When I Don't Understand

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5 (New King James Version)

There are times when the questions of my heart go far beyond my ability to understand certain aspects of life. When there just doesn’t seem to be plausible answers for me to rest in. When the questions that start with “why” are not met with satisfying answers. It may be the circumstances of life, the actions of another, or any number of issues. Whatever the case may be, in the end it will come down to a matter of trust. Not trust in myself or trust in another individual, but trust in the Lord. To take whatever has been handed to me that produces more tears than joy or questions than answers and hand it over to Him for safe and proper keeping. To entrust Him with my life and my heart.

Sometimes I can have something happen and not give it much thought. But other times it seems that I enter a mental maze of questions and searching that take me on a journey that is futile and never ending. There just isn’t anything that makes sense. No logic, no answers, no understanding and hence no peace, no joy, no contentment. Life comes to a standstill until I begin once again to live out the truths of Proverbs 3:5.

God wants me to understand that I don’t have to have things or people all figured out. The heart and motives of others are not discernable to me just as the root system of a tree is not within my view. When it is all said and done I have to concede that I just don’t know and that is when God says, “It’s okay. Trust Me. Trust Me to take care of you, to protect you, to satisfy you, to meet your needs, to love you. When those who have been primary encouragers to you have stepped away, trust Me to introduce you to new encouragers. When direction is needed, trust Me to give it. You are not on your own, you are not abandoned, you are not helpless. You have Me and I have a hold of you. Trust Me.”

I need the reminders. Sometimes they come from other Christians and sometimes they make their way from God’s mouth to my ears. Sometimes they enter my mind while I am sleeping and the thought jolts me awake like a charge of electricity. However it happens, it is enough to turn my gaze back toward God and to nudge me forward on my journey once again. How gracious of Him to allow me to trade my misunderstanding for confidence in Him!

Father, You know my thoughts and my feelings. I confide to You all the unanswered questions and find assurance in Your invitation to trust You. Speak the “Peace be still” to the storms of my soul. I take refuge in You. Amen.

Do I Trust You, Lord? - Twila Paris
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSopilUouw8

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

Words to Live By

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:5,6

Probably aside from John 3:16 and Psalm 23, this part of Proverbs is one of the most familiar verses to many people. While many of us have it memorized and can easily quote it, do we flesh it out in our daily lives? Is it evident in the way we speak, respond, and act? When the storms of life hit, the way becomes unclear, or everything seems to be against us, do we take the words literally as our banner of proclamation and maxim? This morning I want to pull these phrases apart and examine them more closely.

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart. Have full confidence and reliance in God. Often times we put more confidence in people and what they can do for us. We run to them for comfort, advice, assurance, protection, and strength. Take the most profound person you know and they are still limited in what they can do for you. What help they are able to give you is temporary at best (unless they are directing you back to God). That is why when you call them and pour out your heartache to them, the feelings of sadness and loneliness return as soon as you hang up the phone.

Lean not unto thine own understanding. We are so good at trying to figure things out for ourselves. We use our own thoughts, our own feelings, our own interpretation of things to assist us through the mine fields of our life. We rack our brains into the late hours of the night or early hours of the morning mulling over every possible solution we can come up with. We somehow feel the answer lies in us. We believe if we think it through long enough we will come up with a way to fix our life and move forward.

In all thy ways acknowledge him. Recognize and admit the truth about God. Stand on the reality of His power, presence, and protection available to you. The more difficult our situation the more necessary it is to proclaim the truth about Him.

He will direct your paths. We are not on our own. He is involved in the process of bringing us through this life. His promise rests on His character but is also conditional to our trusting, leaning not, and acknowledging. May this passage become my maxim for life!

Father, saying the words can come easy. I must choose to take each step spelled out in the passage. Help me to do that! Amen.

Do I Trust You, Lord - Twila Paris
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSopilUouw8

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

Finding My Confidence

Do not be afraid of sudden fear nor of the onslaught of the wicked when it comes; for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught. Proverbs 3:25, 26 (New American Standard Bible)

Fear takes hold of us when we think about a future event, perceive the outcome of that event, and react to what we believe is going to take place. We don’t fear the past because we already know what happened. We don’t fear the present because it is right in front of us. We fear the unknown. Within that context I have come to see my two greatest fears are of loss and failure. Loss of anything or anyone I hold dear. Failure to live differently than I have in the past. The fear is often accompanied by feelings of darkness, despair, despondency, and discouragement. It is like having a wet blanket wrapped tightly around my mind and soul.

