Genesis 21:6 Sarah said, “God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me.”
Apparently, I default to blame because when I read today’s scripture, my first thought was, “Sarah, YOU are the reason Ishmael exists!” In case you are wondering, playing the blame game isn’t healthy for anyone at any time, but here Sarah and I both are, dishing out blame about situations we don’t like.
Genesis 21:7 And she added, “Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? Yet I have borne him a son in his old age.”
But here is the thing about assigning blame–doing so takes the focus off of something else–in this case celebrating Isaac, God’s promise fulfilled. Blaming can be toxic–so many negative emotions bubble to the surface when you play that game. Celebrating, especially by giving glory to God, is renewing, life-giving. Jesus, Help me choose celebration over blame, joy over anger.
Genesis 21:8 The child grew and was weaned, and on the day Isaac was weaned Abraham held a great feast.
Precious Savior, Thank You for the reminder that I have a choice about what I focus on. I can focus on the negative and blame and be bitter and angry OR I can focus on You, celebrate the blessings You have placed in my life. I know what is the better path. Forgive me when I don’t choose it automatically. Help me, Jesus. Amen.
Genesis 21:9-10 But Sarah saw that the son whom Hagar the Egyptian had borne to Abraham was mocking, and she said to Abraham, “Get rid of that slave woman and her son, for that woman’s son will never share in the inheritance with my son Isaac.”
Have a blessed day.