Yes… yes, I am really this lame!
Some days, the struggle is so real I wonder, like Mephibosheth did, “Why would you show regard for a dead dog like me?” (2 Samuel 9:8). This morning, I could barely get out of bed. Everything hurt. Each step sent pain shooting through my lower back, and I wanted to cry with every movement. Depression is creeping in again, and honestly? I feel dee-flated. (Yes, with two e’s.)
And yet, somehow I still have my sense of humor. Only God.
When Devotionals Sting Instead of Soothe
I reached for encouragement this morning, desperate for a breath of fresh truth. I opened my devotional, and what did it say? “The blind and the lame will not enter the palace.” Oof. I closed the book. That verse felt like a gut punch. Here I am, physically and emotionally hurting, already feeling useless and overlooked, and that’s the encouragement?
But the Lord nudged me: Go back. Don’t stop at one line, but look at the whole story.
A Deeper Look: The Story of Mephibosheth
So, I did. And wouldn’t you know, when we turn to 2 Samuel 9, there is something completely different to see. Something beautiful!
In this chapter, David, now king of Israel, asks, “Is there still anyone left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” (v.1). This is rare behavior. Most kings in those days would wipe out every trace of the former royal family to protect their power. But David remembers a promise he made to his best friend, Jonathan, and seeks out someone that he can bless.
Enter Mephibosheth.
We learn he is lame in both feet and living in a place called Lo-debar, which literally means “no pasture.” In other words, a forgotten man living in a forgotten place, carrying a broken body and, likely, a broken spirit.
Fear, Shame, and the King’s Unexpected Kindness
When summoned to the palace, Mephibosheth doesn’t show up with swagger. He falls on his face before David and says, “Behold, I am your servant.” His heart is humble. He’s aware of his limitations. And he’s probably terrified, not knowing if he’s being called to be honored or executed.
But David looks at him with compassion and speaks words that wreck me every time:
“Do not fear, for I will show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan… and you shall eat at my table always.” (v.7)
Chosen in Our Weakness
David didn’t just offer a one-time gift or a nice meal. He gave Mephibosheth a seat at his royal table. A place in the palace. Restoration of his family’s land. Provision for the rest of his life.
And here’s what hit me: Mephibosheth didn’t do anything to earn it.
He was lame, in hiding, and living with shame and fear. Most days he was asking the exact same thing, “Am I really that lame?” Yes, he is! And yet, because of a covenant promise made long before he was called, he was chosen.
The Gospel in a Broken Body
That’s the gospel, isn’t it? We come broken, limping, sometimes even believing lies that we’re too far gone or too useless to be of any value. We feel like “dead dogs” rejected, worn out, and unworthy. Some days, we ask “Am I really this lame?” But our King remembers the promise. He remembers the covenant. He calls us by name and invites us to the table.
Some days, I may greatly struggle with my physical limitations and wrestle with deep emotional valleys. But just like Mephibosheth, I’m still called. I’m still seen. And I’m still invited.
And so are you.
A Seat at the Table
When we feel like life has left us in Lo-debar (out of sight, out of strength, and out of hope), but God sends His word to find us. Not to shame us, but to lift us up and remind us: you have a seat at My table.
God doesn’t overlook our weaknesses. He doesn’t wait until we can walk perfectly or perform powerfully. He shows us kindness in our brokenness. His strength is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). His invitation isn’t based on ability but on identity.
He Still Calls Your Name
Friend, maybe today you feel like I do (lamed by pain, discouraged by your limitations), wondering if there’s any place left for you in the story God is writing. Maybe you’ve even believed that line: “The lame can’t enter the palace.” But I want to encourage you, don’t stop there. Keep reading. Let Scripture show you the full picture and may you find God’s kindness in it!
The Kingdom of God isn’t out of reach for the broken. It’s exactly where the broken belong because that’s where the King is. And our King? He’s the kind of King who keeps His promises and calls us by name. God restores the lost, and pulls out a chair with your name on it.
You don’t have to be whole to be welcomed. You just have to answer when He calls. So, am I really this lame? Yes, I am. And it turns out, that’s exactly why I need Jesus. My encouragement is to find someone to show God’s love and kindness to. Who knows, you may be that person today!
💛 With love and kindness,
-Dee
Join the Conversation
Have you ever felt like Mephibosheth (forgotten, broken, or unworthy)? I’d love to hear your story and what Scripture reminds you that you’re still invited to the table? Share in the comments below or message me directly. Let’s remind each other that God’s kindness reaches even the lowest places. If you need additional encouragement, here’s another dee-votional to help.
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My God uses my brokenness.
He definately does, Beth! =)
Always blessed to see what you are sharing! You are such an inspiration! To God be the glory!!
Thank you Carol. You are too kind, and I’m always blessed by you. =)