The question becomes in who or what is my confidence resting? If it is in myself, another person, things not changing, or any number of things I can control or desire to control, that confidence will be shaky and unreliable at best. The people and possessions in my life come with no guarantees and I often want guarantees. I want to know that I can count on the important things and relationships not changing. There is no peace and joy in such wishing. It brings about a restlessness of thoughts and emotions. It depletes me of energy and enthusiasm. So on whom should I place my confidence, trust, and reliance? God!

Scripture is full of doing just that. Today’s verse speaks of God being my confidence and protection. Confidence comes as I see God as my Helper (Hebrews 13:6), as the Finisher of the work He has started in me (Philippians 1:6), as the Supplier of all my needs (Philippians 4:19), as the Worker-outer of all things for my good (Romans 8:28), as the One who will never leave me or forsake me (Hebrews 13:5).

On a practical level, I can be confident that God will wisely and lovingly intersect my world with people whom He will use to help me on my journey. Fear of them leaving is over-come by recognizing Who really determines the times and seasons of each relationship. I can be confident that God is willing and able to give me victory in areas of my life that have only known defeat. Fear of failure is overcome by acknowledging that my past does not define me…God does!

Father, where I walk in doubt and fear birth in me a boldness and confidence in You! Amen.

My Life Is In You, Lord - Hillsong
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0M0NALW7EM&feature=PlayList&p=B72B181C3BB024FD&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=49

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

The Gift of Examples

Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. 1 Corinthians 10:11 (New American Standard Bible)

I am a visual person. I comprehend and learn better when something is shown to me rather than just spoken to me. God is gracious. He is extravagant in giving me examples to learn life lessons from. Some of those examples are found on the pages of Scripture and some of those examples are found in the lives of people who lived long after the Bible was complete. Today I am at a place whereby I need the review of examples to refresh my walk and broaden my view of the journey.

I am thinking back to the children of Israel in the wilderness. Forty years! And how did they spend most of their time? Complaining, whining, discontent, and argumentative. What did they miss? Seeing God’s provision, protection, power, and presence in their every day lives. It seems they were constantly looking at what others had, where others were going, and what others were doing instead of keeping their eyes, heart, and mind on the living God. God still remained faithful but the wonder of that faithfulness and the joy of living as recipients of that faithfulness were absent from their experience. Time and time again God did the things He did and said the things He said so that they would KNOW Him. Yet they ended up knowing so little about Him. God would have me learn from their example.

Each day that I live, I am the recipient of His grace, favor, direction, protection, and provision. He is not absent from me at any moment! He is faithfully working behind the scenes to unfold His plan and purpose for my life. He is doing a work in me in order that I would know Him and live life to the fullest. I lose the joy and wonder of it all when I start doubting any of that is true. My expectations dwindle when I begin to believe God is not involved, interested, or interceding in my life. My peace departs when I forget that I am in partnership with Him and will see His dreams for my life fulfilled. Above all I want to know Him and then I want to experience all that He has in mind for me. I bring to Him trust and obedience to His daily revelations and commands. He brings to me substance and sustenance of an abundant life.

Today, I choose to meditate on what He has done in the lives of His other children in history as well as the present. His work in and through them will do much to encourage me each step of the way. He offers no less to me and will faithfully carry out His best for me.

Father, help me to follow You with abandon! Fulfill every dream and intent You have for my life. Don’t let me miss a thing along the way. Fill me with the wonder and joy of You! Amen.

Everlasting God - Lincoln Brewster
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jP2nz6PG8KM

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

Trustworthiness

However, there was no accounting required of them for the money delivered into their hands, because they dealt faithfully. 2 Kings 22:7 Amplified Bible

Money was given to carpenters, builders, and masons to repair the damages to the temple. No receipts were demanded, no doubts were felt, and no one had to double check to make sure the money was being properly used. Why? The workers had proven themselves trustworthy and the ones giving the money had trusting hearts. It is a picture of unity that God delights in!

The strength in any relationship lies in the ability to trust and be trusted. What is it that can be entrusted to us with abandon? What is it that we are able to entrust to others with abandon? How many people in your life hold such a place of trust for you? How many people unquestioningly hold that same trust in you? Nothing hurts more or wounds deeper than to experience betrayal at the hands of another. Be it in marriage, business, church, family, or friendship. Jesus knew what it was like to be betrayed by one of His disciples. Joseph knew what it was like to be betrayed by his own flesh and blood. Who we trust and who trusts us will be determined by track records.

