Walking in trust

I’m learning a new level of walking in trust.

It’s been a place I’ve been in for a while now.

God has been teaching me to rest in the day I am in and not try to plan or figure the future events without His leading.

Recently, I was reminded again of this.

I’d been earnestly praying about something in the future which I was feeling a great deal of fear over

I’d asked the Lord for a scripture, that I could understand His will for my responses and actions.

He answered:

and thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left. Isaiah 30:21 KJV

It wasn’t what I was expecting, but it was exactly what I needed.

That future thing I was worrying over is not where I need to be focused.

Today has enough trouble of it’s own and God is in both places, today and tomorrow and eternity.

I can rest in trusting Him to supply all my needs for the future.

I can be certain He’s going to guide and direct me when I need to know which way to go.

I can find peace in today through diligently completing the tasks at hand.

With all of these truths back in the forefront of my thoughts, I’m no longer concerned about that future thing which I had allowed to create fear in my heart.

I’m so thankful to God for His faithfulness!

Psalm 18:30 KJV — As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.

Psalm 42:5 KJV — Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.

Psalm 40:1 KJV — To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for speaking so clearly into my heart. Thank You for Your ways, they are perfect. Thank You for bringing me peace and showing me my error. Lord, please forgive me for allowing fear and worry to rob me of my joy. Thank You for bringing me back to the truth. Lord, thank You for answering prayer! I am overwhelmed by Your mercy, Your grace, and Your faithfulness! Thank You so much for all Your wonderous works! Blessed be Your name, Jesus. Amen.

Learning about waiting

That bush in our yard is a blueberry.

Although, it looks a bit lost in the space all alone, it has been used by God to continue to teach me about waiting.

Because we have plans, some might call them dreams, but many blueberry bushes is part of that.

Our family loves blueberries.

(To give you an idea we picked over forty pounds of them last summer and they didn’t last past October.)

From before I knew God was going to move us here, I’d been talking with Him about my desires.

Psalm 10:17 KJV — LORD, thou hast heard the desire of the humble: thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear:

My heart sometimes begins to long for things and I’ve learned to take those things before the Lord.

He’s taught me to be honest about my feelings and surrender my wishes to God, for He knows best.

Waiting upon Him is a lesson I’m still practicing.

In the past I wasted so much time and energy trying to “make things happen” which invariably turned out disappointing, to say the least.

One of those moments came a few weeks ago.

My husband showed me a Craigslist post.

It was five to six year old blueberry bushes for sale and it was the kind I want, Early Blue.

He looked at me with uncertainty.

“We have the money, but I don’t know how much the garden is going to cost.”

We’d previously agreed, after praying about it, that we needed to make the garden our first outdoor priority.

“Let’s pray about it “

One of the ways we have grown in this area is agreeing not to purchase something if the other one doesn’t have peace with it.

In this case we both wanted the bushes, but neither of us had peace about it.

So, we dug a hole for the one we already own and we are waiting upon the Lord.

Often, I’m surprised how much joy that one bush brings me.

It’s because I know we could have several rows of bushes out there, but my heart wouldn’t be filled with the peace I have now.

Waiting for God’s timing is so worth it.

My husband and I were reminded of this fact the day we planted our bush.

He’d been walking around a section of the yard which has decorative bushes, an area neither of us have spent time in.

His attention became drawn to two dormant bushes a little bit away from the others.

His smile was broad when he showed them to me.

“Look closely at these two bushes, honey.”

I inspected them and was blessed.

They’re blueberries.

Psalm 21:2 KJV — Thou hast given him his heart’s desire, and hast not withholden the request of his lips. Selah.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You so much for Your Word and Your blessings. Lord, these temporary things of earth are of such little importance when I think on eternity, but You use them in our lives to teach us. Thank You. Thank You for continuing to hold us in Your ways and guide us in Your truths. Lord, thank You for the lessons and instruction. Lord Jesus, as I wait upon You, thank You for the reminder of the peace which follows obedience and the blessings we have in You. Lord Jesus, I never want to get so focused upon desires that I forget to praise You or I stop being grateful for the things You have given already. Lord Jesus, as I step out this week in obedience in an area which is very uncomfortable, I ask that You will surround me as with a shield and fill me with Your peace. Thank You so much for Your wondrous works. Thank You for salvation and the gift of Your Word. Thank You, Jesus for Your incredible love. I love You! Amen.

Because God knows…

…and we trust Him.

Our family has been in quarantine since last Thursday.

My husband started running a fever and went to the doctor.

Although we’ve not heard back as to the test’s results, per the doctor’s instructions, we are remaining home.

My husband’s condition was met with many kind offers of help from friends, family, and nieghbors.

And it wasn’t a one time thing.

