A Leaning Trust

Let your mind be renewed by this: God cannot lie.  God is love…. “The steadfast love of the Lord endures forever.”  Do you know why the Bible tells us things like that?  its because we’re tempted to think that it hasn’t endured… that it doesn’t reach me in 2009 in this situation.  So God keeps speaking to us and telling us “no! it does!  it endures forever. It lasts forever.  It is for you…  God gave up His own Son to death to save you from sin.  And He points to that to show you how deeply he cares for you. 

He asks you to measure His faithfulness and His love by the cross.  If He would do that for me, how much more will he meet me when I’m growing weary in my sickness, when I’m wishing I had that relationship, when I don’t know what tomorrow holds.  How much more is God going to care for me.  God’s Word tells us that His arm is not too short to save.  He is able to meet us in any circumstance… Look back on your life.  Not ONE of God’s promises has failed.  That doesn’t mean you haven’t faced disappointment.  But look back.  All of God’s promises to be with you and to be faithful… not one has failed.  Trust in the Lord with ALL your heart. Not a partial trust. 

SO here’s the idea I want you to think about … this kind of leaning (lean not on your own understanding) leaves us vulnerable.  If this thing I’m leaning on were to go away I would fall flat on my face.  And that leaves me off balance…  this is a little scary. I’m trusting in something else.  Leaning on the Lord leaves us off balance and we don’t like to feel off balance.  A lot of us spend our entire Christian lives running away from the feeling of being off balance.  That feeling of being vulnerable… of being held up by God…  this is exactly where God created us to live…and that is exactly where we are the most secure than we’ve ever been.”  Exceprt by Joshua Harris from sermon at CovLife on 8/9/09: Total Trust.

Trouble Trusting?

Duet. 31:6 Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.

Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

1 Chronicles 28:20 Then David said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous and do it. Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed, for the Lord God, even my God, is with you. He will not leave you or forsake you…

2 Chronicles 16:9 For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him…

Psalm 35:10 All my bones shall say, “O Lord, who is like you, delivering the poor from him who is too strong for him, the poor and needy from him who robs him?”

Proverbs 18:10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.

Isaiah 28:2 Behold, the Lord has one who is mighty and strong; like a storm of hail, a destroying tempest, like a storm of mighty, overflowing waters, he casts down to the earth with his hand.

Jer. 50:34 Their Redeemer is strong; the Lord of hosts is his name. He will surely plead their cause, that he may give rest to the earth…

Psalm 94:14, 18-19 For the Lord will not forsake his people; he will not abandon his heritage…When I thought, “My foot slips,” your steadfast love, O Lord, held me up. When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.

Ro. 8:22-39 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written,

“For your sake we are being killed all the day long;
we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

God’s Big Mysterious Will

I’m a big fan of mystery novels. Not the trashy paperbacks you get at the airport, but the mysteries that have depth and writers that know how to suck you into the story. Put a book by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Agatha Christie, or G.K. Chesterson in front of me and I’m a happy girl. I particularly like mysteries that I cannot figure out “who done it” or they throw that “where did that come from” twist towards the end of the book. When I read I like to be left in suspense, I like the thrill and confusion of not knowing answers until the last chapter.

However, I positively hate mystery when it comes to my life. Walking along the road of life, asking questions, but not getting answers right away. The past three years of my life have had a lot of confusion and “where did that come from” twists. There have been a lot of questions and not a lot of forward direction. I ask and the Holy Spirit tells me to sit, be faithful and wait. Do they give degrees for learning trust and patience? :) One of the things that I have wrestled with during this time is the subject of knowing God’s will/hearing God speak or lead. How do I know? How can I be sure? It’s been a very rich time of learning much about my Savior and learning to trust Him more than I ever have.

The bloggers over at Blazing Center (my favorite blog) have been doing a series of posts on the Lord’s will. And they have got me thinking, again. Why is it so hard for people to step out in faith and just do what they think they’re supposed to do? I’m so guilty of this. I constantly second guess myself. “Should I really share that Scripture with so and so? What if I’m wrong?” “Is this prophetic word from the Lord. Am I just being proud? What if it’s just me?” “Should I really go talk to that person, am I reading into things? Did God really tell me to or is it just me?” And the list goes on and on. For me the big sin is fear (i.e not trusting God). I simply do not want to walk out on a limb. I like to be safe and comfortable. I’m scared to do something wrong. I’m scared to be out of God’s will. I’m scared to be influenced more by my own feelings than God’s word. In short I paralyze myself in my indecision.

I’m aware that some of my fears are genuine and they should be weighed. I want to be godly, in God’s will, and influenced by His Word. But, often, I can swing the pendulum away from the middle (balance) of the issue and off to the far side. Legalism and fear become my friends. I become paralyzed. I do not live by faith, but but in fear. So, what’s the answer?

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.

Proverbs 3:5-6

For me, I need to trust the Lord to protect my paths. As long as I’m actively seeking His will, counsel from others, and focusing on Him; I have nothing to fear. Sometimes (often times for me) God will put us in situations that we do not understand. Often He does not let us see why. He just requires us to step out on a limb and trust Him.

