Washed in Grace

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Posted by: Kathy from Mornings | Monday, October 20th, 2025 (12:00am)

I waited and waited and waited for God. At last he looked; finally he listened. He lifted me out of the ditch, pulled me from deep mud. He stood me up on a solid rock to make sure I wouldn't slip.—Psalm 40:1-2

I don’t know exactly what is supposed to come to my mind when I read this Scripture, but every single time I read this, I picture my girl Lexi. Lexi was my sweet, golden retriever and best friend. I had wanted a golden for as long as I can remember and finally, Christmas 2013, my dream came true. Pretty soon, the newness of having an adorable puppy wore off as she was just that….a very naughty little puppy. I was ready to send her back. I’m serious. I’d had it, she wouldn’t listen, she was stubborn, and oh so destructive. Then it happened…the last straw, my tipping point, the thing that pushed me over the edge. She got into the mud. What was I expecting? I mean, we did live in Washington state, one of the rainiest places in the United States. It was springtime and she was a five month old puppy who liked to dig and was really quite proficient at it. It was in her nature to get dirty, but when she came to my backdoor covered in mud wanting to come in the house, I just about lost it. Fortunately, for both of us (and the whole family who also adored her), laughter interrupted my frustration as I grabbed my phone and took a picture.THEN I went outside and hosed her down.   

It’s funny how God teaches us through our pets and our kids, isn’t it? See, I am just like her. Very often, I find myself refusing to listen to my Master too. I stubbornly avoid what I know is right, and I land myself in the mud. It’s in my very nature to get messy and go my own way, just like it was Lexi’s nature to act like a hyper, curious, stink-seeking puppy. But God, because of his grace and his radical love for us, does not give up on us and does not leave us in our mess. He cleans us up, takes care of the dirt, the bugs, the sticks, and the thorns so that we can be free from the hazards that hinder us. His washing and tending frees us from everything that we get caught up in. Leaving us in that state would not be loving, that would be neglectful. God knows in order to live the life He called us to, we must be free of those things that drag us down.   

Because of His great love, he sent Jesus, the Living Water; water that purifies every part of us. The only action required on our part is letting Him wash us clean so that we can be with him forever!   

I wish I could say that was the last mess Lexi ever made. It sure wasn’t. I have a whole scrapbook evidencing her multitude of shenanigans. I will say though, that in spite of them, I loved her as much as I could possibly love another creature, and that love is a mere morsel compared to the love our eternal and perfect Father has for us. No matter the muck you find yourself in, He will always pull you out and clean you off if you let Him. He’ll set you on the solid rock to make sure you don’t slip.  

Today if you or someone in your life needs a major spray down by the garden hose, trust the Master of the house. He is able. It may seem like you have been stuck in your mess for too long; so long you have become accustomed to it and don’t even think there is a need for a bath. Perhaps it seems like the mud is too thick and no amount of cleanser, water, and scrubbing can help. Does that ditch of despair look too deep for anyone to possibly be rescued? God sees us and He is not giving up on anyone; NO ONE is beyond His reach! Just lift up your hand, and He will take it from there. 

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