January 16, 2013

Good morning all-

What does it mean to trust in the Lord, not just for yourself but for others?  Trusting is hard for us lowly humans.  We trust as children but through time, circumstances and people we find it harder and harder to trust.  Trust takes a long time to earn and minutes to distinguish it.  I have known people that have been married for years and someone gets tempted and all that hard work, love and passion for one another is out the door.  It takes a lot to trust and a little to destroy.

I think that's why it's easy to grow our trust in God when our prayers are answered, things are going in the right direction and we feel Him everywhere we go.  But as we gain maturity in Him, the feelings are less, the direction not as clear and the prayers are answered according to His will and His time.  Like any relationship, we get comfortable in it.  We stay on course but when the boat rocks; we rock with it.  Instead, we should reach out, trust what God says and hold onto His word with all our might.  We must fight the negative thoughts, die to ourselves and realize God will take care of it in the end.

I have struggled with trust.  Although my husband would tell you I easily trust in people.  I'm not sure I easily trust but I do see the good in people.  I can find it even in the nastiest of people and I have hope that through Jesus all of us can be better people.  I've been thinking a lot about where I put my trust and although I have made immense improvement in trusting Jesus, I still find myself faltering at times.  I love Jesus and I know He's near but I still struggle with my flesh.  I think we all do.

I think trust is an important part to strength and courage in Jesus.  If we don't trust someone we don't believe they have our backs.  Right?  Jesus does have our back and even though we don't know what He's doing, He has a plan.  It might just not match ours.

Last night,  I woke up every hour upon the hour, worrying about things I can't control, I prayed and then I meditated on Jeremiah 29:11.  I can't possibly foresee the future and it wasn't helping me to wake up every hour, so this morning I'm giving it to Christ.  He has all the answers, not me.  I can only do so much and my purpose is to trust in Him for all things great and small.  So, along with courage and strength, I must believe that Jesus is my Savior, He knows the plans He has for me and my family, and I must trust Him and let the rest go.  I'm not in control and losing sleep never helps anyone.

I hope this day finds you well and that you are learning to draw closer to our Lord.  Believing and trusting in Him are the first steps to being His and they continue to be vital steps in growing our faith and in abiding in Him.  I'm sure like me, you are a work-in-progress.  Thank goodness He listens!

Psalm 56:3 NKJV:

     Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.

Psalm 56:11 NKJV:

      In God I have put my trust; I will not be afraid.  What can a man do to me?

Nahum: 1:7 NKJV:

     The Lord is good.  A stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knows those who trust in Him.

My prayer today:

O, Lord, once again I tossed and turned over things I can't control.  I know better and yet, I seem to find myself worrying senselessly over things that just don't matter.  I ask today that You would forgive me for believing I have control over any of this life.  Please take the wheel and steer all of us in the right direction.  You have taught us over the last week about courage and strength and then I lose trust in myself and You.  You are the only one that any of us needs to trust.  You are trustworthy, good and fair.  You know the plans You have for each one of us and I just pray today that we would rest in You.  Every time I worry, I want to kick myself.  I even find myself asking, why?  Especially when I know You are near and that History has shown Your way is the best way.  I love You Lord and trust that You will be with all of us as we go through this life.  Take away our worries and replace them with Scripture we can hold onto today.  I believe in You, I trust in You and all I ask is that You continue to make me bold!  Trust comes from faith and therefore, I stand on faith today and ask that Your plan be fulfilled and that my thoughts and actions represent You!  You are mighty in all things and I bow down to You today.  In Jesus name, AMEN

Until tomorrow....