The bottom line is do I rest in His character as my Father, Savior, and Creator? Do I trust in God or my ability to control the situation? Whose glory am I pursuing? If I’m pursuing God’s than I’ll be willing to walk out on that limb. To obey (in the parameters I listed above) His leading, trusting that the limb won’t break. To walk (instead of sitting in indecision), knowing that if I’m walking in the wrong direction, He will redirect my course.

Recommended Blog Posts:

Discovering the Will of God Pt. 1

Discovering the Will of God Pt. 2

Overcoming the Paralysis of Indecision

Only A Fool Wouldn’t Ask

Trust In The Storm

Have you never heard of the woman who was in a great storm at sea and terribly frightened?  She saw her husband, who was the captain of the ship, perfectly composed even while the vessel was tossed about by the mighty billows, but he could not calm her troubled heart.  So he drew a sword from its scabbard, and held it close to her breast.  As he did so, he said to her, “Do you not tremble my wife?”  “No,” she replied, “I am not in the least afraid.”  “But this sword is close to you.”  “I am not afraid of that” said she, “because it is in my husband’s hand.”  “Well,” said he,  “Is it not even so with this storm?  Is it not in the hand of God; and if it be in his hand, why should we be alarmed?”  So, if we have true faith in God, we shall accept whatever God sends us, and we shall not want to have things arranged according to our mind, but we shall quite agree with what His mind ordains.

My Answer To 3 Scenarios

Scenario 1: A friend of mine has been going through some trying times. Health, work problems, and God directing, but where does she go? She is having a hard time believing that God will provide. She is struggling to believe He will provide for her good. Recently she looked at me and said something like, “You’ve wanted a good thing for over 10 years and God hasn’t given it. Why would He grant my request?”

Scenario 2: I have another friend, who every time she hears me talking of couples courting, gets a pained expression on her face. She doesn’t understand why God hasn’t provided a husband for me. It makes her sad.

Scenario 3: I know of young teens and young single gals who sort of assume that they’ll have to wait to get married until they are in their late twenties.

I’m in my late twenties…thirty is fast approaching. And I’m nowhere near the possibility (at least by what I can see) of getting married. Is that my preference? HECK NO! There’s not a day that doesn’t go by that I do not pray for God to give me a man. Some days I lack faith and I’m discouraged. But, by God’s grace that is not where I live. I have so much joy and hope. It is hard to imagine a better life than mine. Why? Because I have an all access pass to the throne of grace. I am saved from my sins. I have an intimate relationship with the Creator of the Universe. What more could one want? He satisfies. He brings peace. He sustains. He provides. He upholds me in my weakness. He comforts me when I am discouraged. He brings joy to my soul, a smile on my face, and a light in my eyes. He is my all in all.

How do you answer the three scenarios listed above? Oh, that’s easy! :D

Scenario 1: I would first resist the urge to tell my friend that, that was the dumbest line of thinking I had ever heard! :) God doesn’t work the same way in every person life. Just because He has delayed in my life doesn’t mean He will delay in hers. Only He knows what He will do. We cannot take the reigns of our life and assume (tell God) what God will do. All she (we) can assume is that He will direct and will provide. He has promised to do what is best for her. Psalm 23:6, Job 34:21

Scenario 2: I would give my friend a huge hug and thank her for her care. And then I would remind her of God’s mysterious and gracious ways. “Does not he see my ways and number all my steps?” Job 31:4 (Job 34:21, Psalm 37:23) Our wise and all-knowing Father sees the big picture. We can only see the present. But, He sees the past, present, and future. We think we know what is best for our lives. But, we really don’t. We see so dimly. He sees all and knows all. He is God. He is the Creator. He is the Sustainer of all. He is my Savior. He sees my entire life in one glance. He knows what is best. And He gives grace and strength for whatever He requires of us. Being in His will is the most glorious place to be! That is where we MUST rest.

Scenario 3: Oh how I love our youth! I wish I could be with them more than I do. (Pardon the rabbit trail…I’m done now.) What would I say to a young girl who has grown up in the church and assumes you have to wait years to get married?

“God does not give us grace for our imaginations.” –Elisabeth Elliot

Don’t borrow trouble from the future. Since all (but two) of my childhood friends are married, I think we can assume I’m not the norm. :) And even if I was, only God knows what He will do in your life. Most girls I know get married before 28. BUT, not everyone does. Both options have their own struggles and trials. God WILL provide and direct. Don’t focus on what may or may not happen. Focus on Him. Keep your heart grounded on Him. If you stay there you will be just fine. Trust Him for tomorrow and focus on faithfully following Him today. He will provide and make all things clear in His timing.

And to all three I would point them to the cross. The source of all hope rest, and peace. “He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?” Romans 8:32 The cross is God’s ultimate display of His abounding love and faithfulness. The real question isn’t is God good? But, does God’s goodness ever end? And why does He give it to me? Take a good long look at the cross and all doubt will fade. He loves us more than we can comprehend. We can trust His mysterious workings because of the ultimate provision for our good.