As much as we may wish for all individuals to be trustworthy, we are neither wise nor discerning to live with a blind faith. Jesus warned of wolves in sheep’s clothing. He told us to test the spirits. He spoke of people being led astray. No matter the level of relationship His warning is clear that there will be the risk of an abuse of trust. How imperative then that we ask Him to help us stay alert to any warning signs. Not everyone we come into contact with is trustworthy. But as a child of God trustworthiness should mark our lives.

What are some areas of trust we may find ourselves in? Responsibilities at work. Our employers should not have to wonder whether or not we are giving them our best and the jobs are being done with high standards. Commitment to our wedding vows. Our spouses should never loose sleep or peace of mind over the thought that we would be unfaithful. Things shared in confidence. The deep things of another person’s life should be handled as treasure. Fulfilling our promises. Even when the commitment suddenly means we will be inconvenienced it should still be carried out. Advice we give to others. We need to give advice that lines up with Scripture and God’s principles for life. Reputations of another. We should be able to take the things we have learned and make them a matter of prayer rather than future topics of destruction.

Many things may cause us to mistrust others but NOTHING should hinder us from being a person others can trust.

Father, no one is as trustworthy as You! As Your Spirit lives in me, help me to become more like You. Amen.

He's Been Faithful - Damaris Carbaugh
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNoLUVTtr98&feature=related

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

The Trust Factor

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 (New International Version)

Who can we look to for joy, peace, and hope? God! How can we have the joy, peace, and hope He offers us by the power of His Spirit? It is the result of trusting in Him. Believing Him, obeying Him, resting in Him, abiding in Him, relying upon Him….trusting Him. When am I not trusting Him? When I am trying to figure things out for myself with my limited knowledge and understanding. When I am holding on to the past instead of embracing His forgiveness. When I am placing my hope and expectation for satisfaction in anything or anyone other than Him. When I am living under the weight of my own perceptions. When I am harboring thoughts of worry, discord, and fear. When I am out of sorts with fellow believers. What is the red flag that I am not trusting Him? A lack of joy, peace, and hope.

Last night, in the course of a phone conversation, a friend shared a verse with me that took on a whole new meaning for me. It was a verse that is so familiar to me that I could say it in my sleep and yet I have limited its power and truth. The verse is Proverbs 3:5, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” I use to see this as a necessary verse for times when I needed direction in life. Times when I did not know what to do. It was for times when I needed to cry out, “Lord, show me what to do!” I am not minimizing the importance of doing so but God is certainly broadening my scope of interpretation.

I instantly saw the “leaning on my own understanding” in the area of relationships. My understanding many times is based on my perceptions and what I think! The problem is that often my thinking is distorted and my perceptions are skewed. If I am not careful and discerning, past experiences, failure, and circumstances have a way of clouding and coloring my present world . What I think is true is based on my emotions, feelings, longings, prejudices, observations, and interpretations. Add to that a sense of insignificance and insecurity and my “understanding” is pitiful at best. If I live according to my understanding it gets me into trouble every time.

So where does trusting God come in? What does trusting God look like? I am to trust in the fact that He knows all things clearly. He will work all things out for my good. He will supply all my needs. He knows what is best for me. He loves me unconditionally, passionately, and always. My understanding cannot possibly come close to comparing with that!

Father, help me to see the moment I go from trusting You to trusting in my own understanding. In the times when I think I have it all figured out, help me to see I don‘t. It is Your joy, peace, and hope I want and will have as I trust You. Amen.

You Are My Hiding Place - Maranatha Singers
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zej__yFPeK0

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

His Work and His Time

I will drive them out before you little by little, until you become fruitful and take possession of the land. Exodus 23:30 (New American Standard Bible)

God gave the children of Israel insight into the way He would lead them into the promised land and how He would bring them to the place of possessing that promised land. As they walked in obedience with Him, He would drive out their enemies and cause His people to be fruitful and to acquire the land of promise. Their inheritance and territory! It would not be a quick and easy process. It would take years. God would work according to His wisdom and His timetable.

I have often watched with fascination the programs which show the make-over of homes. One show demolishes an entire house and rebuilds it beautifully in one weekend! While it is possible to do that with a house, God is letting me know that is not the way growth and victory in the Christian life comes about. His words to Israel are His words to me and His words to you. I am in need of His reminder each morning. I need to hear Him say He is transforming and remaking me little by little.

