When I Am Afraid

What time I am afraid, I will have confidence in and put my trust and reliance in You. Psalm 56:3 (Amplified Bible)

Fear can be for a moment or a life time. It can cause us to freeze in our tracks or get completely off track. It can appear to be real and substantial. Even if we know in our heads it is from the enemy it can still affect and defect us. Like the tongue, it can be a small piece of our life with huge ramifications.

God’s answer? David’s answer? Our answer? Place our confidence, trust, reliance and hope in the One who created us, cares for us, and sustains us. He is dependable…our thoughts and emotions are not. He is reliable…our perceptions are not. He is trustworthy….our hearts and minds are not.

True faith is based not on how I feel, what I think, or how I see things. It is based on who God is and what His Word says about Him. It is based on His knowledge of any given situation. It is based on His ability, character, and heart.

So when I am afraid of failure…I will trust in Him. When I am afraid of losing the people closest to me…I will trust in Him. When I am afraid of making a wrong turn or wrong choice…I will trust in Him. When I am afraid of the unknown…I will trust in Him. When I am afraid of honest disclosure…I will trust in Him. When I am afraid I will never break free of the persistent stronghold of wrong perceptions….I will trust in Him. When I am afraid that I am too convinced of lies to embrace the truth…I will trust in Him. When I am afraid that I will always struggle with relationships…I will trust in Him. When the enemy of my soul has me convinced otherwise…I will trust in Him. When I am afraid that God will remove the things or people I am sure I cannot live without…I will trust in Him. When I am afraid that I am back on square one with God…I will trust in Him.

I know this, when what I will to do is aligned with God’s will it is sure to succeed. Every time I say I will trust in God, I am making a decision to choose Him and His ways. I am not always good at that and not always sure of myself, but He is faithful. He is with me. He is mine.

Father, Your presence alone is what will dispel the fear that can so easily encase me in its grip. Hold me and help me to trust You more. Amen.

Spirit Song
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KWEDBaFy0SI

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.


　

When I Do Not Understand

Jesus answered and said to him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but you will know after this.” John 13:7 (New King James Version)

I like Peter. He asks the questions every one else is pondering. Today’s verse is in response to his questioning of Jesus washing the disciples’ feet just hours before He would be arrested and later die on the cross. Jesus’ actions made no sense to Peter or the other disciples. Many are the times we question what God is doing and Jesus’ answer to Peter becomes our answer as well. “You do not understand now what I am doing but you will later on.”

Often times our ability to perceive what God is doing and why God is doing it is limited. For one, we are unable to see the full picture and we misunderstand God’s time frame. We attempt to figure it all out but in the end we don’t have a clue and when we try to ‘force’ our own interpretation into the situation we become like a little child trying to force a puzzle piece into the wrong place. Frustration and even anger can mark our path when we strain at God‘s un-understandable ways.

I look back at Bible characters and take note that they rarely understood what God was doing in their life. Joseph in prison for years. Ruth gleaning in the fields. Moses tending sheep in the wilderness. Mary and Martha at the funeral of their brother, Lazarus. Sarah, Hannah, and Elizabeth enduring years of infertility. In each case, they were being prepared and poised for a miracle! Joseph to be Prime Minister of Egypt. Ruth to marry Boaz and be part of the lineage of Christ. Moses to lead the children of Israel out of Egypt. Mary and Martha to see Lazarus’ resurrection. Sarah, Hannah, and Elizabeth to give birth to significant children….Abraham, Samuel, and John the Baptist. Their lack of understanding in no way rendered God powerless.

I have like the song by Twila Paris called “A Heart That Knows You.” A phrase stands out to me that references not understanding. "It may be for my sake just to help me grow. Maybe for Your kingdom, Lord. I don’t have to know." When I can voice those words back to Him it will evidence a heart that really does know Him even when I don’t understand.

Father, my understanding of what You are doing will not be complete until I see You face to face. Thank you for the grace to trust even when I don’t comprehend. I rest in the knowledge of You. Amen.

Warrior is a Child/ Do I Trust You - Twila Paris
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Pzu-jWpcdw

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.

A Point of Truth

As the deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants for You, O God.
My soul thirsts for God, for the living God; when shall I come and appear before God? Psalm 42:1,2 (New American Standard Bible)

David describes a longing of the heart. Every expectation. Every desire. Every pursuit. All directed toward God and found in God. I admire people like that. Those who have not only learned to place their hopes and expectations in God but live it daily. They reap the reward of finding their identity, security, and meaning of life in Christ. God is truly their source and center. They look to Him passionately, abide in Him joyfully, and pursue Him vigorously.

God has brought me to a point of truth within the past few hours. It followed an exercise whereby I was listing my expectations, disappointments, belief system, ruling passions, and subsequent behavior in regards to the relationships I have or desire to have with significant people. It took writing out my thoughts on several sheets of notebook paper for the truth to finally make its way into my heart. I have known bits and pieces of that truth for quite some time but the full impact hit me with force.