Gaze upon the crucified Savior…all else will fade in importance.

Random Musings From My Quiet Time

Out of the Depths

Out of the depths, O Lord, I cry to You
When I am tempted to despair
Though I might fail to trust Your promises
You never fail to hear my prayer
And if You judged my sin
I’d never stand again
But I see mercy in Your hands
So more than watchmen for the morning
I will wait for You, my God
When my fears come with no warning
In Your Word I’ll put my trust
When the harvest time is over and I still see no fruit
I will wait, I will wait for You
The secret mysteries belong to You
We only know what You reveal
And all my questions that are unresolved
Don’t change the wisdom of Your will
In every trial and loss
My hope is in the cross
Where Your compassions never fail

Words and music by Bob Kauflin. As recorded on Psalms. © 2008 Sovereign Grace Praise (BMI). All Rights Reserved.

At New Attitude ‘07, Bob Kauflin sang a spontaneous song during worship. I felt like the Holy Spirit was encouraging me to listen to it this morning. It was once again encouraging. Circumstances should not dictate my feelings. God is faithful, powerful, all-wise, and loving. My hope does not lie in what I do or don’t feel, but in my powerful Creator!!! Here are the words to the song:

How long O Lord? Must I keep knocking at Your door? How long must I be waiting? I’ve prayed to You, but I don’t hear You speak. I’m waiting still and I am getting weak. My child, I know what you’re going through. I know your fears because I created you. And each step you take I gave to you. And I prepared what you have been going through. And you want to understand, you want to know, but I have engraved you on the palm of My hand. You want to feel my nearness, to hear me speak, but my power is perfected in the humble and the weak. I’ve spoken words just for you. I gave my Son to deliver you. And forever you’ll hear the sound of my voice, saying I brought you near, so you can rejoice. But, for now I’m calling you to trust, I’m calling you to believe, that I am a faithful God to you. For now, I’m calling you to believe what you cannot see. But, what you know is true. I can hear you, I am near you.

…fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand…For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.” Fear not, you worm Jacob, you men of Israel! I am the one who helps you, declares the Lord; your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel…When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue is parched with thrist, I the Lord will answer them; I the God of Israel will not forsake them. I wil open rivers on the bare heights, and fountains in the midst of the valleys. I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water.I will put in the wilderness the cedar, the acacia, the myrtle, and the olive. I will set in the desert the cypress, the plane and the pine together, that they may see and know, may consider and understand together, that the hand of the Lord has done this, the Holy One of Israel has created it. Isaiah 41:10, 13-14, 18-20

Be Childish

Mark 10:13 And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. 14 But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. 15 Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.”

Be childish. What? I was always told to act my age. When you’re an adult, who wants to act like a little kid? You’ll just look stupid and immature if you do. But, in Mark 10:13-15 that is what Jesus says to do, “Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a child shall not enter it.”

Why would Jesus say this? I think there are many reason and conclusions that can be drawn from this. But in the context of the chapter, I think He was telling the disciples that the kingdom of God was for everyone, children (they were of little use and unimportant in Bible times) included. And that you cannot get saved unless you have a simple, child-like faith in Jesus and what He did on the cross.

I started thinking what child-like trust looks like. Yes, I’m saved and a member of God’s kingdom. But, do I have a child-like faith in God as His child? In all of life do I have that simple faith?

Over the years I have babysat a lot! Children are usually very trusting. They trust you to feed them well. They never question (because it doesn’t exist as an issue in their minds) if the food is healthy, fresh, or safe to eat. You have given it to them, so they know it’s ok. You take them to the store. They don’t question the condition of the van, your driving ability, or the weather conditions. They willing trust you, no questions asked. You take them to the playground and they are thrilled. They run around playing and do not worry about anything. You are there, why worry?

Do I have this child-like relationship with my Heavenly Father? Do I trust and willingly follow His lead with no questions asked? Do I trust Him with the future, laying it in His hands (and leaving it there)?

I have adult-like trust. I know God is in control. I trust Him most time. I trust God, yet I sit and imagine every possible path my future may lead. And then I worry about every single one of them. Instead of enjoying where He has lead me, I anxiously analyze every possibility in my path.

You have to plan, you have to make decisions. but, do you worry? Do you have child-like trust or do you analyze the safety of the playground? Elizabeth Elliot has said that God does not give grace for our imaginings. Why worry over what you have no control over? Just as a child has complete faith and trust in their parents, shouldn’t we/I have complete faith and trust in the Creator of the Universe. Who is also my Father, Savior, and Comforter. I have the Trinity planning and orchestrating my life…tell me again why I worry?

