For a while now I have had this topic on my heart and mind. Especially since my miscarriage, and how trusting God has a big effect in my healing; mind, body and spirit.
If we are "Christians" or "Believers" then it is "expected" of us to trust God. Does it come easy? No. Why is trusting God seem so difficult? Could it possibly be due to the fact that our natural man has been let down or failed by so many other things, or people? Do we just naturally assume that although God is Almighty and superior than man, will fail us too? Maybe....One thought is that humans can not handle disappointment or change well. Understanding that God's authority and power are supreme. God's judgment and decisions are far more comprehensively designed then any of our own. That is why GOD NEVER FAILS.
It is so easy to trust in things we can control. Can we control God? NO.... So instead we try to trust in the things that seem to be in our grasp of control. Maybe it is our husbands, children, jobs, friends, money and many other things that are visible and tangible. God is neither. What ever we trust in outside of God, it will fail us.
So many people have learned this lesson the hard way. Many people have trusted in the economy or their 40l K's. Now that the economy is hurting many people are also b/c they have misplaced their trust. What we can not seem to understand is that our trust is valuable. What ever we trust in increases the value of it. So it is logically sound to apply our trust wisely. In any case trusting in God is our best plan of action.
How do we do this? Well it's easy, one step at a time. It all begins with a decision. A choice, in which we rely not in ourselves but in an unseen all powerful God. A spiritual force that is ever present, never resting and always dependable. Trusting in the Almighty God means we relinquish to him our hopes, dreams and desires in order to allow his perfect will to be accomplished in our lives.
Everyday meet with the Lord, through prayer and through reading and meditating on the Bible. Doing so you will receive guidance and encouragement from his word. Also taking time to praise and thank him for his watchfulness and constant care over life's daily struggles. He wants to be there for us and wants us to rely and trust in Him. Building a relationship with Jesus should be a desire of all our hearts. Focusing on a close relationship with Jesus will inevitably bring a peace and joy beyond anything else on earth.
I have recently heard a new song from the band Building 429. It is their newest single called, "Always". If you get a chance you can go to http://klove.com/ and click on music and then the "top songs" and find it in the list and listen to it for free. Here is just the chorus :
I believe always, always
Our Savior never fails
Even when all hope is gone
God knows our pain and his promise remains
He will be with you always
Such a wonderful song of hope and encouragement.
I also wanted to share that I have been blessed with some new friendships since my miscarriage and how much they have blessed and encouraged my heart. What I have learned through these new friendships, is that we all face trials but is not just about our problems but how we can minister to others through our own struggles. God can use us in ways we can not imagine if and only if we allow him to by putting our focus on him and not ourselves. I have been uplifted not b/c I have been sulking in my sadness but b/c I have been lifting up others who are facing trials and who need the love and prayers of fellow believers. Even in the midst of our sorrow we can be a help to others even if only in thoughts and prayers.
Remember what the Word says about about prayer:
Ephesians 6:18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints
Colossians 4:2 Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving;
James 5:15 And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.
Thank you to my new friends who have been praying for me. Also to those who have been the recipients of my prayers to our loving and awesome Father God. The beauty of prayer, is noticing how amazingly faithful God is in answering our prayers and in many ways beyond all expectations.
Blessings for a great day in the Lord!
Friday, March 27, 2009
Spiritual Strength Renewed.
When trials arise and struggles seem tiring, we often find our spiritual strength needs a boost. I recently read a story in a very interesting and wonderful book titled, "Then Sings My Soul" special edition. This is a book comprised by stories about hymn writers by Robert J. Morgan. Each story can be considered a devotional since each song described starts out with a scripture which lead to the reason or inspiration of the song. The stories are so inspiring and add a wonderful understanding to the meaning of the beloved hymnal songs sung by so many believers.
Last night I read one of these stories. The song "Day by Day" was authored by Karolina Sandell-Berg a Scandinavian considered to be the "Fanny Crosby of Sweden". The scripture used for inspiration was Psalm 27 : 1
1. The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?
Though frail in body she was known for her strong spirit and delighted in literary, artistic, and religious influences of those in her local surroundings.
