Practicing Trust
Last night was one of those where I lay resting and peaceful, yet watching the hours pass without entering blissful slumber. Such times used to bother and alarm me and I would lay awake forecasting how tired I would be the next day and/or worrying about things that HAD HAPPENED or that MIGHT POSSIBLY come to pass, which I had absolutely no control over. Over the years, God has taught me to enjoy the supremely quiet hours of the night when He and I can enjoy each other's company uninterrupted, when I pray for whoever and whatever circumstance He brings to mind, when I review scripture verses I have committed to memory, and when I renew and reaffirm my trust in Him, knowing He will provide for my needs.
The scripture that God brought to my mind was an interesting one, as I was not feeling especially nervous or fearful, but it was Psalm 56:3, which says, "When I am afraid, I will trust in Thee."
I thought, "Well, I am glad to be reminded of that Father, but I am not frightened tonight; praise the Lord."
From there my mind went down many trails of feelings I have sauntered down previously, some willingly and some without thought. Powerful feelings covering various and sundry situations; some good, some bad; some large, some small; sometimes daunting or even seemingly miniscule; often led me to places I did not want to go.
I was impressed once again in the wee hours, that one can truly move through any and all emotions to a place of peace through the powerful act of TRUSTING GOD.
WHEN I AM _______________________ , I WILL TRUST IN THEE.
When I am OVERWHELMED and don't know how to move forward, I WILL TRUST IN THEE.
When I am UNDERWHELMED and think, "Is this really all there is?"... I WILL TRUST IN THEE.
When I am MISUNDERSTOOD and DESPAIRING, I WILL TRUST IN THEE.
When I am CONFUSED and have no clue which way to turn, I WILL TRUST IN THEE.
When I am LONELY, I WILL TRUST IN THEE.
When I am DOUBTING God's presence or whether He cares, I WILL TRUST IN THEE.
When I am SICK, I WILL TRUST IN THEE.
When I am ANXIOUS AND WORRIED, I WILL TRUST IN THEE.
When I am BETRAYED, I WILL TRUST IN THEE.
When I feel GUILTY, I WILL TRUST IN THEE.
When I feel DISAPPOINTED, I WILL TRUST IN THEE.
Last week, one of the sweet high school girls I mentor was expressing feelings of guilt about not experiencing the joy of the Lord or even His presence all of the time. She was dismayed that she was not, "a better Christian." I reminded her that God made her and knows her even better than she knows herself and He understands her sadness as well as her desire to please Him, much more than she can ever understand herself. Sometimes we all need to be reminded to simply TRUST HIM through it all!
No matter what circumstances or emotions assail me, Lord, I will place my hand in Yours and I WILL CONSCIOUSLY CHOOSE TO TRUST IN YOU. I can think of no other way I would want to navigate this life than to practice David's advice in Psalm 28:7. . .
"The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart exults, And with my song I shall thank Him."
Strengthening your TRUST muscles takes practice, even and especially in the night watches... In what areas of YOUR life do you need to PRACTICE TRUSTING GOD? HE IS FAITHFUL and choosing trust is more than worth His peace.