You’ll Provide For Me

Words and Music by Stephen Altrogge. As recorded on Overflow 4 & In A Little While. All Rights Reserved. © 2005 Sovereign Grace Praise (BMI). Listen to song sample

O Lord, You care for all the earth

The flowers and the birds

You provide their daily bread

How much more You have cared for me

You've met my greatest need

When Christ hung on the tree

So I know that You'll provide for me

  

So God I trust in You, I trust in You

I trust in You

In whatever I may face

I will trust Your sovereign grace

I will always trust in You

O Lord, when all my hopes and plans

Are taken from my hands

And I cannot see the way

I will rest in Your good and sovereign plan

I will bless Your gracious hand

I know Your promise stands

That I'll see Your goodness in this land

The lines have fallen for me

In pleasant places

Wonderful places

Trials Produce Faith

Mark 9:14 And when they came to the disciples, they saw a great crowd around them, and scribes arguing with them. 15 And immediately all the crowd, when they saw him, were greatly amazed and ran up to him and greeted him. 16 And he asked them, “What are you arguing about with them?” 17 And someone from the crowd answered him, “Teacher, I brought my son to you, for he has a spirit that makes him mute. 18 And whenever it seizes him, it throws him down, and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid. So I asked your disciples to cast it out, and they were not able.” 19 And he answered them, “O faithless generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him to me.” 20 And they brought the boy to him. And when the spirit saw him, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth. 21 And Jesus asked his father, “How long has this been happening to him?” And he said, “From childhood. 22 And it has often cast him into fire and into water, to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” 23 And Jesus said to him, “‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.” 24 Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!” 25 And when Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You mute and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” 26 And after crying out and convulsing him terribly, it came out, and the boy was like a corpse, so that most of them said, “He is dead.” 27 But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose. 28 And when he had entered the house, his disciples asked him privately, “Why could we not cast it out?” 29 And he said to them, “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer.”

I smiled when this passage was on my Bible reading plan this morning. Mark 9:14-28 is one of my favorite passages of Scripture. As God has taught me much about faith in the past couple of years, this passage has been very comforting. I often pray the father’s prayer, “I believe, help my unbelief!” as I am praying and pleading for my Savior’s grace and strength. I decided to read the ESVSB commentary on this passage today. I was struck by one comment in particular.

The father merely seeks help through Jesus’ miraculous powers: if you can do anything. Jesus corrects the father’s statement by calling him to put his trust in God. I believe; help my unbelief! The father immediately confesses that he has some faith but also acknowledges his spiritual weakness and appeals to Jesus to create in him a hear that believes more firmly.

As I read this, I had an aha! momement. Over the past 3 years the Lord has led me over difficult paths. I have learned more about faith and trust than I ever expected to. I’ve also learned how much unbelief is in my heart and how much I do not trust the Lord. I have often used the father’s prayer to plead with my Savior for more faith. To trust Him like I should. But, faith hasn’t magically come. Actually, more trials have. The paths haven’t become easier, but harder. My faith has been challenged more. This morning I realized that this is an answer to prayer. I’ve asked for more faith. I’ve asked for an unswerving trust in my Savior. God answered. He could have instantly given me the faith I asked for. But, He didn’t. He gave me something far better…trials. Trials that have taught me faith like nothing else could. As I have watched my Savior’s faithfulness and care, as I have watched Him carry me through; I trust Him more. My faith in my God’s sovereignty, care, and love for me has increased ten fold. I am more confident in my Father’s mysterious care now, than I have ever been. How awesome is it to realize that God has been answering your prayers! How amazing to look back and see what He has done in me! It gives me fresh faith and joy for tomorrow. I do not know the plans He has for me. I do not know where He is leading me. But, I do know that He is good and faithful!!! I can trust Him to lead me wherever is best for me. And that friends, is an exciting place to be!

The Cross = The Answer to Singleness

What do you say to an almost 30yr. old single? What do you tell her when all of her (or him) childhood friends (all but two or three) are married and have children? How do you encourage someone who has never been in a relationship? How do you encourage her (or him) when no one is on “the radar screen”? What can you say? You know the typical answers won’t serve her (or him). They’ve probably heard, “Don’t worry, God will provide…I was 35 when I got married…just trust God and serve…enjoy this time of extended singleness”, about 5 million times. How do you care for someone like this?

Easy! The same way you would care for someone grieving the loss of a loved or or someone struggling with sin. The ultimate answer to any problem is always the same…you point them to the cross! You point them to Scripture. You point them to the undeniable truth of God’s faithfulness.

The cross truly is the answer to every struggle. Even extended singleness? Absolutely! It is the ultimate proof of God’s faithfulness and abounding love. If God loved us enough to kill His own Son, don’t you think He’ll take care of us afterwards? If He paid that great of a cost to make us His children, it stands to reason He will continue to provide and care for us now. We are saved, redeemed, and ransomed. What else really matters? We’re not going to Hell! Instead we are on a race to Heaven. We have a relationship with God that the Old Testament writers could only have imagined. Things of this world pale in comparison to eternity with our Redeemer.

Dare I say this? Could it possibly…gulp…be true? Marriage is not the answer to life’s problems. Gasp…really? It’s not the ultimate cure to our longings and desires. Only One Person can satisfy. He is a jealous God. He wants our full gaze and affections. A spouse is a precious (and amazing!!!) gift from God. (A gift I pray daily I will get to experience.) But a spouse cannot compare to God. Nothing is as soul satisfying and glorious as a relationship with the Creator of the Universe. Your friend probably knows all this. But, what you know in your head and what your heart believes when it’s aching can be two different things. Trust me! The truths of the gospel (as the ultimate display of God’s love and faithfulness), His wooing as the Lover of our soul, and the satisfying God who is our all-in-all. These are truths to gently preach to a discouraged single (actually to any discouraged Christian!).