The truth I have come to acknowledge is that my expectations and longings have always been directed toward people. Thirty-six years ago, I sought God for the salvation of my soul and knew Heaven would be my eventual home. In that time I have learned much about God and even been excited about the things I learned. Yet my desires have often been more directed toward people. Looking to them to help me, heal me, and fix me. Looking to them to fill the voids of my life. Flesh and blood always seemed more tangible to me than turning to God for the same thing. I have lived most of my adult life in a cycling mode….look to people, expect certain things from them, live with disappointment at their inability to fulfill my expectations, and resume the search for one who could. All the while not knowing how to direct that search toward God Himself. Not knowing how to allow Him to be to me what I wanted people to be.

As beautiful as David’s words are in today’s passage, they remained foreign to me. I had yet to experience the reality of them in my own life. Tears mingled with joy as I expressed that to God with a longing and desire for Him. To finally be dependent on Him. To finally open my heart to receive all that He has been offering and longing to give me. This is new for me. I have had slight tastes of it before but never a full blown meal!

Six years ago I came to see that God’s love was not dependent on what I was doing. Today, I begin to live in that love! To be changed by it, impacted by it, and refreshed by it. It is starting with releasing others from my unrealistic expectations of them and placing those expectations on God.

Father, I am beside myself with anticipation, hope, and delight. I have finally learned to let You into the places I kept reserving for others. Forgive me for such resistance. My longings are toward You now. Amen.

All I Once Held Dear - Robin Mark
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGbuz8QuhmE

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.

Be My Helper

"Hear, O LORD, and be gracious to me; O LORD, be my helper." Psalm 30:10 (New American Standard Bible)

There are times when no one in your life can help you but God. Even if someone asked you to explain and share your deepest thoughts the words would remain stuck inside of you. There are times when the emotional roller coasters don’t seem to stop long enough for you to catch your breath before the ride starts all over again.

I am a talker by nature and enjoy laughter. I grew up in a household that was filled with both. But all that talking and all that laughter lacked the sharing of true feelings, needs, emotions, and hurts. At a very young age I learned to keep much of my thoughts and feelings to myself. Something told me people either wouldn’t be interested in what I had to say or they would respond negatively toward it. I can count on one hand the number of times I remember showing tears to anyone in my family. Tears were meant to be hidden and shed in secret. It was safer that way.

What I have come to realize as an adult is when our emotions and feelings are buried as a child we can often struggle to be open and honest with those around us. The simple question of “how are you?” is always answered with “fine” even when inside we are in turmoil. The question persists as to whether or not we should take the risk and share how we are really feeling with those closest to us. And when we do share we eventually wonder if we have shared too much. We ponder whether the person we are talking to is slowly getting a picture of us that will one day cause them to walk away. I have heard it said that the greatest fears a person can have are abandonment and rejection. I have to ask myself at what age was that seed of fear implanted in me. When did I lose the ability to trust? When did I allow perceptions to dominate my thinking and wreak havoc in my relationships?

I don’t have the answers to those questions but I know the One who does. I know He intends more for me than I am experiencing. I know He is moving Heaven and Earth to develop in me a childlike trust in Himself and those He has brought into my life. I know it will be worth it when it finally happens. I also know I strain at the process and grieve at my own lack of cooperation. In moments like this the unchanging and unconditional love of God is what I find comforting and amazing. He holds all the answers and He holds me. At this moment, I find solace in Him.

Father, when I struggle with my thoughts, only You can calm the storm. Only You. Amen.

Help Me God - Kathy Troccoli
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmSSWHO8ueA

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.

Mental Rehearsals Gone Awry

As he was about to enter Egypt, he said to his wife Sarai, "I know what a beautiful woman you are. When the Egyptians see you, they will say, 'This is his wife.' Then they will kill me but will let you live. Say you are my sister, so that I will be treated well for your sake and my life will be spared because of you." Genesis 12:11-13 (New International Version)

Due to a famine in the land of Canaan, Abram took his wife and household into the land of Egypt, but before he even stepped foot on the soil of that land, his mind was already playing out a scenario and he decided on actions to counter that scenario. I call it ‘mental rehearsing’ and it is as dangerous for me as it was for Abram. Why? Because although the things he feared were plausible and possible they were not based on truth, faith, or trust.

Abram had already been told by God that his would be a life of blessing and within that blessing was a promise of protection and care, “I will make a great nation of you. I will bless those that bless you and curse those that curse you.” Abram had no need to fear the worst because God had already promised His best. When faced with the unknown it is imperative that we review the truths and promises of Scripture in order to counter all the “what ifs” that our minds can manufacture.

This speaks volumes to me in the early hours of this day. I know what it is like to picture scenes in my mind and react to them as if they are predetermined truth. I not only picture actual rooms and the people in those rooms, but I mentally rehearse what I anticipate those people will think, say, feel, and do. I either brace myself for the worse case scenario or allow myself to imagine the better than life possibilities. This can play itself out for a visit, a phone call, and even an email. Either way is dangerous as they simply lead to unnecessary emotional battles of anticipated rejection or vast amounts of disappointment.