Sadly tragedy hit her and her father as they were enjoying a boat trip. Her father the Reverend Jonas Sandell suddenly fell into the water and drowned when their boat accidentally lurched forward.
Focusing on the scriptures through her grieving and realizing the Lord gives strength to His struggling children. She authored 14 poems and one such poem became the song "Day by Day".
This wonderful hymn has many thoughts of encouragement for those who are needing to be strengthened. Reminding us of the great promises God has given.
Exodus 15:2
2. The Lord is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation; He is my God, and I will praise Him; my father's God, and I will exalt Him.
Deuteronomy 33:25
25. Your sandals shall be iron and bronze; as your days, so shall your strength be.
The power of Scripture and the beauty of God inspiring a song that encourages and comforts many in their walk and life with Him.
Last night I read one of these stories. The song "Day by Day" was authored by Karolina Sandell-Berg a Scandinavian considered to be the "Fanny Crosby of Sweden". The scripture used for inspiration was Psalm 27 : 1
1. The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?
Though frail in body she was known for her strong spirit and delighted in literary, artistic, and religious influences of those in her local surroundings.
Sadly tragedy hit her and her father as they were enjoying a boat trip. Her father the Reverend Jonas Sandell suddenly fell into the water and drowned when their boat accidentally lurched forward.
Focusing on the scriptures through her grieving and realizing the Lord gives strength to His struggling children. She authored 14 poems and one such poem became the song "Day by Day".
This wonderful hymn has many thoughts of encouragement for those who are needing to be strengthened. Reminding us of the great promises God has given.
Exodus 15:2
2. The Lord is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation; He is my God, and I will praise Him; my father's God, and I will exalt Him.
Deuteronomy 33:25
25. Your sandals shall be iron and bronze; as your days, so shall your strength be.
The power of Scripture and the beauty of God inspiring a song that encourages and comforts many in their walk and life with Him.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Casting and carrying.
Trials are a part of life. They happen to everyone. Even if we do not want to admit it, we all go through trials sometime in our lives. Some seem greater than others. Some trials seem so unbearable that we scarcely find the strength to stand. It is through these times of trials that we may find our strength is not enough. We may even feel weak and unable to weather the trial on our own.
It is at those times that we need to look at what the bible says about how to handle our trials.
1 Peter 5 : 6-7
6. Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time,
7. casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
Psalm 55 : 22
22. Cast your burden on the Lord, And He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.
It is interesting that the bible refers to cares also as burdens. What did Jesus say about burdens?
Mathew 11 : 28-30
28. "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
29. "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."
30. "For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.''
Wow, that is so wonderful! I just love this passage in Mathew 11. To me I can see a 3 step process.
1) Come to Jesus with your burdens and he will give you rest.
2) Give Jesus your burden. ( I personally think that the rest comes after we have given our burden to him).
3) Take up his yoke it is easy and his burden is light. (Our burden weighs us down, where as his burden lifts us up).
How else are we to handle our trials?: Well in Galatians we are encouraged to share our burdens with one another.
Galatians 6:2 Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
Many of you are aware of my recent miscarriage in January. It has been for me, a very tough trial. I know some may not consider this a trial. I however have been struggling to understand or at least to find peace throughout all of this. I have gone through many trials before and yet have never felt so emotionally tired. In all of God's wisdom I know his plans are great. Even or especially when, I can not see them. I have to rely on my faith and trust in Jesus to help me through. I personally have felt hurt and abandoned. I know Jesus has not meant for me to feel this way. I know that we are to see our trials as a good thing.
James 1 : 2-3
2. My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,
3. knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.
In many ways I am sure I am in much need of patience. It is never easy to endure a trial. Then after enduring it, you have used up every ounce of strength and patience you could muster. I know that and that is why we need to rely on Jesus.
My personal trials I struggle with are some that were established years ago, while others are fresh and constant. My oldest son is very precious to me. Not just b/c he is my oldest but b/c he is autistic. He has struggled with this for most of his life. My husband and I have struggled with him and his autism. Although it should be easier to deal with, everyday is a new day and a new challenge. That trial for us is continual. For many years throughout my childhood my parents relationship has had many problems. ( All of which could have been corrected through faith in Jesus). Just a few years ago my mom choose to leave my father after 38 yrs of marriage. She sought a divorce and is now preparing to remarry another man. My father has already remarried another woman. My thoughts and convictions concerning this has not brought me closer to either parent. I actually have no close relationship with anyone from my extended family. It has been a difficult trial b/c my convictions are not shared by my family.
