“But you, God, break out laughing; you treat the godless nations like jokes. Strong God, I’m watching you do it, I can always count on you. God in dependable love shows up on time, shows me my enemies in ruin.” Psalm 59:8-10 MSG In moments of suffering and struggle, it can be challenging to declare that we see God working it out, but that is exactly what faith requires of us. Trusting in God won’t always feel like we are on the mountaintop, admiring the view of victory. Rather, we are more often than not trudging through the mundane and looking…
“So David and his men went on the road, while Shimei went along on the hillside opposite him and cursed as he went and threw stones at him and flung dust. And the king, and all the people who were with him, arrived weary at the Jordan. And there he refreshed himself.” 2 Samuel 16:13-14 ESV I admire people who hold to their convictions and stand up for what they believe in. Shimei was one of those people, I think. He does appear to be having a hard time letting go of the past and accepting David as king. While David…
“But I trust in your unfailing love. I will rejoice because you have rescued me.” Psalm 13:5 NLT When my daughter was younger, she learned the power of yelling “help” when she needed me. As a mother, my first instinct when I heard her desperate plea was panic. The thought of her needing help would make me move faster than I normally could. When I would finally reach her, she was usually in a box she couldn’t get out of, or she had fallen over on her trike and needed help getting up. The fact is, she knew to yell…
“When the humble see it they will be glad; you who seek God, let your hearts revive.” Psalms 69:32 ESV Have you ever felt tired? I have two daughters, both of whom have been terrible sleepers since birth. They were most needy during the night, waking up anywhere from 5 to 6 times for a bottle, diaper change, or just some snuggles. At first, you are kind of okay with the lack of sleep because you’re surviving on the new baby high, but eventually, it catches up to you, and you crash—hard. Something similar can happen in our spiritual lives…
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV It is easy to trust in what I believe and feel, but the above scripture reminds me that it is unwise to do so. I have opinions like everyone else, but they don’t change the world or the atmosphere around me; only God and His word can do that. Too often, people hide behind computer and phone screens, harshly giving their opinion for the sole purpose of giving…
“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established. The Lord has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble.” Proverbs 16:3-4 ESV I am so thankful for the strength and assurance in God’s word. Life can often be confusing, but I have learned through the years that only God remains constant and steadfast. His majesty has never been and never will be diminished in any way, and He is always near to us. According to Dictionary.com, one definition of “commit” is “to give in trust or charge, especially for safekeeping.” This…