quirks later in life. He'd throw a spark plug at highway speeds, the gear shift lever wouldn't always engage correctly, and the driver's seat would occasionally fall completely back without warning. Sometimes these problems annoyed me, but I still loved him because he was mine. I showed my love by having regular maintenance work done on time, and I kept him clean.

As I reflect on those days, I'm reminded of God's love for me. I know that I'm far from being perfect, that I have some strange quirks, and that no one gets excited when I enter a room. But God loves me anyway, and He provides and cares for me. No doubt, I annoy God at times by failing to do what I know is right. But God is merciful and patient. He teaches me and corrects me, but He never stops loving me — because I am His. He enjoys spending time with me.

George always started easily, and I pray that I may always be as willing and eager a servant. Yes, that car served me well. It pleased me. I will try to serve and please my God just as well, so that one day, I might hear Him say, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant: enter thou into the joy of thy lord." (Matthew 25:21 KJV)

Prayer: Father, we thank You for Your love and care. We pray that we will always be willing servants who please You. Amen.