My faith and convictions have separated me from some of my family. It is b/c of my faith that I have found the courage and peace to trust in God and follow him with my whole heart.
Recently I have realized that my life is similar to what Jesus mentioned in Mathew 10: 34-39
34. "Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword.
35. "For I have come to `set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.'
36. "And `a man's foes will be those of his own household.'
37. "He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.
38. "And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.
39. "He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.
I have been challenged by my trials to let go of the former and grasp and hold onto the eternal. , Though my heart is saddened over situations, and wished they were different. What is so amazing is that I have actually found abundantly more peace, strength and rest. It is all due to Jesus and his sacrifice on the cross.
Whatever trial you might be facing, please come to Jesus and lay it down and pick up his burden and believe me, you will find rest. I would love to help you bear your burden. Please contact me via comment and if you feel comfortable share a burden and I will lift you up in prayer.
It is at those times that we need to look at what the bible says about how to handle our trials.
1 Peter 5 : 6-7
6. Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time,
7. casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
Psalm 55 : 22
22. Cast your burden on the Lord, And He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.
It is interesting that the bible refers to cares also as burdens. What did Jesus say about burdens?
Mathew 11 : 28-30
28. "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
29. "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."
30. "For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.''
Wow, that is so wonderful! I just love this passage in Mathew 11. To me I can see a 3 step process.
1) Come to Jesus with your burdens and he will give you rest.
2) Give Jesus your burden. ( I personally think that the rest comes after we have given our burden to him).
3) Take up his yoke it is easy and his burden is light. (Our burden weighs us down, where as his burden lifts us up).
How else are we to handle our trials?: Well in Galatians we are encouraged to share our burdens with one another.
Galatians 6:2 Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
Many of you are aware of my recent miscarriage in January. It has been for me, a very tough trial. I know some may not consider this a trial. I however have been struggling to understand or at least to find peace throughout all of this. I have gone through many trials before and yet have never felt so emotionally tired. In all of God's wisdom I know his plans are great. Even or especially when, I can not see them. I have to rely on my faith and trust in Jesus to help me through. I personally have felt hurt and abandoned. I know Jesus has not meant for me to feel this way. I know that we are to see our trials as a good thing.
James 1 : 2-3
2. My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,
3. knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.
In many ways I am sure I am in much need of patience. It is never easy to endure a trial. Then after enduring it, you have used up every ounce of strength and patience you could muster. I know that and that is why we need to rely on Jesus.
My personal trials I struggle with are some that were established years ago, while others are fresh and constant. My oldest son is very precious to me. Not just b/c he is my oldest but b/c he is autistic. He has struggled with this for most of his life. My husband and I have struggled with him and his autism. Although it should be easier to deal with, everyday is a new day and a new challenge. That trial for us is continual. For many years throughout my childhood my parents relationship has had many problems. ( All of which could have been corrected through faith in Jesus). Just a few years ago my mom choose to leave my father after 38 yrs of marriage. She sought a divorce and is now preparing to remarry another man. My father has already remarried another woman. My thoughts and convictions concerning this has not brought me closer to either parent. I actually have no close relationship with anyone from my extended family. It has been a difficult trial b/c my convictions are not shared by my family.
My faith and convictions have separated me from some of my family. It is b/c of my faith that I have found the courage and peace to trust in God and follow him with my whole heart.
Recently I have realized that my life is similar to what Jesus mentioned in Mathew 10: 34-39
34. "Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword.
35. "For I have come to `set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.'
36. "And `a man's foes will be those of his own household.'
37. "He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.
38. "And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.
39. "He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.
I have been challenged by my trials to let go of the former and grasp and hold onto the eternal. , Though my heart is saddened over situations, and wished they were different. What is so amazing is that I have actually found abundantly more peace, strength and rest. It is all due to Jesus and his sacrifice on the cross.
