May 24, 2018

The LORD Remains Faithful

The righteous person may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all. – Psalm 34:19

Fear and uncertainty push my buttons. How about you? Do you get upset when faced with the unknown? Do you lose hope and faith when you can’t see a way?

God reminded me recently that He can make a way when I don’t even see the beginning of the path. He told me again that He is faithful and always keeps His promises. He showed me His love. And He showed up when I needed Him most.

I sat so many days with my Bible open, finger jabbing at His words on the page. I felt a deep need to remind Him of what He’d said. I know. It’s comical. God knows the pages far better than I ever will. Still, He met me there in that place. He didn’t turn away. He held me close until I could calm down enough to see the way.

That gave me a wonderful opportunity to eat humble pie before God. Have you ever done that? Have you ever doubted God only to watch Him come through for you in ways you couldn’t begin to imagine? It’s amazing, isn’t it?

It’s not that I doubted God could make a way. He’s God. He can do anything and everything. It’s just sometimes difficult to believe that He will. I still see myself as unworthy. All those rejections from my past, all those failures, all the ugly comments hurled my way, cause me to doubt the deep love of the One who carries me through every storm.

And, still, He remains. Always. My anchor and my guide. The One who knows me best and loves me so deeply that I can’t even comprehend it. He loves you that same way too.

I have given up trying to predict what tomorrow might bring. I’ve had too many plans, too many dreams, blow up in ways I couldn’t even imagine. I’ve felt the sting of false accusations, coupled with my very real sins. Through it all, God was there.

The other day a dear friend reminded me that I need to prepare for the day when I can no longer function on my own. I don’t have anyone to look after me, she said. I didn’t need the reminder. I’ve always known that at the end of the day, it’s just me and God. There’s no one else.

I think that’s true for all of us. We count on family and friends, our pastors and medical staff, and all those who surround us with love and caring. But when the day is done, it’s just us and God. He holds us in the palm of His hand. God determines our time on this earth. God surrounds us with His love. He is the One who has promised to never leave us or abandon us.

We don’t know what the end will look like, just as we don’t know what tomorrow might bring. Life changes quickly. I don’t say that to be morbid. We should enjoy life and all of God’s blessings. But we should also realize that we’re just travelers on this earth. It’s not our home.

We belong to the One who has promised to save us from all our troubles. God knows the plans He has for us and they are good. Don’t let yourself get sidetracked by momentary troubles. Don’t become arrogant and wallow in the joys the world offers. Stay focused on God. Then, no matter what happens, be it good or bad, you’ll be okay.