His process is usually one that exposes my thought patterns, mindsets, weaknesses, and areas of need in order to show me what needs to go and what needs to be embraced. God is faithfully “driving out” those things in me that would hinder me from flourishing and acquiring all that He offers. It is a word that means to divorce. To allow Him to divorce me from how I have come to think, act, and speak. To allow Him to teach me the truth about myself, the way the enemy works, the things He has equipped me with, the power of prayer and speaking His words over my life and circumstances, the authority of the believer, the balance of looking to Him and receiving encouragement through the body of Christ, and many more things. There are days His revelations to me are profound and immediate change is forthcoming. But there are many more days when the steps are small and the progress seems slow. Either way, God is the one who sets the pace for this journey. He is the one who drives things out of my life little by little. I rejoice in the tiniest work and the hugest manifestations of His operations.

Father, You are as present and meticulous with me as You were with the entire nation of Israel in Old Testament times. You know where You are leading me and how You will get me there. I choose to watch You, listen to You, and follow Your lead. Not in my flesh but by Your Spirit. I delight in all You are doing! Amen.

Potter's Hand - Darlene Zshech (Hillsong)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDAITgJXO1I&feature=related

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.

God's Invitation to Trust

Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness. Delight yourself in the LORD; and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He will do it. Psalm 37:3-5 (New American Standard Bible)

Sandwiched between the double use of the word trust are the practical aspects of our trust. Dwelling in the place God has put us. Cultivating faithfulness to Him. Delighting ourselves in Him. Committing our journey to Him. When any of those things is missing from our daily relationship with Him we flounder and stumble.

I find myself struggling the most with the steps of my faith when confronted with my weaknesses and the reality of present heart issues. When the truth of where I am at on my journey is not as far as I would like to be. When my actions and reactions reveal flesh more than faith. Those are the times disappointment in myself becomes my foe and my focus. Those are the times when I need to once again review the heart and character of my heavenly Father.

Last night, one small (seemingly insignificant) item grabbed my attention and caused an aspect of my heart to be revealed. That exposure turned into a battle which played out like so many before it. Disheartened by the heart issue as well as my response to it, I quickly resumed the very attitude I want so badly to avoid. It became a test whereby I had no trouble seeing exactly where I was at spiritually and emotionally. Why? Because God requires truth in the inward parts and unless I see the truth of my internal world I will mistakenly live with a false sense of security and seeming victory. He was simply showing me what He knows to be the true state of my heart. In time, that revelation always brings me back to a fresh awareness of how much I need Him.

This morning, He is calling me to trust Him once again. Trust His unconditional love. Trust His compassions and mercies toward me. Trust His willingness to forgive. Trust His acceptance of me. Trust His ability to bring victory. Trust His promise to never leave me. Trust His readiness to welcome me back. Trust His patience. Trust His methods. Trust His timing. Trust His ability to satisfy. Trust His availability. Trust His heart.

Father, it hurts to see the truth and yet it is the doorway to freedom. Trust is the key that opens that door. Help me to trust You in ways that will bring about the freedom and healing I seek. 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.
　

Trusting Confidence

For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel: In returning [to Me] and resting [in Me] you shall be saved; in quietness and in [trusting] confidence shall be your strength. But you would not, Isaiah 30:15 (Amplified Bible)

God is capturing my attention with phrases this morning. Returning and resting. Quietness and trusting. Confidence and strength. All words of invitation from my Abba Father. His desire for me is that my days and nights are filled with His assurance and reassurance. When that seems far removed from me it is time to evaluate my heart and spirit.

Many struggles lie in the ending phrase of today’s verse…But you would not. Refusal, hesitancy, doubt, apprehension, resistance, and wrong choices all become barriers to the free flowing river of God’s love, peace, and life in me. It is there but unproductive and unrealized. Allowing God’s search light to expose harmful internal issues and attitudes is a necessary discipline in the life of any believer.

I can only return to God and His ways as I open my closed fist and release the things or people I desire to hold on to. I can only rest in Him as I cease my struggling, worrying, and constant need to have it all figured out. I can only be in quietness as I still the voices in my head and listen for His. I can only trust in Him when I shift my reliance and dependence off myself and others and unto Him. I can only place my confidence in Him when all other sources are seen as limited, unavailable, and powerless. Then the strength is mine.

It may start with a simple statement of acknowledging the truth about God and accepting His plans and purposes for my life. That which I still fight to embrace is the very thing that places me under the banner of “would not.” How much better to trust His heart and character. To know that He does all things well. He has promised to accompany me through EVERY thing in EVERY day. He has promised to supply all my needs. He is a God of His Word. Nothing He speaks returns void, including that which He speaks to my heart. I have tasted and seen that He is good and I step into a new day nourished by it all.