That’s all well and good. But, sometimes truth just doesn’t sink in. You need truth slapped across your face. It needs to grip your soul and force your mind and emotions to SHUT UP! What do you do then? Here are a list of Scriptures that I cling to and preach to myself when my weary soul needs to gaze heavenward…yes, it’s a long list…

Hebrews 13:5 Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

2 Corinthians 12:7b-10 …a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Isaiah 41:9 you whom I took from the ends of the earth, and called from its farthest corners, saying to you, “You are my servant, I have chosen you and not cast you off”;
10 fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. 13 For I, the Lord your God,
hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.” 17 When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue is parched with thirst, I the Lord will answer them; I the God of Israel will not forsake them.

For your steadfast love is before my eyes, and I walk in your faithfulness. Psalm 26:3

The Lord passed before him and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness… Exodus 34:6

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12

For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. Hebrews 10:36

…He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of his saints. Proverbs 2:7-8

For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you. Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer; listen to my plea for grace. In the day of my trouble I call upon you, for you answer me. Psalm 86:5-7

The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them. Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Psalm 34:7-8

Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God. Psalm 42:11

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

And that’s just a small portion…here’s the references to many more:

Ps. 30:11, Ro. 8:28, Isa. 54:10, Isa. 46:9b-11, Ps. 27:13-14, Ro. 10:17, Phil. 1:6b, Ps. 34:15, Isa. 65:24, Ps. 84:11, Ps. 46:1, Isa. 64:4, Ps. 86:15, Ps. 103:8-10, Ps. 103:13-14, 2 Cor. 12:9a, Isa. 40:28-29, Isa. 41:10, Ps. 73:25-26, Ps. 37:23-24, Ps. 55:22, Jer. 29:11, Lam. 2:22-23, Isa. 30:18, Ps. 46:1-3, Eph. 2:8-9, Isa. 43:25, Ps. 103:12, Josh. 1:9, Ro. 8:38-39, Ps. 145:9, Jer. 1:12, Ps. 36:5 (You can find them all typed out HERE.)

When I’m tempted to doubt, I remind myself that either the Bible is true (the very words of God) or it’s not. It’s ALL true or none of it’s true. God is either telling the truth or a very big liar. And since lying would cause Him to not be God, He IS TELLING THE TRUTH. That means that everything IS for my good. Even in the darkest night, He WILL NEVER LEAVE ME. He will provide, He will sustain, He will bless, He will (and does) care for me. He is faithful, even when I’m faithless.

And that’s what I’d tell an “old” single. You may read this and wonder if I really know what I’m talking about? Is this another married person talking about being single…nope! :) I’m an “older” single. I’m the girl who wanted to be married right out of high school. I was hoping to have lots of kids by now. My plans and God’s did not coincide. And even though it’s not my preference, I can say that God’s plans are best! I can’t imagine being anywhere else! He is faithful beyond my imaginings! He sustains and cares for my soul. He is…words fail!!!! Do I want to get married? HECK YEAH!!! Do I wonder why God has decided to make me wait so long? Absolutely! But, I cling to the truths and Scripture I listed above. There is a glorious reason for the wait. I haven’t the foggiest idea what that reason is…but, I don’t need to know. He knows. He is working. He is orchestrating. He can see the big picture, I can only see 2 feet ahead of me. Being in His plan is far more satisfying than my own. It’s a little difficult at times, but He provides the grace, power, and strength (because of the cross!) for everything He requires me to walk through. What amazing grace! What an amazing God!

Fear & Blessing

Deuteronomy 14:22 “You shall tithe all the yield of your seed that comes from the field year by year. 23 And before the Lord your God, in the place that he will choose, to make his name dwell there, you shall eat the tithe of your grain, of your wine, and of your oil, and the firstborn of your herd and flock, that you may learn to fear the Lord your God always. 24 And if the way is too long for you, so that you are not able to carry the tithe, when the Lord your God blesses you, because the place is too far from you, which the Lord your God chooses, to set his name there, 25 then you shall turn it into money and bind up the money in your hand and go to the place that the Lord your God chooses 26 and spend the money for whatever you desire—oxen or sheep or wine or strong drink, whatever your appetite craves. And you shall eat there before the Lord your God and rejoice, you and your household. 27 And you shall not neglect the Levite who is within your towns, for he has no portion or inheritance with you.

