Open wide!

One of my earliest memories is standing on the footboard of my parents’ bed as my father carefully explained why I had to go to the dentist.

I didn’t want to go to the dentist.

It sounded scary, but it seemed really important to both my parents, so of course I agreed.

That began years of appointments to both a dentist and a therapist to try to correct my severe overbite.

I had four molars removed, because my teeth were so big in my little mouth.

As a teen I had braces for 4 years, correcting all that was wrong with my teeth.

And I’m very thankful to my parents for all the time and money they put into my mouth.

I’ve been told often, that I have a beautiful smile.

As an adult, I have gone to the dentist, but rarely.

So I shouldn’t have been surprised when I broke a tooth last week.

But I was.

I’ll be honest, I was tempted to feel sorry for myself, but I felt instantly that the Lord was with me.

I knew, I had done this to myself in not taking better care of my teeth.

I got a hold of my dentist and the earliest they could get me in was today.

It’s really poor timing, I’ve had to rearrange my schedule.

And I’m feeling nervous.

But I’ve been praying about it and this morning the Lord answered through a friend.

She sent me this verse:

Psalm 81:10 NKJV — I am the LORD your God, Who brought you out of the land of Egypt; Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it.

It spoke so clearly to me that God understands and has already provided.

Today, I’ve gained a whole new perspective for the words: Open wide!

When they are spoken by my Lord and Savior I can respond with joy and assurance that it will be good.

And when spoken by my dentist or hygienist, I can trust that God is using them to help me have healthy teeth.

Psalm 81 continues and this verse stuck out as well.

Psalm 81:13 NKJV — “Oh, that My people would listen to Me, That Israel would walk in My ways!

Following through on those things I know are right is walking in God’s ways and today I’m choosing to do so with a grateful heart.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your Word and the promises therein. Please forgive me for neglecting my teeth and refusing to get them checked regularly. Thank You for the area of dental health and how blessed we are to have people who know how to treat our teeth. Please bless my dentist today and all his staff. Thank You for Your patience with me. Thank You for Your promises and the wonderful gifts in Your Word. Lord, I want to listen to You. I want to walk in Your ways. Thank You for continuing to hone my heart and speak clearly. Lord, as I open my mouth wide today I will be treasuring Your Word. Thank You. Amen.

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