Father, I confess my own spirit of discontent and unacceptance. I receive not only Your forgiveness but Your hand as well. Amen.

In Christ Alone ~ Brian Littrellhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDCdGPJQ-hM

The stamp of the saint is that he can waive his own rights and obey the Lord Jesus. ~ Oswald Chambers

No Comparison

For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8,9 (New American Standard Bible)

There are times when my inabilities are so apparent to me. There are many things I cannot do or even begin to grasp. There are things I see in others that make me marvel. I have such respect for people who can speak several languages fluently, whiz through subjects like calculus, physics, and anything that ends with “ology” or “ometry,” or do any number of things that take a lot of brain activity. Some people who have mastered such things can derive pleasure in feeling superior to the rest of us and we might have a tendency to feel inferior next to them.

That is not the case with God’s proclamations regarding His ways and thoughts being far above our own. First of all, He makes these claims because they are true. He is omniscient, omnipresent, and omnipotent. So naturally His ways and thoughts ARE far above our own.
But He also states these truths to assure us that we can trust Him. He knows more than we know and can do more than we can do. What better One to entrust with our life, path, and future than almighty God Himself? Who better to ask counsel of, seek direction from, and follow closely than our heavenly Father? He knows the beginning from the end, sees the whole picture, and will always accomplish His purposes.

I think of the people I would trust with abandon in various situations. If trapped in a burning building I would trust a fireman. If engaged in battle I would trust a soldier. If shipwrecked on an island I would trust the captain of a ship. If entering surgery I would trust the doctor. If faced with any number of difficult situations I would trust someone with experience, knowledge, and capability.

Therefore, when it comes to every area of my life, God is the ultimate Source of every need, question, and concern. How comforting to know that I can rest in the fact that His ways are higher than my own and so are his thoughts. As I voice that out loud I am strengthened, comforted, and directed in magnificent ways.

Father, I stand in awe of Your superiority to me and sensitivity to me. With You I have all I need. Amen.

INDESCRIBABLE - Chris Tomlin
http://youtube.com/watch?v=VmTxZAl7ceU&feature=related

God's Open Invitation

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5 (New American Standard Bible)

I am having one of those mornings when the questions are beginning to pile up in my mind and I am finding myself with few answers. It is times like this when I am forced to admit to myself that I do not have it all figured out and that can bring about an uneasiness within me. When things do not make sense to me I don’t always know what to do with them. When my thinking has been skewed I don’t always untangle the knots well.

I have come across verses from the Bible and sentences from books that I can’t seem to wrap my mind around. The concepts are coming up against some preconceived ideas and distorted thinking I possess. Allow me to list a few.

Jesus says in Revelation 3:19, “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten.” From a human stand point, I don’t take rebuke well when it comes from another individual because it seems like condemnation. So when I read Jesus’ words I squirm with discomfort. Even though my head tells me it is for my good and growth, my heart cowers.

A number of sources I have read this morning warn against seeking the advice of others instead of looking to God. I struggle with the balance. While I know we are to encourage one another, I somehow think I am suppose to not need that and when I seek it I am doing something wrong.

I want to grasp the concept that someone can care about me without being involved in my life. Changes in relationships usually have a negative connotation for me even if I know it is for my own well being or part of God’s design for this present part of my journey.

Because I am so acutely aware of my faults and failures, I tend to not notice or acknowledge progress that has been made in my walk with God. I don’t always realize that even if I don’t see it, He does.

Yet, in the midst of my questions and inability to fully grasp the concepts, I am drawn to the words of today’s verse. I am invited to trust Him instead of depending on myself to get it all figured out and straightened out. In essence, He is saying, “You don’t have to understand it all to reap the benefits of living out of its truths. Trust Me and trust my principles. It is not a matter of you being able to do something or the people in your life being able to do something, it is a matter of knowing I can do all things necessary in your life. I am not expecting perfection or brilliance from you. As much as I am aware of your insecurities and failures, you must be aware of my Person, Power, and Presence. I will help you. Trust Me.“

Father, You know that I don’t understand. Help me to trust You. Amen.

Becoming Willing

For thus the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel, has said, “In repentance and rest you will be saved, in quietness and trust is your strength.” But you were not willing. Isaiah 30:15 (New American Standard Bible)

God knows us thoroughly and will go to any length to bring us to the place He most desires for us to be. Yet, it is easy to misunderstand where He is leading and what He is doing. Many times, He must walk us through numerous issues and places to finally get us to the “starting” point of His desire.