We’ve been blessed to have people texting us with prayers, concerns, advice, and offers of help.

As my husband has improved I’ve been able to rejoice with all as I sent texts letting others know of his progress.

Throughout these days of illness, our family has been comforted, not just through the love of others, but also through the Lord.

Every step of this has been covered in prayer and carried by the peace which surpasses all understanding.

It’s not that we are unaware of the dangers, nor are we allowing fear to drive our reactions.

It’s actually a place we’ve found as we’ve traveled the road of health issues.

No matter what we are experiencing, no matter how severe the physical issues, our expectations, our family has learned to praise God and trust Him.

It’s not easy, nor is it something which comes naturally, rather it’s a choice and an opportunity.

For God knows what we are going through, and we can praise Him during it all, look to Him for guidance and wisdom, and lean upon His Word.

For He is trustworthy!

Psalm 4:5 KJV — Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD.

Psalm 119:50 KJV — This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me.

2 Corinthians 1:3 KJV — Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for Your wisdom, direction, and provision. Lord, my heart hurts for those who are suffering, especially the helpless and the hopeless. Lord, please bring wholeness to their hearts and minds that they might find comfort and rest in Your salvation. Lord, please continue to save us from sin and to redeem the lost. Lord, for those who have yet to know You, please shine the light of Your gospel clearly into their hearts. Let them see the truth is only in You, salvation only through Your sacrifice. Lord, please heal the sick, restore the broken, return the prodigal, and bring back integrity and truth. Lord, thank You that You understand the ways of the foolish and You offer righteousness and truth. Please break people out of the captivity of sin and wickedness, bring them to Your light, Your truth, Your Word. For as the waters fill the sea, the Earth will be filled with an awareness of the glory of You, Lord! I love You, Jesus. Amen.

Peace, a gift to pursue

Romans 5:1 KJV — Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

Only through Jesus Christ do we have peace.

True peace comes from the security of salvation.

Psalm 29:11 KJV — The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace.

Strength in the every day and peace are gifts freely given by God, but easily missed or overlooked.

Because we can get distracted by the bombardment of busyness and the snares of the enemy.

Not to mention the flesh which wars against the Spirit within us.

Thus Scripture says:

Psalm 34:14 KJV — Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.

The clamor for our hearts to be anything but peaceful is throughout our society.

Yet, for those called by the name of our Lord Jesus, we should remember God’s gifts and choose to walk in them.

His Word tells us to do good, seek peace, and pursue it.

How is that possible with the tragedy and uncertainty all around?

By choosing to place our lives in God’s hands and trusting Him with every detail.

We walk in peace by remembering our souls are safe and thus nothing else is as important.

Yes, trials and tribulations will come, Jesus walked through many.

But the fear of death and suffering should be surrendered to God with an attitude of thankfulness, because no matter what we live through here on earth our true treasure is in Heaven.

We can have peace knowing eternity will be with Christ.

Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV — Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for Your promises. Lord Jesus, please continue to teach me how to walk in Your peace, how to surrender myself daily before You in prayer and how to walk in praise and gratitude. Lord, please continue to teach me how to seek peace and pursue it. Lord, when things come along which cause me anxiety or fear help me to give You my emotions and trust You with the outcome. Lord, thank You for Your love. Thank You for salvation. Thank You for Your peace. I love You! Amen.

Behind the fear

Fear is like thick fog.

It hides some things, but accentuates others.

The truth of a circumstance, becomes shrouded in the emotion and only part of the real picture is seen.

That’s what I recently experienced.

It began with our display case.

Handsome, set it up and then began to step back from it.

My heart was suddenly gripped with fear that it was going to tip over, so I reacted.

I quickly stepped closer, extending my arms in an effort to “catch” it.

This was completely ridiculous on my part.

Not only am I physically unable to catch a piece of furniture, if it were falling.

The damage to myself and the piece would be compounded.

Of course, it wasn’t tipping over.

My husband wouldn’t have let go if it was unstable.

Understandably, he was surprised by my actions and questioned me.

That’s when I realized I had been blinded by a moment of fear.

I couldn’t explain it.

However, I logged it as something to pray about.

The next two days I had similar experiences, but with a softer impact.

Both times involved a piece of furniture and I suddenly was gripped with fear of it falling over.

Due to my poor response with the display case, I was on guard and didn’t react, but instead was increasing my need to pray about this same unreasonable fear.

I knew I needed to turn the fear over to the Lord.

Which I did and He showed me what was behind it.

When I was a young child I grew up in earthquake country.

My memory is dotted with many earthquakes and how they affected me.

Most were completely harmless.

But the consequence of living in that region was everything had to be hooked to a wall or supported in some way or else the next earthquake would tip it over.

This experience is good knowledge for those living in that area, but it’s completely unnecessary where we live.

