In the Dust
The other day my youngest daughter walked into our kitchen and starred. The sun was shining through our kitchen window with a brilliant, warm beam focused directly to our floor. As she walked into the light, she was full of glee as she noticed she could see things floating with such intensity of light. Her two-year-old mind was curious and she giggled as she tried to grab these spectacular, new things she was experiencing for the first time.
She looked up at me with a wide smile and said, “Mom! Look!”
My response was not so exciting.
“Oh look at that! Do you see that dust?”
“Yeah! Dust!”
“Yeah, that just means Mommy needs to clean.”
As quickly as the moment came, she skipped off to find a new discovery. The floating dust particles had been fun for a moment, but they just settled where they landed and that’s it. There’s no life in them. Their seemingly beautiful dance moves in the sunlight are short lived, with no real life at all.
I do not need a science lesson on all of the different things dust is made of (Yuck!). Nor do I need these facts to remind me in my struggle to complete my least favorite chore. However, it is interesting to me that the Bible talks quite a bit about dust:
Psalm 119:25 (NASB) says:
“My soul cleaves to the dust;
Revive me according to Your word.”
To cleave to something means to become attached to it, or in a stronger sense, adhered, glued, or intertwined with. The things I am adhered to can break me before the bond is broken; much like wood glue. The pieces of wood will splinter and break before the bond from the glue does.
The question I have to ask myself is, “What kind of dust is my soul cleaving to?”
I don’t want to get attached to dust. It isn’t stable. Dust floats around with the slightest breeze and moves wherever the wind may take it. The things that are unstable in my life can knock me off the path. Things such as unhealthy relationships and imbalances in my life by working too much and not laughing enough or carrying people’s problems that I was never meant to take on. These things can knock me off balance and create instability in my life.
Dust may have things that could harm me, or those around me; such as if I have allergies or asthma. The things that are harmful in my life can create chaos in my mental, emotional, and physical health. Things such as participating in activities or getting involved in situations that I recognize could bring me harm.
Watching that show.
Commenting on that post.
Gossiping about the new couple at church.
Reacting with harsh words as opposed to being in control and responding.
Withdrawing from loved ones because I am hurt.
This is just the tip of the iceberg of my list. Maybe I’m the only one.
Finally, dust clings. If it gets on your pants or shirt, it stays there, and depending what it’s made of, can stain your clothes. Things that cling to me from my past can have the potential to leave stains on the beauty of the life God has blessed me with now. Things such as the hurtful words, the careless act, the questions of “Why me?”, “How come?”, and “Where were you God?” I can entertain these memories and thoughts until all I see is the stain it has left on my life.
I love the Psalmist honesty and prayer in the same breath of this verse. He recognizes that his soul is attached to things that aren’t good and that are temporary in the timeline of eternity. Yet, he also understands that there is something that can cleanse his soul from the dust he clings to: God’s Word.
God’s Word (The Bible) is referred to with many allegories, but one of the more common ones is water. Jesus referred to Himself as The Word, and also as Living Water (John 1:1-5; John 7:38). The Word is described as the thing that cleanses the church, which is what believers make up (Ephesians 5:26). I love how God’s Word can come into my soul and wash it clean of all the dust. Dusting my house is my least favorite chore; however, I absolutely love the sensation and opportunity to live in a home that is clean and free from something that can be detrimental to myself and my family. I love how God does the same for my soul.
Point to Ponder:
It’s time to do some dusting. What dust are you cleaved to that you may need to allow God to wash away with His Word today?
Megan Sinisi absolutely adores a good cup of coffee, chocolate, and sitting with people to share life stories. She is a native to Las Vegas, born and raised, and has four beautiful children with her handsome husband, Vincenzo. She is a counselor, specializing in the field of addictions, with multiple certifications, both in Nevada and nationally. She directed Nevada’s largest treatment court and has been building her private practice since 2014, acquiring contracts with the City of Las Vegas, City of Henderson, Clark County Special Defender’s Office, and Zappos.com. It is because of her own journey of healing and through her career that she has learned the wounds we have can begin to be healed as we share our stories. She considers it an honor when someone shares their story with her, and hopes that as she shares her stories of victory and healing that others can be inspired, encouraged, and challenged. Megan has a love and fervor for writing and is walking in faith that God is calling her to use that passion and gift for His glory. She is someone who is known for her honesty and transparency that brings light to difficult situations and feelings, and offers hope and encouragement for the journey of life. It is her hope that by sharing her journey, it encourages, challenges, inspires, comforts, and most importantly, shines the light of Jesus and the reality of His love, grace, and mercy. You can find more from Megan at www.meganjsinisi.com And @meganjsinisi on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.