Several years ago when I began this journey I had my own idea of what God was doing. I thought it was all about learning the truth about God and learning the truth about myself, realizing my freedoms in Christ, tearing down the denominational walls as well as the versions of the Bible walls, seeing His Word come alive and practical, eventually writing devotionals, and sharing with others the things God was teaching me. Did those things happen? Absolutely! Were they exciting to experience? Yes! Did they happen over night? Not at all! Have they reshaped and drastically changed the way I live my Christian life? Definitely! At the same time, they were simply the preliminary parts of God’s longing for me. God’s purpose ran much deeper than merely the dynamics of my internal and external life.

I am just now beginning to see that God wants to bring me to the place of living in repentance, rest, quietness, and trust with Him. To seek Him for confidence and comfort. The learn to embrace my emotions in His presence instead of seeking to deny them, anesthetize them, or ignore them. To not allow aloneness to cause me to feel separated from Him. To prefer to spend time with Him more than with anyone else.

I am picturing myself in a large mansion. Many of the rooms are filled with people, things, opportunities, or treasures. One room is where God alone waits for me. As I review my life I see how often I have bi-passed that room for all the others. Those have been my “you were not willing” moments. It is now that I have finally reached for the door knob, stepped inside, and come face to face with the One who will help me to walk intimately with Himself. He is assuring me I am safe, known, and loved. Others have been in this room with Him and their lives attest to the fact that it made all the difference in the world. I long to receive what they received and have that be my central focal point.

Father, You are calling me to a deeper place with Yourself. No human guides will be used at this time. It is just You and me. Amidst the uncertainties and insecurities are hope and anticipation. I come and I bow. Amen.

Assured by His Presence

Lo, I am with you always. Matthew 28:20 (New American Standard Bible)

These were the words spoken by Jesus as He gave the great commission to His disciples, but they serve as words of comfort to me this morning. Right now, in this moment, I am not on a spiritual high and neither am I in a valley of despair. I am somewhere in the middle and I just need the reminder that He is with me even now. I am glad He knows what I need.

Earlier as I read Scripture and a number of devotional books nothing in particular stood out. Actually, I was finding it hard to concentrate and focus. That always makes me wonder. In fact, it can fill me with thoughts that are far from secure. God knows that about me and wants me to learn to relax with Him. To know that right now, He still holds me, watches over me, and nudges me forward.

While I am one who loves excitement, today feels so normal it is almost scary. And God whispers, “I am with you.” I don’t know what today holds, and He says, “I do and I am with you.” I feel uncertain, but He says, “I am very certain and I am with you.” He is inviting me to live out of His words in Matthew 11:28-30 which say, “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

My soul needs rest. To be still and know that He is God. No striving, no struggling, no trying to figure it all out. Just rest, stillness, and knowing Him. For He knows that unless I learn to “settle in” with Him in this moment, I will not be ready to walk with Him through more challenging moments. It all comes down to yielding and trust. Tenseness must give way to His voice. Life has slowed down and God wants me to slow down as well. Not necessarily on the outside. I will still head off to work in about an hour. But rather to slow down internally. Savor the preciousness of His presence. Trust the moving and impulses of His Spirit rather than the direction of my own personality, temperament, and flesh. That in itself will make an otherwise ordinary day extraordinary!

Father, I am not use to this. Without Your persistent assurance I don’t think I would see this as beneficial. So today I choose to rest in You. Amen.

Deciding Ahead of Time

Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You. Psalm 56:3 (New King James Version)

Soldiers do not enter a war without a military strategy. A football player does not enter a game without a game plan. A surgeon does not proceed with an operation without a predetermined medical procedure in mind. A construction worker does not begin to build a building without an architectural plan. And we had better understand that we do not enter a single day without a plan. We do not know the totality of what will be in this day but we can determine ahead of time certain game plans for it. David is sharing one such plan with us today. Ahead of time, he already determined his course of action when fear would hit. He would trust in God.

This morning I want to take his strategy and apply it to all areas of negative responses and emotions. Each and every one can be slipped into this verse with the same predetermined action! Whenever I am afraid, angry, confused, disappointed, hurt, stressed, worried, weak, offended, or in turmoil, I will trust in God. Trusting God means I am placing my confidence, security, and belief in Him. How He must delight when we do that! To start our day with the attitude that, come what may, we are trusting Him! Then when the storms of life hit, the winds of adversity blow, the valley of death approaches, or any number of rugs get pulled out from under us, we already know what we will do. Above and through it all we will trust Him and place ourselves in a position to receive His strength, peace, and safety.

