Category Archives: Trusting God

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August 27, 2015

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Attitudes & Behavior, Faith & Hope, Fear & Doubt, Prayer, Trusting God, Worry

PACK UP YOUR TROUBLES

Can any of you add a single hour to your life by worrying? [Matthew 6:27 (GW)]

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Eight years ago, we “downsized” which meant selling our home and cleaning out forty years’ worth of “stuff.” I could not believe the amount of knick-knacks, doo-dads, collectibles and seasonal décor I’d amassed over the years. At first, it was difficult to toss out or give away those items, but I soon found I liked the result. I’d spent way too much time cleaning, arranging, and taking care of all of it. Purging our home of those extras was incredibly freeing because it meant I was no longer at their mercy. Of course, there was less to dust and polish but, more important, once rid of so much that had filled our home’s shelves, walls, table tops and closets, it was easier to appreciate and enjoy the beauty of that which remained.

Worries are a little like those items we gradually accumulate that can eventually fill our houses (and storage units). If we could just pack them up in a box and toss them away, we’d certainly have more time. We wouldn’t be spending hours obsessing over our problems; perhaps we’d even find time to solve them! Once the worries were gone, we’d have space for positive thoughts and be better able to see the joy and beauty that exists in our lives right now. Granted, discarding the worry won’t make our problems disappear but, then again, worry won’t either! Worry, like so many of the things displayed in our homes or stored in our attics or basement closets, accomplishes nothing. Worse, worry can manage to take over our lives and even keep us from a right relationship with God.

Once we moved, I was tempted to start accumulating a fresh collection of superfluous items for the new house. So far, I’ve managed to resist, perhaps because I simply don’t have the space for additional things. It’s equally tempting to replace old worries with new ones; in fact, there are some who look for reasons to be anxious or worried the way others search for collectibles in garage sales or antique stores. As for me, I don’t want to spend my time fretting any more than I want to spend it dusting or polishing. Worries, like useless doo-dads, serve no purpose except to rob us of today’s joy and peace. If we keep our minds filled with God’s promises, there won’t be space left for anxiety and worry.

Is there something that is troubling you? Pack it up and give it to God. He’ll know what to do with it.

What’s the use of worrying It never was worth while
So, pack up your troubles in your old kit bag
And smile, smile, smile. [Lyrics by George Asaf]

The seed planted among thornbushes is another person who hears the word. But the worries of life and the deceitful pleasures of riches choke the word so that it can’t produce anything. [Matthew 13:22 (GW)]

Never worry about anything. But in every situation let God know what you need in prayers and requests while giving thanks. Then God’s peace, which goes beyond anything we can imagine, will guard your thoughts and emotions through Christ Jesus. [Philippians 4:6-7 (GW)]

 

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August 11, 2015

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Attitudes & Behavior, Challenges & Difficulty, Faith & Hope, Fear & Doubt, Trusting God

HE WILL PUMP US UP!

Yet, the strength of those who wait with hope in the Lord will be renewed. They will soar on wings like eagles. They will run and won’t become weary. They will walk and won’t grow tired. [Isaiah 40:31 (GW)]

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I’ve been known to protest to my trainer when he adds more weight as I exercise. Even knowing that I’ll never get any stronger without increasing the weight lifted, I grumble. Fortunately, I trust my trainer and know he’ll never give me more than I can handle. Moreover, he’s right there beside me, ready to help as I struggle with the last few reps. Pretty soon, I find I can manage on my own and, before I know it, the weight I struggled with becomes the weight I start with on my next set. To increase my endurance, rather than increase the weight, he makes me do more repetitions and extends the time I hold the weights.

In His infinite wisdom, God uses those same concepts to build strength and increase endurance in our spiritual lives. He doesn’t want spiritual weaklings; He wants spiritually strong men and women! When we think He’s given us too much to handle, we must trust that He’s there beside us, helping as we struggle with our load. When we wonder how much longer we can endure under the weight of our troubles, remember He knows our capabilities. God won’t ever give us more than we can handle for longer than we can hold it. He is, indeed, pumping us up!