Thus, my unreasonable fear was dealt with completely.

The Lord showed me what the full truth is and I’ve found joy in being able to trust God in a new area of my heart.

His Word is true and has been my direction.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.
Proverbs 3:5‭-‬6 NKJV

I don’t have to allow my emotions, especially fear, to force me into action or to create worry.

I can rest in Him and take everything, including my unreasonable fears, to Him.

My heart finds peace in knowing that I am leaning on Jesus rather than my own understanding.

Do not be afraid of sudden terror, Nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes; For the Lord will be your confidence, And will keep your foot from being caught.
Proverbs 3:25‭-‬26 NKJV

Psalm 115:11 KJV — Ye that fear the LORD, trust in the LORD: he is their help and their shield.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your faithfulness. Thank You for Your truth. Lord, thank You for revealing what I was afraid of. Thank You for showing me the truth. Lord, please continue to teach me how to walk with You and to fear You alone. Lord, please continue to help me to turn to You for all things. Lord, thank You for Your peace which fills my heart when I rest in You. Lord Jesus, thank You that there is nothing to fear because my soul is safe with You. Thank You for Your love. I love You. Amen.

Boxing up

I had a dream last night about packing.

It was weird (as most dreams tend to be).

Yet, I clearly saw my recent mental gymnastics reflected in the stressed out “me” in the dream.

It is due to a combination of two priorities which don’t work together: packing our house and homeschooling our son.

I have often had to guard against the mental “what if?”.

Because not only am I fighting my flesh which wants things a certain way, there’s also doubt which tries to wind me up and rob my joy.

But in my heart I have peace.

God will supply all our needs.

He is faithful.

Like yesterday.

We finished school early.

We started by seven (which is definitely the Lord’s blessing).

We drove down yesterday and signed papers on the new house!

Praise the Lord!

God supplied all our needs throughout.

He has made “a way in the desert”.

I know He will help me get everything done in His time and without me stressing.

Matthew 6:31-33 NKJV — “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

It’s so true!

I have all I need, because Jesus has me.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your patience with me. Thank You for understanding my fears and worries and showing me a better way. Lord, thank You for showing me what I’m struggling with, because if I’m blind to my own sin I can’t repent and turn away from it. Lord, please continue to hone my heart, to help me to be soft, gentle, kind, loving, quick to forgive, quick to listen, slow to anger and slow to speak. Lord, please place a guard upon my lips that I might speak “no unwholesome talk” for I do not want to grieve Your Spirit. I don’t want to spread my own struggles to others. Lord, please forgive me if I have already done so in anyway. Lord thank You for walking us through all these things. Thank You for Your provision of a new home and new job. Lord, please show us how to glorify Your name in all these things. I love You, Jesus! Amen.

Exactly what I needed

John 14:1 NKJV — “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.

When I opened my Blue Letter Bible app this morning, my eye fell on this verse.

It was exactly what I needed this morning.

For although I have a long list of “to do”s, I didn’t breathe well last night and am feeling the consequences of such today.

So, when I spent my morning in prayer, the Lord reminded and comforted me with His truth.

I am responsible for obedience to Him,

To rely completely on Him for my everything,

To trust Him.

For He is faithful.

He has every part of all these things in His hands.

He’s aware of the things which need to be done and I’m sure He will show me what He wants me to accomplish today.

What doesn’t get done will, in His timing.He knew I needed a reminder this morning.

He knew I needed a reminder of these truths this morning.

How faithful He is!

What a blessing to serve Him.

Truly, I can walk in peace, because He cares for me.

1 Peter 5:6-7 NKJV — Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your faithfulness. Lord, thank You for caring for me. Thank You for Your Word which teaches me and reminds me of what is right and true. Thank You for Your Word which lights my path before me. Lord, thank You for my family who are so patient with me. Thank You for using them to supply my need. Please continue to teach me to be humble, that I might wait upon You and not rush ahead in my own strength or ideas. Please continue to help me to completely surrender myself before You, daily. Thank You for Your salvation. I praise Your holy name, Jesus. Thank You! Amen.

Happy Monday!

Sincerely, from my heart, I hope and pray each of you had an amazing Resurrection Sunday!

It seems, that anytime we have a holiday, the days directly following feel a little less of a blessing and a little more of the work and the let down which returning to the regular routine cause.

Maybe that’s just me.

Either way, I thought I would spend a little time today sharing some encouraging verses from God’s Word.

As I was recently reminded, it is through God’s Word and the comfort of knowing that what He has spoken is true, that we can find strength for the day, no matter the circumstance.

Personally, when I’m in need of instant encouragement I normally turn to Psalm 23.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.
Psalms 23:1‭-‬6 NKJV

It is never failes to support, encourage, and remind me that I have a Good Shepherd and He truly cares for me.