Many of us had to learn the hard way that living the Christian life did not mean we would not have trials and troubles. We definitely will have them, but God desires to teach us where to go when those things arise. If we allow them, they become the arrows that point us straight to Him as our source and resource in the midst of any tragedy. But we cannot wait until we are in the middle of an upsetting moment to figure out what we are going to do. Before the storm hits we should determine where our shelter will be. That is the essence of what David was saying. He knew fear would be his companion at one time or another and he resolved ahead of time to trust God. Each of us knows which emotional challenges become issues for us. Let’s place them in this verse and then place our trust in God.

Father, I have so often floundered with negative feelings and emotions, when all the while You were urging me to trust You. Bring this verse to my mind throughout today. No matter which word I put in it, I have already decided I will trust You! Amen.

Letting Go

‘For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 (New American Standard Bible)

Yesterday was a day of decision, death, and direction for me. The path I walked was watered with tears and unrest. Peace eluded me, joy escaped me, and brokenness encircled me. I was having a ‘wrestling match’ with God and He saw to it that it did not end until I opened my closed fists to Him in yieldedness and trust. What could have taken mere minutes dragged on for the day. Hours of holding on to ideas, plans, and dreams that were not mine to hold on to, saw the setting of the sun and the introduction of the evening hours. Then His Spirit began to bring verses to mind, like the one that sits atop this devotional. Reminders that His ways and thoughts are higher than my own.

What followed was a willingness to place in His hands all that I was hoping He would do in and through my life. I let go of my own dreams and yielded to the possibility that His plans and desires for me were better. He took every one of my ideas and poignantly put them to death. Will He resurrect any of them? I don’t know. But I do know He will now bring to life what He has in mind for me and my hopelessness has given way to anticipation. For what I have begun to see is that He holds the key to all the doors that are intended for me to walk through and in His time He will turn the key with delight in His eyes and joy in His voice!

Has anything outward changed for me? Not really. But internally there is peace and a quieted spirit that has been refreshed. There is no longer the need to understand and figure out what God is doing and what He will have me do. Just as the manna was given to His people on a daily basis, so His plans and guidance will be dispensed to me on a moment by moment basis. It is all about listening to His voice, trusting His heart, sensing His hand, and following His lead down the path of His choosing. Many of my Bible ancestors are coming to mind and I contend that God’s plan for their life was better than anything they could have ever dreamed up on their own. That’s the plan I want as well. I don’t have to know what it is…..I just have to know Him!

Father, letting go is only painful until I finally do it. Now that my hands are empty, they are free to take hold of Your hand and the hem of Your garment. Amen.

Peaceful Anticipation

I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope. Psalm 130:5 (New International Version)

Recently, I have had several conversations with several different people pertaining to several different issues and yet the message I keep receiving from God through them is the same…..wait on God. Being the kind of person who wants quick fixes and easy answers, this phrase is a challenge for me. The truth of the matter is that I don’t LIKE to wait and often don’t know HOW to wait. Far too many times than I care to admit, “waiting” becomes an opportunity for me to take matters into my own hands in order to “help God out.” How absurd to think that God needs my help and how even more absurd to think that I could actually help Him! After all, He is the One with the perfect timing, perfect view, perfect wisdom, perfect plan, and perfect character. I on the other hand exude imperfection in all of the afore mentioned categories!

I find it interesting that the words “wait” and “hope” are identical in meaning. They come from Hebrew words that mean to wait, look for, hope, and expect. They do not imply an inactive twiddling of thumbs but rather active anticipation. I am not waiting and hoping in the right way if I am bothered, disturbed, anxious, doubtful, or fearful. And that is often the case when I feel the responsibility rests on my shoulders. It is times like that when I realize I am not waiting for God and hoping in His Word, but rather I am relying on myself and the people in my life to bring about a desired end.

As with so many areas in life, waiting stems from trust and truth. My trust in God must be a confident reliance in His unchanging, unlimited, unending character. What I really know and believe about God will greatly affect my trust in Him and hence affect my ability to wait on Him. And what do I do during the wait?