Whatever trial you might be facing, please come to Jesus and lay it down and pick up his burden and believe me, you will find rest. I would love to help you bear your burden. Please contact me via comment and if you feel comfortable share a burden and I will lift you up in prayer.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
God's will or my own?
I have been learning lately that God in all his authority purposes events beyond our control and for reasons even beyond our understanding. In my observation I have figured out it is not always for us to understand or even figure out but to just accept. I think acceptance of situations is the final and hardest thing to achieve. As humans we usually fight change or situations that are not at all of our choosing. Our struggles over situations and directly over our own thinking can be eased if we only accept what we so strongly fight.
I hate to say in such a way but we are nothing like Jesus. Or at least the majority of humans are not. See Jesus came to not only teach and preach about his Father and his love but to fulfill his destiny. Jesus was to ultimately sacrifice himself for all of mankind. Jesus never fought those who meant him harm. He never felt the desire to defend himself or "fight" the situations that were forming in order that his father's will be done. What Jesus did was pray and especially for God's will, his father's will to be done.
Mathew 26: 36-42
Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to the disciples, "Sit here while I go and pray over there.''
And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed.
Then He said to them, "My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me.''
He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, "O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.''
Then He came to the disciples and found them asleep, and said to Peter, "What, could you not watch with Me one hour?
"Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.''
He went away again a second time and prayed, saying, "O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done.''
I know that in this world we are given lives that may not be exactly what we desired. Events occur in our lives that leave us wondering, questioning and even grieving b/c we just need answers. Well our answers are found in the Bible and in our relationship with Jesus. It seems like a waste of our energy to fight what we can not change. I am not speaking of a physical fight but more of a emotional/ spiritual fight. One that is within each person. The fight or "battle of the will". We often become strong-willed or stubborn in order to get what we want. We battle with our desires against God's desires or will. If our children do this we tell them they are being willfully disobedient and discipline them. Yet in each of us we have a flawed desire to fight against God's supreme will for our lives. That fight is not accepting what he has for us or chooses to do in our lives. Some people are better at letting go and relaxing to obey, while others battle it out only to find that their is no winning. God is ultimately and always in control.
What is so sad is that we go out of our way to make our will work when time after time we fail. We just can not see in the beginning how by just accepting his will would be better for us. Accepting God's plans for us is not easy, but it is possible. Actually it is peaceful. I have been doing this very thing. Learning to accept and accepting day by day that my life is not just for serving me. Rather I was created for an even higher purpose. The purpose of serving God and His will.
Jesus said it best in Mark 8 : 34-37
And when He had called the people to Him, with His disciples also, He said to them, "Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.
"For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel's will save it.
"For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?
"Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?
Basically these verses teach us we need to put our will in submission to God's will. We we receive from that is far greater than trying to win and sadly realizing we have failed and lost. I say this mostly in part b/c I and so many others I know are all about trying to achieve our own will or happiness or desires that please ourselves. What we have been called to it not that but to please God. I for one want to stop the battle within myself to fight for what I desire and allow my desires to be God's desires for me.
Psalm 37 : 3-5
Trust in the Lord, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.
Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass.
Recently I read Psalm 10 and a few verses really touched me. I hope you find them helpful and encouraging too.
Psalms 9:1-2
I will praise You, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will tell of all Your marvelous works.
I will be glad and rejoice in You; I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High.
This verse especially has shown me that knowing his name allows us to be comforted in trusting Jesus b/c he does not fail. Something my children have learned and remind me of, "God does not make mistakes". Everything God does is for His will and purpose. All perfect.
Psalms 9:10
And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; For You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You.
Have a wonderful day submitting and obeying God's will!
I hate to say in such a way but we are nothing like Jesus. Or at least the majority of humans are not. See Jesus came to not only teach and preach about his Father and his love but to fulfill his destiny. Jesus was to ultimately sacrifice himself for all of mankind. Jesus never fought those who meant him harm. He never felt the desire to defend himself or "fight" the situations that were forming in order that his father's will be done. What Jesus did was pray and especially for God's will, his father's will to be done.
Mathew 26: 36-42
Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to the disciples, "Sit here while I go and pray over there.''
And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed.
Then He said to them, "My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me.''
He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, "O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.''