Some of my favorite verses are in Philippians.

Philippians 4:4-7NKJV — Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Is there a more authentic peace?

Can the world offer anything which compares?

Life without anxiety is a blessing indeed.

Philippians 4:8 NKJV — Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

Focusing myself upon these things brings me joy, because Jesus is all of them and in praising Him, I find other things to praise Him for.

Psalm 27:1 NKJV — A Psalm of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?

Although, I battle fear and doubt more often then I would like, it has slowly decreased as my love and trust in God has grown.

Psalm 36:7 NKJV — How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings.

Amen! How good is God’s loving kindness!

Let each one choose to put their trust in Him.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your Word. Thank you that Your mercies are new every morning. Thank You for Your loving kindness and Your grace. Lord, thank You for all Your wonderous works! How great You are, Jesus! What a blessing to know You! Please, continue to grow me in Your ways and please continue to polish my heart. Lord, thank You for Your sacrifice: beating, death, and burial. Thank You for rising again! Amen.

Great is His faithfulness

2 Samuel 22:31 KJV — As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him.

No matter the obstacle, nor those details of life which seem so enormous to our perspective, God is able, faithful, and true.

Psalm 4:5 KJV — Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD.

Therefore our hearts have a choice, to trust or to fear, to obey or to rebell.

God promises to save the soul of those who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, to grant grace and mercy to all those who follow Him.

Psalm 18:2 KJV — The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.

Thus, there is nothing to fear and no lasting suffering for those who trust in Him, but instead eternity with Christ Jesus.

Psalm 119:2 NKJV — Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, Who seek Him with the whole heart!

What could possibly be better than a soul secure in Jesus?

And we can seek the Lord in all things and find direction and truth in His Word.

1 Corinthians 1:9 NKJV — God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Scripture is where our hearts are taught and our trust is grown.

Great is God’s faithfulness.

Deuteronomy 7:9 KJV — Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;

Let us praise God together for His incredible faithfulness!

If you are unfamiliar with this hymn it’s worth looking up.

1. “Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;
   There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
   Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;
   As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be.
   • Refrain:
     Great is Thy faithfulness!
     Great is Thy faithfulness!
     Morning by morning new mercies I see:
     All I have needed Thy hand hath provided—
     Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!
2. Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
   Sun, moon, and stars in their courses above
   Join with all nature in manifold witness
   To Thy great faithfulness, mercy, and love.
3. Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
   Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide,
   Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow—
   Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!” By Thomas O. Chisholm copied from: https://library.timelesstruths.org/music/Great_Is_Thy_Faithfulness/

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your faithfulness! For myself and my family, I humbly thank You. Your grace, Your mercy, Your provision, and Your truth have done so much. You have made a way in the desert. You have brought joy from sadness. You have restored that which was broken. You are sustaining us daily. Thank You! I can not say enough about all Your blessings, all Your wonderous works. You are so faithful and I can not praise You enough. Thank You. I love You, Jesus. Amen.

Encouragement

Psalm 119:165 NKJV — Great peace have those who love Your law, And nothing causes them to stumble.

God’s Word is full to overflowing of encouragement.

It should be the first place we look for comfort and refuge.

Psalm 9:9 KJV — The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.

Psalm 57:1 NKJV — To the Chief Musician. Set to “Do Not Destroy.” A Michtam of David when he fled from Saul into the cave. Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me! For my soul trusts in You; And in the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge, Until these calamities have passed by.

The Lord is not absent, He knows our struggles and trials.

Psalm 142:3a NKJV — When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, Then You knew my path…

The Lord Jesus is our soul’s safety and God’s Word brings us life, direction, and shines the light of the way.

Psalm 119:105 KJV — NUN. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

His Word is where we find strength.

Revelation 3:8 NKJV — “I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name.”

God is faithful and His Word is true.

1 Corinthians 1:9 NKJV — God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

His love is what sustains through the days of difficulty.

1 Peter 4:19 NKJV — Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.

For He truly has all things in His hands and all our needs He knows.

For our very life is His creation and His gifts are continually around us.

James 1:17 NKJV — Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.

And what joy we have in sharing those things He gives!

1 Peter 4:10 NKJV — As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

God is good and greatly to be praised!

Psalm 118:29 NKJV — Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You so much for all the encouragement and blessing we can find in Your Word. Lord, I am so often overwhelmed by the intricate understanding of my emotions and circumstances which lead me to scriptures which pour in comfort and healing to my soul. My very atoms are held together by Your design, I know I can trust You for the details of my day. Lord, for those who are hurting, struggling, grieving, I humbly request that You fill them with Your Word, that they might find all they need in You. Thank You for always being all I have ever needed. I praise Your holy name, Jesus. Amen.