Faithfully carry out His day by day instructions to me and review the truth that I matter to Him and He is passionately involved in my life. It all goes back to my relationship with Him and living my life out of connection with Him. Jesus said it best when He said, “Abide in me.” I have also heard it referred to as practicing His presence. It is getting into His Word and allowing His Word to get into me. Talking to Him and listening as He speaks to me. Meditating on the truths He teaches me. It is not a formula, it is faith and it is based entirely on who God is! My waiting is not in vain and will be rewarded beyond my wildest imagination.

Father, I wait on You for healing, direction, and opportunities! You really do make all things beautiful in YOUR time! Amen!

The Basis for Trustworthy Words

Nevertheless I am continually with You; You hold me by my right hand. You will guide me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. Psalm 73:23,24 NKJV

Words spoken to us are only as reliable as the person saying them. All of us can attest to a time in our life when something was said or promised that did not come to fruition. At the time, there may have been sincerity but over time things changed. Somewhere along the line either circumstances or the very heart of the person changed. How painful for the one who trusted what was said to them. Whether it happens in a marriage, a friendship, on the job, or in a church it is imperative that we bury our hearts and trust in God and His Word.

This morning I am being reminded of the faithful, consistency of God. The promises of Scripture do not change because the character of the One who spoke them does not change. He means them as much today as He did when they were first penned and the ink was still damp on the pages of the scrolls. They were not spoken in haste or with the inability to be carried out. Therefore they can be counted upon and trusted. No need to wonder. No need to ask if He still feels the same way toward us. What He said to our ancestors generations ago He says to us today. All that has changed is the audience He is speaking to. I still thank Him for the day I realized His words were meant for my ears as much as for anyone else’s ears. It was then that I could appreciate and accept God’s Word as His personal letter to me!

So when I find myself hurting over the change of heart in others. When the things they told me at one time no longer apply to me. When promises made no longer remain true. I have a place of safety and refuge to resort to. He still holds my hand and guides me with His counsel. He loves me with an everlasting love. Nothing and no one can be counted upon in the same way God can be counted upon. In this life I will face hurts and heartaches but I will also experience the healing touch of the hand that never lets go of me.

I want to experience today’s verse on a daily basis. I want to feel His hand holding mine, sense His guidance, and know that I am continually in His presence. That is security to me. It broadens the picture in my mind of Jesus’ words, “I will never leave you or forsake you. I am with you always.” It shows me God’s loving, consistent involvement and companionship in my life. What a personal God!

Father, there is always risk involved when I trust a person. Some have handled my trust with love and others have not. You alone remain a guaranteed place of safety for my heart. Amen.

Soul Clinging

Not what I will [not what I desire], but as You will and desire. Matthew 26:39 Amplified Bible

It takes two things in order for this prayer to truly become my own. It takes a child-like trust in God and a willingness to let go of the very things I am clinging to. One author referred to it as “soul clinging.” The minute I read that phrase I knew the meaning of it.

I will hold tightly to that which I believe will bring me pleasure, satisfaction, fulfillment, and delight. What I have grown use to and dependent upon I often cling to the tightest. What I feel I need and cannot live without remains in my grasp. I am not only a creature of habit but I am a creature of survival as well. Without the realization that God has my best interest at heart and stands ready to offer me those things that will far surpass anything I am clinging to, I will be unable and unwilling to let go. They may be things that are good in themselves but wrong for me. Their usefulness has been complete, their purpose has been fulfilled, and their essence of life has been extracted. But exchanges will not be made until I extend open and empty hands to my heavenly Father.

I have experienced the pain of having my fingers pried from the “treasures” I held on to, but my soul continued to cling to them for all I was worth. How God’s heart must ache to see me hesitate and resist His work in my life. I foolishly think I know what is best and try to wait God out in order for Him to finally give me what I am so sure I need. In reality, I simply postponing His intended blessing and desire for me.

When I look at the two choices I may be tempted to think mine is the better option. I assume the exchange will not bring about the same results I think I will find in having my way. The tears fall, the ache continues, the turmoil remains until I finally see I am hurting myself through resisting change. It clouds my vision, skews my thinking, robs me of joy, and frustrates me with sleepless nights. How sad and how unnecessary! God knows the reasons behind my actions. Sometimes it is pride. Sometimes it is distrust. Sometimes it is hurts and wounds. Sometimes it is lack of knowledge. But EVERY time it is choice and contrast of wills. And each day it is with patience and love that God continues to offer me what is best! He knows the joy that awaits me if I would but make the exchange.

Father, tears have fallen as I have continued to hold on to my will, my dreams, and my desires. Help me to live with abandon and trust in You. Help me to let go! Amen.