Then He came to the disciples and found them asleep, and said to Peter, "What, could you not watch with Me one hour?
"Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.''
He went away again a second time and prayed, saying, "O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done.''
I know that in this world we are given lives that may not be exactly what we desired. Events occur in our lives that leave us wondering, questioning and even grieving b/c we just need answers. Well our answers are found in the Bible and in our relationship with Jesus. It seems like a waste of our energy to fight what we can not change. I am not speaking of a physical fight but more of a emotional/ spiritual fight. One that is within each person. The fight or "battle of the will". We often become strong-willed or stubborn in order to get what we want. We battle with our desires against God's desires or will. If our children do this we tell them they are being willfully disobedient and discipline them. Yet in each of us we have a flawed desire to fight against God's supreme will for our lives. That fight is not accepting what he has for us or chooses to do in our lives. Some people are better at letting go and relaxing to obey, while others battle it out only to find that their is no winning. God is ultimately and always in control.
What is so sad is that we go out of our way to make our will work when time after time we fail. We just can not see in the beginning how by just accepting his will would be better for us. Accepting God's plans for us is not easy, but it is possible. Actually it is peaceful. I have been doing this very thing. Learning to accept and accepting day by day that my life is not just for serving me. Rather I was created for an even higher purpose. The purpose of serving God and His will.
Jesus said it best in Mark 8 : 34-37
And when He had called the people to Him, with His disciples also, He said to them, "Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.
"For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel's will save it.
"For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?
"Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?
Basically these verses teach us we need to put our will in submission to God's will. We we receive from that is far greater than trying to win and sadly realizing we have failed and lost. I say this mostly in part b/c I and so many others I know are all about trying to achieve our own will or happiness or desires that please ourselves. What we have been called to it not that but to please God. I for one want to stop the battle within myself to fight for what I desire and allow my desires to be God's desires for me.
Psalm 37 : 3-5
Trust in the Lord, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.
Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass.
Recently I read Psalm 10 and a few verses really touched me. I hope you find them helpful and encouraging too.
Psalms 9:1-2
I will praise You, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will tell of all Your marvelous works.
I will be glad and rejoice in You; I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High.
This verse especially has shown me that knowing his name allows us to be comforted in trusting Jesus b/c he does not fail. Something my children have learned and remind me of, "God does not make mistakes". Everything God does is for His will and purpose. All perfect.
Psalms 9:10
And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; For You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You.
Have a wonderful day submitting and obeying God's will!
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Learning to Wait and Psalm 27.
I remember when I was in high school, I would retreat to my bedroom and read my bible. I would find so much encouragement and strength just through reading God's word. I would come away with such closeness b/c his word was spoken and speaking directly to my heart. I struggled with a few things as a teenager that I could not really discuss with my parents. What is obvious now, is that I struggled with belonging and feeling valuable and being loved.
I should interject here a little history of my teen years. First off there were four of us kids. All within 5 yrs. I was a middle child with two older sisters and one younger brother. I had some previous learning problems yet was a good student and behaved well also. My oldest sister and brother both had problems in which took my mom's time and attention. I was pretty much aware of this and instead of leaning on her I leaned on God and a youth teacher who was like the "mom" of our youth group. I was not a popular person at school. I never had a boyfriend at school. I struggled with belonging and feeling valuable and being loved. Only slightly aware that I was more than valuable to God. I learned through youth group and camp that purity was important and a daily devotional was necessary to live a christian life. Communicating with the Lord was my most cherished moments as a teen. I have to confess here that my family was dysfunctional and many unnecessary things took place. Fights between my parents were a normal occurrence. I would often retreat to my bedroom and pray and read my bible in hopes to alleviate the arguing. One time I can recall singing praise songs in my room on my knees at my bed and my mom bursting into my room telling me, "stop that". I knew what I was doing at that point was not only right but bringing glory to God. It was not at all my desire to make my mom made but to find peace in the midst of a storm. In those years God was my peace.
Throughout my teen years I knew that my strength lied with my relationship with God / Jesus. I would find strength, hope and peace in reading my Bible, praying and praising Jesus. I knew whatever problem or struggle I had I could trust and rely on HIM.