Tithing does not mean the giving of the surplus. Tithing would teach Israel to trust God that the remaining 90 percent was sufficient and that God would provide each year. Israel should have learned this fear through the provision of manna in the wilderness (Deut.8:3)…when the Lord your God blesses you. Underlining this whole legislation is a clear expectation of blessing. –ESVB

As I was reading Bible verses on fear this morning, I was intrigued by Deuteronomy 14:23. To insure I was reading it correctly and in context I read the verses surrounding it (above). I’m glad I did, it made vs. 23 even clearer. Three things stuck out to me:

1. This tithe was not burnt or given away to the priests. The family ate it! They left their farms, traveled to Jerusalem, and partied. God was requiring their trust, but blessing them in the process. Yes, they had to trust, but this requirement was for their good. It was to bless them and to give them enjoyment.

2. It is assumed that God would bless the Israelites…”when the LORD your God blesses you”.

3. Trust/Fear. Leaving their livestock and crops required much trust in God. Would they be there when they got home? It wasn’t just the husband that traveled to Jerusalem, but the entire family. They had to leave everything behind, trusting God to provide and protect their livelihood. He provided the food to tithe on. He commanded them to go to Jerusalem. So they must obey in faith. Trusting that everything on the home front would be ok and that the 90 percent left would be enough for the year.

I guess I was struck by the direct correlation between trust/fear in God, obedience, and blessing. I often think that trials/affliction are what produce trust/fear (which they do!). But, it seems like blessing does too.

They Feared Greatly

When Pharaoh drew near, the people of Israel lifted up their eyes, and behold, the Egyptians were marching after them, and they feared greatly. And the people of Israel cried out to the Lord. Exodus 14:40

“That lump on the back of my head…I wonder if it’s cancer?”

“My body is so messed up, I know I’ll never bear children.”

“This sin is so gripping. I cannot loose it’s grip on my life. I’ll never change!”

“I’m nearing 30, and still single, why? It’s gotta be my fault…”

“If my child screams one more time…”

“Job…money…the economy…I just know I’m gonna lose everything.”

Do any of these describe your thoughts? As I was reading Exodus 14:40, I was struck by, “and they feared greatly”. The Israelites were scared. Not just scared, but that stop in mid-stride, frozen on the spot kind of fear. They were really scared. When I am battling fear, what do I do? Sadly, it depends. Sometimes I look to God, sometimes I just choose to ignore my fear. I try and fill my mind with something else. If I drown it out, maybe it will go away.

What did Israel do? They cried out to God. I don’t think this was a small plea, I think it was more like a wail. A desperate on your knees cry for help. Do I turn to God when I’m scared? Do I throw myself upon the throne of grace? Or do I look to things (music, movies, work, daydreams, and even people)? Shouldn’t I fix my gaze on my loving Savior? In whom or what do I trust? My abilities (my abilities to “clearly” see the circumstances) or the all-wise, all-powerful, and loving Creator of my soul?

Green Pastures

We must then question what constitutes a green pasture. Does it necessarily mean constant rest and comfort for our physical bodies? I don't think so. The greenest pastures--the places that provide vitamins and Miracle Grow for our souls--are the places where we find ourselves truly satisfied in God alone. Whether we are being cushioned by happy days or leaning on God for the tough moments, a green pasture is where we meet with God and realize that He is enough. It's richest gift He could give--not superficial comfort, but the gift of Himself as the God of all comfort. The best thing God can do for us is bring us to love Him more, even if it means peeling us away from everything that we're used to.

What is a green pasture? It's a place where we can give God our "why's" and say with Orual, "You are Yourself the answer."

- Hannah (Beauty from the Heart), Read Entire Article

Enough

If asked what was the main lesson I’ve learned from this extended period of singleness; I would answer the gospel. Duh! You might say. Cop-out, you might think. But, that would be a sincere answer. I’m nearing 30 and no guy is in sight. I’m a far cry from the 18yr. old bride I had hoped to be. Ten years late and I’m still single. It looks like I’m doomed to the fate of an old maid. (This last statement is a joke, btw!)

BUT that, my friend, is not the end of the story. THERE IS HOPE!!! And it’s not a knight in shining armor. My hope lies in a Man. One who died for my rebellious sin towards God. There is only one thing that I need…salvation from the wrath of God. A man is simply a gift. He is not lasting, only God is. He cannot satisfy, God satisfies my every desire with Himself. A man will disappoint and sin against me. God is faithful and perfectly holy. The cross proves God’s 100%, never-ending, faithful, constant love towards me. If the Creator of the Universe loved me enough to kill His Son for me. If He loved me so much that He secured my eternal destiny at the expense of His Son. Then I can trust Him with my life. It doesn’t matter where the road leads. It doesn’t matter if the road is flat or an uphill trek. I’m being led by the Creator of the Universe and the Redeemer of my Soul. How awesome is that!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Can it get any better…I don’t think so. Does that mean that I don’t care if I get married? Heck no! There’s nothing I want more. But, my fulfillment is not found in my marital status. Marriage is not my hope. Christ is my hope. He is the fulfillment of all my desires. He is enough (and yes, there are days I have remind myself of this!).