How much better it would be to admit to myself and God that I don’t know what lies ahead but He does. Admit that I am not a mind or heart reader but He is. Rest in the fact that if He leads me to a certain place or situation He will take care of me. Walk with a confidence that He has my back, my heart, my hand, and my life in His hands. How much better it would be if I would bring others and myself to God in prayer rather than spend my energies watching unfounded scenes dance across the walls of my mind.

As I read of Abram’s experience I can sense God saying, “Learn from his mistake and trust Me. Know that I alone know what lies ahead. You don’t have to be held captive by your mental rehearsals any longer.”

Father, I have rehearsed countless scenes in my mind for most of my life. How that practice has robbed me of the joy of living with abandon and trust in You. Thank you for the change that You can and will bring about for me. Amen.

Trust His Heart - Babbie Mason
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9743PE3GXE&feature=related

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.

Strength Received

By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised. Hebrews 11:11 (New King James Version)

Oh, the variety and depth of Scripture! I have come to know the benefit of slipping my name into a particular verse and experiencing the birthing of hope over a situation or circumstance. Today’s verse is one such treasure. “By faith _______ herself also received strength to _________________, because she judged Him faithful.” What is it you desire and need strength to do? What is the one thing you want to write on the line above?

Realize that ‘strength’ implies ability and power…divine power. It is the same power exhibited in the performance of miracles as well as what we see demonstrated in vast armies. The faith that receives that kind of strength is a conviction of the truth about God and our relationship to Him. It includes a trust in the ability and availability of God as all knowing, all powerful, and ever present.

Often times the thought of God bringing about what is impossible or difficult for us to manufacture on our own, is blocked because of wrong beliefs or views about God. Know this, God reveals the truth about Himself to us in specific ways through His Word and through the experiences He fashions for our life. The Bible must be my primary source for learning the true nature and character of God. Many are the passages that show God’s faithfulness, longsuffering, power, and passion. I began to see those things the day I asked God to show me His heart in Scripture. My experience with His Word was forever changed as a result of that prayer.

Along with that, I have come to know Him as well through daily experiences that He uses to show Himself to me. As I wade through issues and questions I see Him as my comforter, counselor, and companion. I hear His invitations to draw whatever I need from Him. This in turn leads me to recognize His involvement and interest in my life. The thought that I am just ‘one of many’ to Him or a ‘lost face in the crowd’ begins to be replaced with being His treasure and delight. Hence, my trust that He would give me needed strength and ability grows. Just as in the case of Sarah and Abraham, it may take years to see what I desire brought to fruition, but if it is His desire and will, it will come. In the mean time, I continue to allow God to help me develop a walk of intimacy with Himself.

Father, thank you that Scripture is meant for us today. How You must joy when we place our name and life within its pages. Amen.

In Christ Alone - Travis Cottrell
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvnpcKUrCo4

If what you are reading is touching your spirit and increasing your thirst for God then you are one of the reasons I write them. I want to extend a personal invitation to you to join my email devotional family and allow me to send them to you directly! Simply send an email to shattuck7@sbcglobal.net and request to be added to my devotional list. It would be my honor and privilege to do so.

Knowing Yourself

But Peter said to Him, "Even though all may fall away, yet I will not." And Jesus said to him, "Truly I say to you, that this very night, before a rooster crows twice, you yourself will deny Me three times." But Peter kept saying insistently, "Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!" And they all were saying the same thing also. Mark 14:29-31 (New American Standard Bible)

One of the many dangerous pitfalls in the Christian life is to not know yourself. Although Jesus spelled it out plainly to Peter, he refused to accept the truth about himself. Refused to see the weaknesses that resided within him. Refusing to see them did not make them go away, but instead, kept him unprepared for the surfacing of those weaknesses. Peter was in denial even in the physical presence of Jesus. How imperative it is for each of us to be willing to know ourselves and admit the truth.

So what is it I must know and admit about myself? I must know where my wounds are for they are the very things the enemy will use against me. I must know those things to avoid because of how easily they will pull me in the wrong direction. I must know my own tendencies to attach myself to the wrong sources. I must know the basis and birthing of faulty reasoning and perceptions. I must know the truth about my flesh…that it will always be weak and will perpetually stand in opposition to what God wants for me. I must know which direction my thoughts will lead me and resist the ones that are directed toward pits of self pity, discouragement, and hopelessness. I must know in which areas I am mistakenly and prematurely assuming victory. I must know that in this life and in this body I have a sin nature and it is persistent.

It is just as necessary that I know the full truth. While I possess a sin nature, I also possess a new nature in Christ. I am defined by what God says about me. My worth, value, and significance are derived from Him and my relationship with Him. My weaknesses are the very opportunities for His strength to be displayed. I possess God’s spirit, God’s nature, and God’s Word. I am never alone and I am never out of His watch care. His purposes and callings on my life will be fulfilled. I am a work in progress and that progress is made one step and one lesson at a time.

Self examination and seeing the truth about myself is not meant to be a time of beating myself up or delving into the trap of self loathing. It is meant to be a reality check that ends in a climax of praise and thanksgiving to the One who knows me best and loves me most!

Father, with You I am safe to see the truth, admit the truth, and live out of the truth. Amen.

The Motions - Matthew West
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaHmiFaX_pk&feature=related

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.