Of all things now I recall those moments and a verse that I remember reading that uplifted me so much was found in Psalm 27 : 14 NAS version
Wait for the Lord;
Be strong, and let your heart take courage;
Yes, wait for the Lord.
Psalm 27 : 14 NKJ version
Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!
I always found it interesting that the "Wait on the Lord" part was repeated. Maybe b/c there in lies the secret of everything we desire or are anxious for. If we truly wait on the Lord w/ out being anxious or nagging in prayer but truly wait on God, all things will come to be.
I find myself at the threshold of this verse having to somewhat relearn what I so easily learned so many years ago. Wait on the Lord; take courage, He will strengthen your heart Yes wait on Me!
I know how loving our Heavenly Father is and can be. In the midst of uncertain times we can find confidence in his word. Not plagued with fears and doubts but faith and hope in what or rather who holds our future. Why is it though, if we already know this, that at times in our lives this remains a struggle?
God never says we are entitled to know what he has in store for us. Rather he said he will never leave us nor forsake us. I am glad not to know all the details b/c his presence is more than enough to foreshadow joy and hope. I still need to remind myself that a Daily Devotional and even a Praise Time are important. Even with the busy life of a mother, there should always be time for Jesus.
Are you making time to commune with God/ Jesus? It only takes a few minutes to lay your concerns before him in prayer. Then pick up your BIBLE and allow his spirit to feed into you the strength, hope, peace and joy that can only be found in walking daily with Jesus your LORD.
I should interject here a little history of my teen years. First off there were four of us kids. All within 5 yrs. I was a middle child with two older sisters and one younger brother. I had some previous learning problems yet was a good student and behaved well also. My oldest sister and brother both had problems in which took my mom's time and attention. I was pretty much aware of this and instead of leaning on her I leaned on God and a youth teacher who was like the "mom" of our youth group. I was not a popular person at school. I never had a boyfriend at school. I struggled with belonging and feeling valuable and being loved. Only slightly aware that I was more than valuable to God. I learned through youth group and camp that purity was important and a daily devotional was necessary to live a christian life. Communicating with the Lord was my most cherished moments as a teen. I have to confess here that my family was dysfunctional and many unnecessary things took place. Fights between my parents were a normal occurrence. I would often retreat to my bedroom and pray and read my bible in hopes to alleviate the arguing. One time I can recall singing praise songs in my room on my knees at my bed and my mom bursting into my room telling me, "stop that". I knew what I was doing at that point was not only right but bringing glory to God. It was not at all my desire to make my mom made but to find peace in the midst of a storm. In those years God was my peace.
Throughout my teen years I knew that my strength lied with my relationship with God / Jesus. I would find strength, hope and peace in reading my Bible, praying and praising Jesus. I knew whatever problem or struggle I had I could trust and rely on HIM.
Of all things now I recall those moments and a verse that I remember reading that uplifted me so much was found in Psalm 27 : 14 NAS version
Wait for the Lord;
Be strong, and let your heart take courage;
Yes, wait for the Lord.
Psalm 27 : 14 NKJ version
Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!
I always found it interesting that the "Wait on the Lord" part was repeated. Maybe b/c there in lies the secret of everything we desire or are anxious for. If we truly wait on the Lord w/ out being anxious or nagging in prayer but truly wait on God, all things will come to be.
I find myself at the threshold of this verse having to somewhat relearn what I so easily learned so many years ago. Wait on the Lord; take courage, He will strengthen your heart Yes wait on Me!
I know how loving our Heavenly Father is and can be. In the midst of uncertain times we can find confidence in his word. Not plagued with fears and doubts but faith and hope in what or rather who holds our future. Why is it though, if we already know this, that at times in our lives this remains a struggle?
God never says we are entitled to know what he has in store for us. Rather he said he will never leave us nor forsake us. I am glad not to know all the details b/c his presence is more than enough to foreshadow joy and hope. I still need to remind myself that a Daily Devotional and even a Praise Time are important. Even with the busy life of a mother, there should always be time for Jesus.
Are you making time to commune with God/ Jesus? It only takes a few minutes to lay your concerns before him in prayer. Then pick up your BIBLE and allow his spirit to feed into you the strength, hope, peace and joy that can only be found in walking daily with Jesus your LORD.
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