Little Sips

The following are excerpts from a little book 

from Dohnavur Fellowship (that of Amy Carmichael).

His thoughts said...
His Father said...

27 WHEN THE DEW FELL IN THE NIGHT 

     The son said, Thinking of manna I feel reproached. So many hours are spent merely in sleep.
     His Father said, When the dew fell in the night, the manna fell upon it.  While thou sleepest I prepare heavenly food for thee.  But it is written, "The people shall go out and gather a day's portion every day;" [Exodus 16]... Thou hast thy part to do.  Go out, then, and gather thy portion for to-day.  Thou canst not live upon yesterday's portion.

 

28 HEM IT WITH QUIETNESS 

     His thoughts said, What if I have not much time to gather my portion?
     His Father said, Hast thou only one minute?  Hem it with quietness.  Do not spend it in thinking how little time thou hast.  I can give thee much in one minute...

29 LITTLE SIPS 

     The son wondered how it would be if because of press of business or illness he could not go out early in the morning to gather his portion.
     His Father understood, and he caused him to know that if the business concerned the Kingdom, or if illness or any such real hindrance interrupted, he should be at rest.  Only he was warned to be careful lest the interruption should slide into a custom.  He was not meant to be easy with himself.
     But he was reminded that the living water was never out of reach.  If he had not time to drink long in the morning, he could take little sips now and then through the day from the Brook that is always flowing in the way.

What comfort written by one who knew what it was to be chronically ill and bed-ridden. 

Maybe all you can take of Bible study some seasons is "little sips." Maybe a Psalm. Maybe a few verses from a gospel. Maybe listening to an audio Bible (such as can be found for free on www.Bible.is). 

Don't put yourself down at such times for being able only to absorb one phrase out of several chapters. God knows how He made you. (Psalm 103:13-14) He knows what you are facing right now - much or how little your brain and body can handle. And He knows what "manna" you need for today.

Take those sips -- and be at rest.