 

All of You is more than enough for all of me
For every thirst and every need
You satisfy me with Your love
And all I have in You is more than enough

You are my supply
My breath of life
And still more awesome than I know
You are my reward
worth living for
And still more awesome than I know

All of You is more than enough for all of me
For every thirst and every need
You satisfy me with Your love
And all I have in You is more than enough

You’re my sacrifice
Of greatest price
And still more awesome than I know
You’re the coming King
You are everything
And still more awesome than I know

More than all I want
More than all I need
You are more than enough for me
More than all I know
More than all I can say
You are more than enough for me

© SIX STEPS MUSIC© WORSHIPTOGETHER.COM SONGS. Christ Tomlin. All Rights Reserved.

Nothing Is So Small To Be Below His Attention

Can I request that you take a second (for it really isn’t that long) and read the quote below. If you are tempted to doubt God, not trust Him, worry, be anxious, or anything along those lines; than I STRONGLY encourage you to read this quote. It’s so good and very applicable to life in the US right now…

"How countless are Your works, O Lord! In wisdom You have made them all; the earth is full of Your creatures! Here is the sea, vast and wide, teeming with creatures beyond number--living things both large and small. All of them wait for You to give them their food at the right time. When You give it to them, they gather it; when You open Your hand, they are satisfied with good things. When You hide Your face, they are terrified; when You take away their breath, they die and return to the dust!" Psalm 104:24, 25, 27-29

The providence of God is His care of and provision which He makes for His creatures; with His supervision and superintendence of them.  The providence of God in His government of the world is a subject of deep importance to the Christian, for by proper views thereof, he will learn to see God's activities--in the daily works of His hands. Yet, though Christians assent to this truth, nevertheless they are prone to overlook it in exercise, and thereby to be deprived in great measure of that poise of mind and comfort of heart, which a deep and constant improvement of this doctrine is calculated to impart.
Nothing is more strengthening to faith, stabilizing to the mind, and tranquilizing to the heart of a Christian--than for him to be enabled to discern his Father's hand guiding, shaping, and controlling everything which enters his life; and not only so, but that He is also governing this world, and all people and events in it. Alas, we are living in an age of terrible skepticism, when most of what happens is attributed to natural causes, while God is more and more banished from the world, in the consideration of His creatures. It is not only a fact that God governs the world in a general sense, but He also regulates all its affairs, and controls all creatures in it, "working all things after the counsel of His own will" (Ephesians 1:11).
God is not troubled by anything that is now taking place in His world--either in its political, social, or religious sphere; nor should we be troubled. The helm is still in His hand; and Satan himself cannot so much as touch a hair of our heads, without His direct permission.

"We ought to see the hand of God in the most trifling things. Nothing is so small as to be below His attention! Nothing is too great for His Providence to effect!" Carson

- Arthur Pink, "Divine Providence

Some other great posts that have encouraged my soul lately…

Reasons To Hope You’ll Change - Crazy Counsel - Reason To Keep Asking Jesus To Heal

If you’re looking for some great books on Trust, I recommend the following (and there are tons more). I have finished one and I’m reading the other.

The chapter on Habakkuk is incredible!!!

  If nothing else, read the first chapter.

And if anyone is wondering, Dad is doing great. He’s got a cold, but they’re having a good time. The first part of their trip was cancelled, so they are spending the entire time in the second country they were planning on visiting. Please continue to pray for his safety (and Larry M), that God would bless them, that God would give them wisdom & strength, that they would be able to serve our brothers & sisters, and that they would be able to obtain medications that the government (in they country that they are at) confiscated from the church there. Thanks for praying.

Peace That Endures

Many things can cause anxiety in my soul. A teetering economy. A friends struggle with sin. An event tomorrow (that is our church's biggest event of the year and I'm administrating it!). Allergies. My heart can feel like a ping pong ball. My mind is spinning. I am trying to trust, but I keep leaping over the net into fear and worry, and than back over again. It's a vicious cycle. But, there is Hope! For the Christian, there is always hope. My mom often reminds me that a gentle and quiet spirit (1 Pet. 3:3) is not being a "mouse". It is a heart issue. The Proverbs 31 woman could laugh at the days to come (Prov. 31:25) because she had a gentle and quiet spirit. She had confidence in her God. Her trust was completely in the One who holds the universe. Jani Ortland comments on this verse:

Why is a gentle and quiet spirit pleasing to God? Because serenity is a sign of trust. When we are agitated and restless, we are responding to life in fear. Worry leaves no room for God’s way to be trusted. What enables us to be gentle and quiet in the hidden part of our feminine souls? What produces an inner serenity in the midst of tumult? It is a deep confidence in God’s loving care, in His Fatherly protection. It is the belief that He holds only the kindest intentions towards us.

So no matter the circumstance, God has it in perfect control. Anything that comes my way has been ordained by my heavenly Father. I can be at peace (at rest), no matter how out of control things can seem. My God is in control. He is good, wise, loving, and faithful. My hope is in Him, not in my abilities or my desire to "fix it". My Refuge is all-knowing and all-powerful. He always knows best.

You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. -Isa. 26:3

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. -Jn. 14:27

For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility. -Eph. 2:14

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. -Phil. 4:7

And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. -Col. 3:15

The One and Only Sovereign

The evil and suffering in this world are greater than any of us can comprehend. But evil and suffering are not ultimate. God is. Satan, the great lover of evil and suffering, is not soveriegn. God is.

