Jun
26
Fish Belly Time
Filed Under Daily Devotions
SCRIPTURE: Jonah 1-4; 2 Timothy 2
But the Lord provided a great fish to swallow Jonah and Jonah was inside the fish three days and three nights. ~ Jonah 1:17
OBSERVATION:
Oh Jonah, who fled from the Lord only to be tossed into the sea and swallowed by a big fish. I view this as a “time out” for Jonah. Like a child who threw his toys or punched other children, who has to sit in a chair (sometimes in a corner) to think about what he had done. The whole of chapter 2 is Jonah’s prayer to the Lord – he’s considering what he’d done and why he’s in the situation he’s in. Fish belly time is never a fun experience, but when we’re vomited up upon the dry land, we have a new insight for our life.
APPLICATION:
Blech, I hate fish belly time, because it means I got off track, I’ve strayed away or I’ve taken my own life into my own hands. I’m forced to look at my past decisions and see the mistakes I’ve made. But when I see the patterns of my life, I can learn and grow. I can make assessments and begin to make the necessary changes to better my life. This may be an awful time, but in many ways is necessary.
PRAYER:
Father God, I hate fish belly time, even though I know it’s necessary at times. I pray I can grow and learn during these times and implement that knowledge so I can limit my time in the fish’s belly.