Speak to the Corners
I am reminded in this season of life of a trip I took few years ago, traveling across parts of Oregon heading to a family wedding. There was plenty of time to watch the scenery pass on by. Observing the geographical change from plush green, to gorge, to dry, to waves of fields of wheat. Quietly, I sensed the Lord whisper to my heart, “Speak to the Corners.” Hm. Speak to the corners? Having no idea what He was referring to at first, I asked Him to SHOW me the corners.
I was made aware of the circular irrigation systems of the fields just outside my window. Studying those, I saw the corners. Green stalks of young corn, grown in a circular pattern. Then there were the dry, intentionally unattended corners of the fields. Assuming the farmers “did the math” and determined it wasn’t cost-effective to plant or water there. I sensed God say, “THIS is not what I intended for your heart. No hidden, unhealthy, unwatered, unproductive, unfruitful—corners.”
I asked the Lord to show me the corners of MY life. Gently (please!) point to things I have tucked back, WAAAAY back into the corners of my heart. Corners, where hidden, nothing healthy and good can grow there. Concepts, perspectives, views of myself and unhealthy views of God. Stuffed places of wrongdoings, habits or mostly—hurts. I am again challenged with this.
As I pursue this, I am drawn to 1 Samuel 24.
King Saul is in hot pursuit of David. David and his men are hiding in a cave. Far back, in the corner (if you will) they sat quietly. Saul comes into the cave for some privacy, to relieve himself. David’s men encourage him with hushed whispers, “THIS is your chance! Go ahead!” (I paraphrase). Can you imagine the split-second thoughts that may have run through David’s mind? “Yes, you are right, I am called to be King, I end this NOW! This man has lashed out at me! What have I done to deserve this?”
But NO! There, in the dark corner of the cave, David instead, stealthily crept forward, cutting off a small corner of Saul’s robe. In this, David was quickly convicted of what he had done, (*cutting at the lineage of Saul’s family, see below). I am learning, Godly conviction can be a tremendous gift. Do not deny or avoid it—lean into it! David proceeded telling the men he was wrong to do so, and they too were not to harm Saul. Taking it further, he stepped out into the light. He called out and revealed his presence to the King. In short, Saul is humbled by the “I chose not to” opportunity by David. Saul genuinely shares, “May the LORD reward you well for the way you treated me today. I know you will surely be king” (vv19, 20).
May we too be rewarded well for the choices we make in the corners. Sure, there may be brief missteps here and there. Yet may we consider our thoughts, motives and actions, and make quick adjustments (like David). Knowing God knows our corners—watches our responses, awaits and invites (may I again use David’s example) healthy stepping into the light—into the Presence of the King.
God knows ALL. Regardless of how well we try to deny the reality of our corners and tuck it, shove it, even barricade it way in the back. Until one day and it will—it all spills out!
God boldly states, “Can anyone hide from Me in a secret place? Am I not everywhere in all the heavens and earth?” says the LORD” (Jeremiah. 23:24, NLT). And the Pastor of Hebrews wrote: “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before His eyes, and He is the one to whom we are accountable” (4:13).
Corners.
May we speak to our corners. Our intentionally unattended corners. May we echo the tender words of King David, “O Lord, You have examined my heart and know everything about me” (Ps. 139:1). He continues, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends You and lead me along the path of everlasting life” (vv 23,24).
God wants ALL our heart, corners and all! He wants it healthy and profitable, fruitful—all for His good pleasure.
Corners count.
*The hem: It goes way back to ancient(er) days. God instructs the Israelites to wear garments with specifically designed borders, hems or fringes also known as tassels. (Nu. 15; Deut. 22; Ex 28). These fringes came to represent authority, personality, their place in society and even lineages were sewn into the hem. Noblemen of the day would sign their name, authenticating, by lifting their robe and pressing the hem into wet clay tablets—specific stitching indicating family and function. Scholars believe David was convicted because he CUT Saul’s lineage and symbolically cut the identity and authority of the Lord’s anointed. It was not God’s instruction. It was not God’s timing. Saul and David understood what had just taken place.
Speak to the corners.
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds” – Hebrews 10:24).
Inspired Fountain 