If a man does not exercise his arm he develops no biceps muscle; and if a man does not exercise his soul, he acquires no muscle in his soul, no strength of character, no vigor of moral fiber, nor beauty of Spiritual growth. [Henry Drummond]

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. [Romans 5:3-5 (NLT)]

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August 10, 2015

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Attitudes & Behavior, Challenges & Difficulty, Fear & Doubt, God's Plan, Joy, Today: Make it Count, Trusting God

AT LARGE AND IN CHARGE

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A righteous person will always be remembered. He is not afraid of bad news. His heart remains secure, full of confidence in the Lord. His heart is steady, and he is not afraid. [Psalm 112:6b-8 (GW)]

Imagination leads to creativity which is good, especially when it results in a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel or an Academy Award screenplay. Unfortunately, our imaginations can run amok at times which can lead to unhappiness, fear, worry and even anger. We visualize the “would have,” “could have” and “should have” scenarios of the past. Previous situations are replayed—with the revised version having us saying and doing all the brilliant things we wish we’d said or done earlier. Then our imaginations take us on a ride to the future and we imagine all of the “what ifs” of tomorrow and even the day after. We picture conversations in which we are dazzling with our intelligence or practice snappy comebacks in situations that may never even take place. We picture and worry about all of the things that could possibly go wrong, plan our reactions to a variety scenarios, and might even get angry at or upset about something that hasn’t yet happened (and quite possibly won’t). With all the looking backwards and forwards, we’re likely to miss the joys of today.

One of my pastors often says, “God is at large and in charge!” Why is it so difficult to rest secure in that knowledge? To keep from forgetting who truly is in control, I have a small framed message at my bedside that serves as a reminder—I confess it’s one I frequently need. Too often, instead of living in the present, I attempt to rewrite yesterday or anxiously try to author the script for tomorrow. That, however, is not my job; it’s His. Why not let Him do his work? By the way, have a great day!

This day is a beautiful room that’s never been seen before. Let me cherish the seconds, minutes and hours I spend here. Help me to think before I speak and pray before I act. [From “Courage to Change”]

Sorrow looks back, worry looks around, faith looks up. [Anonymous, from “Guideposts” magazine]

May God, the source of hope, fill you with joy and peace through your faith in him. Then you will overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. [Romans 15:13 (GW)]

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July 31, 2015

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Attitudes & Behavior, Bible Stories, Challenges & Difficulty, Forgiveness, God's Plan, God's Promises, God's Word: The Bible, Obedience, Sorrow, Grief & Regrets, Today: Make it Count, Trusting God, Wisdom & Guidance

NO AMNESTY

Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins. Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin. For I recognize my rebellion; it haunts me day and night. Against you, and you alone, have I sinned; I have done what is evil in your sight. [Psalm 51:1-4 (NLT)]

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Tonight, we’ll experience what’s called a “blue moon,” a somewhat rare occurrence of two full moons in the same month. A few years ago the Chicago Public Library had what they called the “Once in a Blue Moon Amnesty” program. For three weeks, any late fees were waived on all overdue material, no matter how late it was. Apparently, many people prefer keeping their books, magazines and DVDs rather than paying steep fines as a consequence for their late return. The amnesty was offered in hope of getting more than two million dollars’ worth of media back on the shelves. It had been twenty years since the city ran a similar program of reprieve. Avoiding the consequences of our actions, like the Chicago Public Library’s amnesty offer, usually only happens “once in a blue moon!”

