The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord— and he will delight in the fear of the Lord. (Isaiah 11: 2-3)

I had this problem I’ve been dealing with for a while.  I’ve kept it to myself, trying to work through it.  As I’ve tried, and failed, the pain caused by this problem lingered.  And often I would tell myself that in the big picture, it doesn’t matter much.  Maybe the problem is just me. Or maybe I’m being selfish.  It’s just a tiny inconvenience. 

Small potatoes, right?

But then as I reflect on this chapter of Isaiah, I’m reminded of God’s presence and promise.  I’m reminded that Jesus was, is, and always will be part of God’s plan.  I’m reminded that despite the numerous times God’s people turned away from him, he was always there.  He made a promise, and he always keeps his promises.  

It is a reminder of who Jesus is, and the distinct characteristics of the Spirit, exemplified by Jesus:  

Wisdom and understanding.  

Counsel and might.  

Knowledge and a fear of the Lord.

Delight in the fear of the Lord.  

I’m reminded of these qualities of Jesus.  I’m reminded that I always have access to Jesus if I just take the time to ask.  I’m reminded that when the Bible talks about “fear of the Lord”, it means a deep respect and submission to God.  I’m reminded that I, too, should fear and submit to the Lord.

So earlier this week, I found a quiet space to pray to Jesus.  I stopped keeping things to myself, and I laid my pain down at the feet of Jesus.  I didn’t lament my problem, or tell Jesus what I needed, or how to solve it. I trusted in his wisdom and understanding.  I trusted his counsel and might.  I shared my pain and asked for his help.

In a matter of days, my problem was resolved, and my pain was lifted.  I burdened myself with this “small potato” for months now, selfishly thinking that I would solve it myself.  But when I looked to Jesus, and put my small potato problem at his feet, Jesus gladly had a way to turn that pain into joy.  

No problem is too big, too small, or too much of a potato for our Lord, Jesus.

Take one of your potatoes this week, big or small, and lay it down at the feet of Jesus. Look for his wisdom, his understanding, and trust in his counsel.  Submit to the Lord not necessarily for a solution, but for his might to take away your pain and replace it with joy.