As I walk through situations and circumstances that threaten my peace and tempt me to feel overwhelmed, I feel unspeakably grateful for the peace of God that radiates through me, instead. It's not that I'm never shaken, disappointed, or hurt. I am. But when those feelings inevitably bombard me, I rush to the Rock who has become my stability, my refuge and the One who accompanies me in the fire.
My trust is not in my own ability to get a grip, keep my chin up, or pretend I'm not aching. Because the truth is, I stink at all those things. Instead, my trust is rooted in the truth that my faithful, loving God will never leave me, always hears me, and thinks the world of me.
When we're basking in the beauty of confident trust in God, it:
à Releases us from the pressures of life. When we believe God is ultimately in control, we can relax on the inside, knowing that "all things work for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose." (See Romans 8:28)
à Prevents us from thinking too far ahead. Yes, we need vision and it's okay to look forward. But trying to control things through excessive planning and thinking through every potential possibility trips us up. When we trust that God is orchestrating every detail of our lives, we are walking by faith, not by sight (See 2 Corinthians 5:7), and that pleases the Lord.
à Stops us from worrying. Rotating our mind around anxious, troubled thoughts does nothing but agitate us and rob our peace. There comes a point when we must choose to trust God for the answers. Then our minds will be peaceful and at ease. (See Luke 12:25-26)
During a time when cancer seems to be everywhere, marriages are under attack, the economy continues to tank, earthquakes are increasing, and powerful hurricanes are beginning to churn, we can choose to walk in the beauty of confident trust. It's God's priceless gift to us, and if we are wise, we'll unwrap that package and put it to good use.
"...for He (God) Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. I will not, I will not, I will not in any degree leave you helpless, nor forsake nor let you down, relax my hold on you--Assuredly not!" (Hebrews 13 5b)
How about you? Is it easy for you to trust God, or is it a struggle?
Beach photo taken by me.
4 comments:
Gorgeous photo, Julie! And when I look at sights like that I think how could we not trust the God who created such beauty and power and reigns over it all? Am so thankful He is my Father.
Have a blessed week!
I love sunsets.
Here's my response to your post:
http://www.google.com/reader/shared/kimberly.a.edwards
It's the first entry. You'll see.
I am alomost ashame to say that in somethings I find it so easy to cling to God and trust HIm ut there are other time, situations and ways that it is harder to release my grip and open my heart to HIm.
It is such an awesome feeling of relief, when I stop trying to do things on my own and lay it all down at the feet of Jesus!
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