David was famous: he was a musician and shepherd, a giant killer and celebrated warrior, a great king and the author of most of the psalms. Nevertheless, he was human and David, like the rest of us, fell into sin. Adultery with Bathsheba was just one of them; he also murdered Bathsheba’s husband Uriah by sending him to his certain death. When David finally confessed his transgressions, the prophet Nathan assured him that they were forgiven. Nathan added that God’s forgiveness didn’t mean David wouldn’t suffer the consequences of his sins: his child by Bathsheba, conceived while she was still married to Uriah, would die. David’s confession and apology to God were not enough to eliminate the consequences of his actions; there was no amnesty for him.

Hopefully, when we wrong others, we confess, apologize and try to make amends. Nevertheless, our confession, someone’s forgiveness, and even restitution won’t free us from consequences. We may still lose respect, a job, a friend or even a marriage. Our actions may lead to a punishment as simple as a traffic ticket or as serious as time in prison. A child may be put in “time out,” a teenager might be grounded and a college student could be put on academic probation. We may receive a poor performance review, not be allowed to participate in an activity, be expelled from school or find a relationship irrevocably destroyed. We could lose money, status or even our family. If we choose to sin, we must be prepared for the consequences of that sin. Amnesty is rarely an option.

We ask God to forgive our sins and he does. We must never forget, however, that God’s promise of forgiveness is not like a “Get Out of Jail Free” card in the game of Monopoly. Neither God’s forgiveness nor the forgiveness of those we’ve wronged will exonerate us from the consequences of our actions in this game of life.

The people of Samaria must bear the consequences of their guilt because they rebelled against their God. [Hosea 13:16a (NLT)]

But they encouraged my people to worship idols, causing Israel to fall into deep sin. So I have taken a solemn oath that they must bear the consequences for their sins, says the Sovereign Lord. [Ezekiel 4:12 (NLT)]

And because you have forgotten me and turned your back on me, this is what the Sovereign Lord says: You must bear the consequences of all your lewdness and prostitution. [Ezekiel 23:35 (NLT)]

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July 29, 2015

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Attitudes & Behavior, Challenges & Difficulty, Faith & Hope, Fear & Doubt, Trusting God, Worry

LEAP OF FAITH

This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him. … For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go. They will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone. [Psalm 91:2,11-12 (NLT)]

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There are some things a grandma would rather not see and a video of her 15-year old granddaughter bungee jumping off a crane is one of them! I’ve already watched her zip line and fly off a trapeze into a stranger’s outstretched arms, but this one took the prize! Talk about a leap of faith!

How could my son trust his daughter’s life to absolute strangers at a carnival? Was the cord in good condition? Was she harnessed in properly? Did the workers have any training? As I pondered these questions, it occurred to me that for much of our lives we have to trust absolute strangers with our safety. I don’t know the mechanics, air traffic controllers or pilot when I get on an airplane nor do I know the lift operators, maintenance crew or manufacturer when I board the gondola for a ride up the mountain. I don’t know the other drivers as I speed down the interstate or stop at a red light. I’ve never met the people who made or inspected the elevators I ride or the drug company that makes or pharmacist who fills my prescriptions, yet I have to have faith in them all. If I didn’t, I’d be afraid to leave my house. In fact, if I didn’t trust strangers, I’d even be afraid to stay in my house. After all, I don’t know who built and installed the furnace, laid the gas line, or made my smoke and CO detectors. I simply have to trust that my house won’t explode and I won’t die of carbon monoxide poisoning in my sleep.

Every day, we have to trust complete strangers with our lives and safety; most of the time, they are worthy of that trust. Unfortunately, as in the case of the deliberately crashed Germanwings Flight 9225 or the driver who runs a red light, some people aren’t. Nevertheless, while we don’t fly Air Chance and we do drive defensively, we continue to board airplanes and ride in cars. While I don’t inspect an elevator before boarding it, I sometimes glance at the inspection certificate or count the occupants once on board. Although I don’t take my medicine to a chemist for analysis, I do use a reputable pharmacy and inspect my pills before taking them. Nevertheless, no matter how cautious we are, it still comes down to a matter of trust; we have to exercise faith in absolute strangers.

