by Desiree Bustamante

Disposing of that which pollutes us.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

This could be the last straw. Literally. Seattle has banned the use of plastic straws and plastic ware effective July 1, 2018. California is also trying to ban plastic straws. They do not want to add to already overstuffed landfills, the plastic debris accumulating in our oceans, or being consumed by wildlife. The desire to eradicate the pollution of the earth is overshadowing the convenience of disposable plastic ware.

“I took my troubles to the Lord;
    I cried out to him, and he answered my prayer.”
Psalm 120:1 New Living Translation

What is the last straw in your life? Is there something within you that you are so tired of, something that drags you down so far under, but after all your attempts at dumping it like garbage it ends up washing back up on the shore? Is there someone in your life who you think can’t fulfill your needs, or is so addicted to their own sin that you wish you could walk away from their garbage? Well the good news is that you can.

“The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help.
    He rescues them from all their troubles.
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted;
    he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.”
Psalm 34:17-18 New Living Translation

Christ is the place where you can take any of your garbage, sin, disappointment, or pain and leave it at his feet, then turn and walk away from it. It sounds skeptical, but it’s a promise written in His word. He is powerful enough to rescue you. Take your non-recyclable personal refuse to Christ and banish it forever from your life.

However, don’t just walk away from Him. Christ is the one who heals you, and fulfills your needs and desires, because He knows you. He made you. Christ wants you to give up your garbage to Him, but also to cling to Him and receive His best for you—His love and forgiveness.

“For his unfailing love toward those who fear him
    is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth.
He has removed our sins as far from us
    as the east is from the west.
The Lord is like a father to his children,
    tender and compassionate to those who fear him.”
Psalm 103:11-13 New Living Translation

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado