Choose Trust Every Day

I don't think there is a day that goes by that I don't feel heartbroken over something that is happening.  It can be close to my heart - a friend or family member who is very ill.  It can be a tragic event in our area, like the fire in a nearby township.  It can be a catastrophic weather event.  They seem to be happening almost constantly all over the world.  My heart breaks - I want to do something - I want to change things - I want to meet the need, solve the problem.  But here I sit on my own battling cancer.  It's frustrating.

I was talking to the Lord about this, and He reminded me of a verse in Psalm 46:10.  "Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."  

I know it boils down to trust.  I need to trust the Lord.  None of the problems are too big for Him, and nothing is out of control.  He is bigger than anything that is happening, and He is at work to accomplish His plans and purposes in our world.  When I don't understand, I need to simply tell Him I trust Him.

Trust is a lesson that I have learned over and over and over these last 8 years.  But it's not a lesson that is ever finished - "done and dusted" as they say here.  It's a lesson that I have to keep committing my heart to.  I have to keep choosing trust repeatedly.  When I make that choice - there is a "peace that passes understanding" that comes.  When I don't choose trust, there is the frustration of not being able to do something about all the needs and problems.

I am choosing trust afresh today.  There are several things that are heavy on my heart.  I am giving them to the Lord one by one.  I am expressing my confidence in the Lord to "be exalted in the earth" in each situation, each need, each problem, each concern, each worry, each fear.  He is trustworthy.  He is faithful.  He is over all!  He is mindful of every small and large thing on my heart.

"Jesus looked at them and said, 'With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.' "  Mark 10:27

"Why are you in despair, O my soul?  And why have you become disturbed within me?  Hope in God!"  Psalm 42:5

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding." Proverbs 3:5

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."  Hebrews 13:8 

"Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand."  Proverbs 19:21

God is at work.  He is mindful of all that is happening.  My trust is in Him.  I will keep making that choice.  And I choose not to strive.

If you've read many of my updates, you know that I often hear the Lord speak to me through His creation, and through the every day things of life.  That happened to me this week.

Floyd was always very security conscious.  From the very early days of leading teams in outreach, he would carefully think through security protocols.  He felt if people were placed under his care then he wanted to do everything he could to protect them.  I always loved that about him.

When we moved to where I live now, he, once again, thought through all the security issues.  One important one is that we live in a fire risk area.  He bought fire extinguishers to place in many rooms of the house, in our little shed, etc.  These red canisters need to be serviced regularly in order to be at top form should they be needed in an emergency.  I'm grateful I've not had to use them, but I definitely want them to be fully functional.

So, this was the week when the service man came to our house to check that they are in working order.  He does some kind of "top up" to make sure they are fully ready to be used.

As I watched this process, I felt that little inner voice speaking to me.  I, too, need to have check ups to make sure I'm fully ready to be used by the Lord for whatever He has in store for me.  I can't just hope that all is well.  I can't postpone checking in with the Lord to see what He is speaking to me - what lessons he wants me to learn.  I can't neglect time with Him.  I can't skip reading His word.  I can't neglect talking to Him.  I can't neglect worshipping, praising, and thanking Him.  I need the regular "servicing" of the Holy Spirit to keep me in top form in my walk with the Lord.  Without adequate preparation, I won't make it through the "fires" of life.

I love visual reminders of important spiritual lessons.  The visuals stick with me, and remind me of important principles.  My fire extinguishers being maintained gave me a powerful visual this week - and will continue to do so when I see them around my house! 

"Physical training is good, but training for Godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come." 1 Timothy 4:8

"The one who gets wisdom loves life; the one who cherishes understanding will soon prosper."  Proverbs 19:8

"I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength."  Philippians 4:13

"The eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him."  2 Corinthians 16:9

"The Lord will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame.  You will like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail."  Isaiah 58:11

"I will lift up my eyes to the hills - from whence comes my help?  My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth."  Psalm 121:1,2

I'm so grateful that the Lord is available 24/7 to fill us up with everything we need to face the "fires" of life.  He is so faithful!