When we have every human reason to be overwhelmed can we trust God? Or can we trust enough?
We wring our hearts in despair because we don’t truly believe that God is present enough or big enough . . . or knows what He’s talking about when He says He is sufficient to hold all the pieces in His holy palm.
To trust means to have a confident expectation. I’ve had plenty of experience to see if it works. Reality shakes our confidence and limits our expectations, doesn’t it?
The strange and sweet collision of holding on and letting go.
The times when we become still as a stone when a doctor recites a sealed fate determined by a blood test or scan. Sometimes the diagnosis flat lines us before the illness. It’s then we need to just trust in the Healer whose blood covers the whole and broken matter.
As I write this, I’ve been having my own stone-still time listening to the silence of my fragmented heart hoping to be delivered from the noise in my head. To listen for the liberating comfort that comes from the solo Voice that makes sense out of something so senseless.
And it says to me . . . trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all of your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight. Don’t worry about tomorrow. He’s got it under control. Just trust in the Lord with all of your heart and He will carry you through.
So, trust must be simple obedience. Just.
I’ll never understand, but I’ll believe.
The secret is to hide in the holy space that can be found in the middle of the madness. You may need to visit there . . . right now. We can get there on bended knee . . .
Maybe your hiding place has been the same as mine . . . in the corner of the hospital corridor, between floors on the elevator, within the sanctuary of your car, or even seated in the waiting room of a dialysis center. The holy space protects us from the subtle seduction of the enemy who paints over glory with a collage of negative images.
But, we can’t overlook the glory beneath, can we?
When God offers life all we can do is stand up. Or help the one who can’t.
Verna
Wow, Verna. Powerful affirmation. We’re continuing to pray for you…
And thank you for your affirmation, Vonda . . . I can feel the nearness of our Father through your covering . . . and that of our “girls” . . . miss you all.
Well said! When we trust in Him….we can reach Him from wherever we are! Praying for Jeff and you as the Lord is keeping the whole family in togetherness.
Love,
Martha
. . . from wherever we are . . . whenever . . . however . . . what a promise. Thank you for your kind concern and prayers, Martha. You took the time to write even while away!
So beautifully powerful Verna. Thank you … I know what you been going through from your f/b posts. This will surely bless many. I’m one of them.
. . . and you bless me with your faithful comments and prayer covering. Thank you so much, Liana.
I’m one too! Thank you, Verna. I love you and your family and we will keep praying!
. . . the strength to keep trusting . . . when the Father provides the body of Christ to hold us up and friends like you and your family. Thank you, Wanda.
I couldn’t agree more. My problem with this tends to be thinking ‘well just because He helped me before doesn’t necessarily mean He’ll help me this time. Maybe He won’t. Maybe this is my fault and He’ll leave me in the mess that, after all, I created.’ Of course, that comes from mistaking my own notions about what ‘helping’ means for God’s notions, which are bigger and much much better. So trust for me is striving not to say ‘I want this solution’ but ‘I trust in You for whatever solution You provide’. Sorry to hear you’re sick, and I will be praying for you.
. . . dear Veronica . . .I understand. But, God is rich in mercy, He never runs out or sets a limit on blessing us. So, no matter what we ask, we can be assured He will hear and act . . . whenever, however . . .and I know just what you mean about the striving part (!) So, I’m grateful I’ve met you, kind friend and thank you for taking the time to encourage me (I’m well . . . it’s my husband who is need of prayer and healing).
Powerful, Verna. I’m continuing to pray. Love you!
. . . and I feel it . . . it’s holding me up right now! Thank you, Marlene.
A beautifully written description of what it feels like to be overwhelmed, seeking to hear His Voice in the melee. Praying renewed HOPE in your heart and healing for your husband as the Lord works His ways hold you fast in this trial. Blessings!
Kathy
Thank you, Kathy for this encouraging note. My prayer also, renewed hope that comes in His embrace. . . .
Love you. Praying for you and your family.
Thanks for keeping everyone posted, Bonnie . . . so grateful for you!
Verna, So Glad we can put our trust in our faithful Lord both today and tomorrow, knowing He carries us through to the other side of the storm. Continuing to pray for Jeff and you.
. . . to the other side . . . so right, Glenda. Thank you (and Dave) for praying us through storm after storm, dear friend(s).
Song: Trust and Obey:
When we walk with the Lord
In the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way;
While we do His good will,
He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.
Trust and obey,
For there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus,
But to trust and obey.
Not a burden we bear,
Not a sorrow we share,
But our toil He doth richly repay;
Not a grief or a loss,
Not a frown or a cross,
But is blest if we trust and obey.
Refrain: Trust and obey
God bless you and your family, Verna. I have been praying for you.
I love this hymn . . . one that should be my theme song Lynda 🙂 For all of us . . .
Powerful and mighty truth here Verna! Thank you!
Thank you for the encouragement, Lorraine – I’ve missed you!