If we can have faith in people we don’t know, why do we have so little in a God we do know? The story is told of a man who went out walking on a dark night. He slipped and fell over a cliff. While tumbling down the mountain, he managed to reach out and grab hold of a small tree. Hanging there, he grew desperate and called out, “God, send help to save me!” A booming voice from heaven responded, “I’m here my son. You don’t need help, all you have to do is let go and drop to the ground.” Looking down into the darkness and unsure of what lay below, the man called out again, “Is there anyone else up there who can help?”

How many times are we like that man, unwilling to let go or take a leap of faith? If we can trust strangers who, even at their best, are imperfect, why do we have so much difficulty trusting our perfect and loving God? When He tells us to let go, will we trust him enough to do it? Will we take a leap of faith?

You can’t learn how to fly if you never take a leap of faith. [Anonymous]

It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in people. [Psalm 118:8 (NLT)]

They cried out to you and were saved. They trusted in you and were never disgraced. [Psalm 22:5 (NLT)]

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July 27, 2015

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God's Word: The Bible, Holy Spirit, Knowing Him, Prayer, Trusting God

THE REAL THING

The Life-Light was the real thing: Every person entering Life he brings into Light. He was in the world, the world was there through him, and yet the world didn’t even notice. He came to his own people, but they didn’t want him. [John 1:9-11 (MSG)]

7-27-15 CARDINAL6991weLast fall, I wrote about false prophets (“The Fraud”) after mistaking a fake bird for a real one. Yesterday, I almost missed the real thing! Wandering through the Botanic Gardens, what I initially thought was a red scarf or a fallen blossom fluttering in the breeze turned out to be a fledgling cardinal. Perhaps he was too young to be frightened by the many people walking past him as he boldly remained perched on a small sign close to the ground. I seemed to be the only one who noticed this beautiful creature, as exquisite as any of the blooms in the gardens. Never expecting a real bird to perch that close to the pathway, it wasn’t until I came within a few inches of him that I knew him to be real! Ignored by everyone but me, he remained there, chirping away, for several minutes and God blessed me with another one of His “Aha!” moments.

Was that what it was like when Jesus walked the Holy Land? Did people just pass Him by, hurrying to their destination, too busy to notice this itinerant preacher? Had they forgotten the promise of a Messiah? Were they so sure they knew what to expect that they didn’t see what was right in front of them? After generations of ignoring God and His messengers, were they so set in their ways they wouldn’t even stop to listen to Jesus’ words? Were they blind and deaf to His message of truth? Those who didn’t notice the bird merely missed an “Aha!” moment; failing to see Jesus, however, has tragic consequences.

When it comes to our relationship with Jesus, are we like those people who missed seeing the bird. How will we know if He is real if we don’t stop, look and listen? Prayer and God’s word will draw us close enough to hear and see Him. Yet, do we use our mouths more than our ears when we pray? Are we so intent on our needs that we don’t hear God’s message to us? When we read the Bible, do we look for what we want to read, cherry-picking our favorite verses, or do we examine what is actually there? Do we ever skim through a chapter and miss the beauty that is hidden in God’s words? Do we fail to experience glory moments with Him simply because we’re neither looking nor listening?

Eyes that see and ears that hear are blessed by God. He made himself known to man through Jesus Christ but it is up to us to see and hear Him. Father in Heaven, let us never pass by the truth; open our hearts and minds to the real presence of Jesus in our lives.

But you have God-blessed eyes—eyes that see! And God-blessed ears—ears that hear! A lot of people, prophets and humble believers among them, would have given anything to see what you are seeing, to hear what you are hearing, but never had the chance. [Matthew 13:16-17 (MSG)]

Jesus said, “I am the Road, also the Truth, also the Life. No one gets to the Father apart from me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him. You’ve even seen him!” [John 14:6-7 (MSG)]