For the Days You Need Larva Gear

That's what a friend calls it.

Larva gear.

It's that fluffly bathrobe, soft slippers, and towel-on-the-head gear that you put on after emerging from a hot bath following a long day.

We wear larva gear when we want to retreat from the world into a safe cocoon.

To breathe.

   Recharge.

      Recalibrate.

Because some days life just beats us up.

We run across angry people. Or grumpers who need a nap. Or hurting people spewing poison.

As I absorbed my friend's spa-like definition, one question blared loud in my mind:   

What about spiritual larva gear?

What if you are the one angry, grumpy or hurt? Psalm 42 gives us a glimpse of a soul desperately seeking spiritual larva gear:

"As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God." Psalm 42:1-2

To pant means we have exerted ourselves to the point of exhaustion. We exert ourselves toward wealth. Health. A name. Perhaps even fame.

We don't allow margins. Our schedules look like an overpacked closet. Our pace of life exhausts our body, mind, and soul.

But did you notice Who the psalmist longed after?

God.

He's the only One who can quench our thirst and satisfy our soul. Even though God relentlessly, lovingly draws us near to Him, sometimes we pull away. We're busy, remember? But eventually busyness catches up with us.

Then...CRASH.

So before we reach for the nearest fluff and hot water faucet, pour these words into your soul:

"Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." Matthew 11:29-30

"And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:19

"I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you."
Jeremiah 31:3

Some days we need spa-like larva gear. But it doesn't last. The water gets cold.

Spiritual larva gear? It wraps us securely with hope, hydrated by the wellspring of life.

It reminds us about a Savior who died and rose so that we could LIVE -- not merely exist.

No fluffy slippers required.

What Scripture verses do you wrap around yourself when the going gets tough?

.