GOD'S BOXES

       I read an interesting poem that I thought was good enough to share.  It is called "God's Boxes" (Author Unknown).

I have in my hands two boxes
Which God gave me to hold.
He said, "Put all your sorrows in the black box
And all your joys in the gold."
 
I heeded His words, and in the two boxes
Both my joys and sorrows I stored.
But though the gold became heavier each day
The black was as light as before.
 
With curiosity I opened the black
I wanted to find out why.
And I saw, in the base of the box, a hole
Which my sorrows had fallen out by.
 
I showed the hole to God, and mused
"I wonder where my sorrows could be."
He smiled a gentle smile and said
"My child, they're all here with me."
 
I asked God why He gave me the boxes
Why the gold, and the black with the hole?
"My child, the gold is for you to count your blessings
The black is for you to let go."

            While this poem presents a fictional story, it also presents some biblical truths that are good to be reminded of.  (1) Count Your Many Blessings.  It is shocking how often we dwell on the negative and completely forget the astonishing blessings we enjoy.  If we literally counted all of our blessings, would we not be surprised by how many blessings we have and how much we take for granted?  Ephesians 1:3 says, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ."  There are so many joys in this life.  Let's remember the blessing we enjoy.  (2) Give Your Sorrows to God.  Throughout Scripture we are reminded that God is here to help with our troubles.  We are told to cast our anxiety on Him because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7).  We are told not to worry about our lives in the things we need (Matthew 6:25f).  We are told that those who are weary and heavy-laded can find rest with Christ (Matthew 11:27).  Many other verses teach similar truths (Jeremiah 31:13; Isaiah 61:2; Matthew 5:4; Revelation 7:17; etc). 

I am so glad God has given us the avenue of prayer so we can bring Him our joys and sorrows, knowing that He will take care of everything.  What an amazing resource to utilize!  As we go through this life, there will be terrible sorrows, but there will also be wonderful blessings.  Not matter what sorrows happen throughout our lives, let's bring them to God.  He cares for us and will ease the load.  And let's always remember to count our blessings and thank God for, because they are always much greater than we realize.

Brett Petrillo