He does according to his will among the hosts of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand or say to him, "What have you done?" Dan. 4:35

[He declares] the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, "My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose." Isa. 46:10

Who has spoken and it came to pass, unless the Lord has commanded it? Is it not from the mouth of the Mos Hish that good and bad come? Lam. 3:37-38

Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand. Prov. 19:21

The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord. Prov. 16:33

Therefore, "If God is for us, who can be against us?...Who shall seperate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulations, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, 'For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.' No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us" (Rom. 8:31, 35-37).

God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps in the sea
And rides upon the storm.

Deep in unfathomable mines
Of never failing skill
He treasures up His bright designs
And works His sovereign will.

Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take;
The clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy and shall break
In blessings on your head.

Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
But trust Him for His grace;
Behind a frowning providence
He hides a smiling face,

His purposes will ripen fast,
Unfolding every hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste,
But sweet will be the flower.

Blind unbelief is sure to err
And scan His work in vain;
God is His own interpreter,
And He will make it plain.

- John Piper, Suffering & The Sovereignty of God. William Cowper, "God Moves in a Mysterious Way" (1774).

Eternal Nature of God

"Are you not from Everlasting, O Lord my God, my Holy One? We shall not die..." Hab. 1:12a

"Habakkuk grounds His confidence in God's future for his people in the eternal nature of God." - ESVSB

Habakkuk's confidence was not based in what He could see (what he saw was nothing but evil). It wasn't based in his present circumstances or even future circumstances. It wasn't based on his emotions and his subjective feelings. His confidence was based on objective truth, the objective Truth. He was trusting in One thing...the character of his God. He had knowledge, he knew scripture. He had seen God move in the past and was confident in His faithfulness. Even though God was answering Habakkuk's prayers in an odd & terrifying way; Habakkuk was confident his nation would not be wiped out. God was good. God was faithful. Even in the midst of complaining, and I would guess fear, Habakkuk was clinging to the character of God as His refuge.

Do I do that? When things don't go according to my plans. When I do not feel good. When I am tempted to feel overwhelmed at work. When I complain because I cannot see the future. When I am in a conflict...Where does my heart turn? Fear and complaining. Or a firm confidence in my God and His unchanging character.

The Dark, Scary, Spider-Infested Forest of Your Future

My little sister Audrey slipped her hand into mine. "Let's play the game!" she said. With a wide grin, she squeezed her eyes shut. "Lead me!" Hand in hand, we wove through the crowded mall—I with my eyes wide open, she relying on my direction. Then it happened. In spite of my expert leading (I can assure you that the fault was not mine), Audrey brushed a stranger. Instantly, her eyes flew open. "Lindsey!" she scolded, withdrawing her hand quickly. "You are not leading anymore."

As I thought back over Audrey's reaction, I realized that I play the game similarly. Except, I play with God.

With an excited, eager smile, I'll slip my hand into His, and cry "Lead me!" in childlike delight. For a while, all is well. But as soon as the terrain begins to alter, I crack open an eye to take a peek.

Oh boy. I wish I hadn't. One of the paths ahead is riddled with pot-holes and leads straight into the heart of a forest. Dark trees crowd all around, obscuring my view-- and it's infested with ugly little spiders, no doubt! Naturally, I start to protest. (Just in case.)

By the way... ah, if You're starting to get any ideas, when I said that I wanted You to lead me, I didn't mean that You could ever lead me there, Lord. Just thought you should know.

I've seen Him take other people down rough roads before. They learn contentment and joy in suffering. Which is great, of course... for them. Panicking, my instinctive reaction is to yank my hand away when I start thinking in "what-ifs".

Look here, Lord, I've got this incredible blue-print for my life-- see?-- and it involves serving You this way, this way, and this way. I've thought about it extensively, and these are very good, God-glorifying plans. Listen, You can still lead me, and that's just fine, but only if I'm the one giving directions here. I really, really don't get along that well with spiders.

We all know the feelings of uncertainty and fear that invade our hearts as we wonder about what the future will hold. Questions roll in like the black plague: Where will God take me? What does He want from my life? Will the Almighty snatch away my dreams of happiness, to glorify Himself and teach me contentment? Ah! Noo!

The health, wealth, and prosperity-centered gospel confidently asserts that God will lovingly grant us everything we desire, but we know that He doesn't. The lady in my church, awaiting her diagnosis for a medical condition, knows that He doesn't. The young girl in Cambodia, sold into slavery at five, knows that He doesn't. The single woman, longing for marriage and a family, knows that He doesn't. The dear lady I talked with yesterday, whose husband left her last month for another, knows that He doesn't. We Christians don't lead lives any more charmed than the rest of the world.

Our futures will hold elements that you and I wouldn't exactly volunteer for. We're going to have troubles, and we're going to have heartache. That is a guarantee. We live in a fallen world; how could it be otherwise? But there are two things that we must always remember when we're staring fearfully at our potential forests-- and when we're walking straight through them...

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