Believing God When We Hurt

My heart is heavy today for families we know who are in times of trouble, serious trouble—friends without work losing everything, children losing a parent to disease, a wife having to let her husband die. The more difficult our trial, the more tempted we are to believe God is far off or hidden. Out of the depths, we cry, ‘Don’t you care, God? Where are you? Why are you letting this happen?’

But what does His word say? “You hear, O LORD, the desire of the afflicted, you encourage them and listen to their cry.” Psalm 10:17

God is not distant. He hears our cries. He encourages us. Are you in trouble? Are you crying? Oh sweet friend, direct your cries to the Lord. Let’s not rely on faulty reasoning of God’s nature based on our experiences. Believe God. Believe his word. Look to the One who sees your trouble and grief. We have a choice of faith – will you choose to believe God? Will you put your hope in Him? Can you join the psalmist in saying, “I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in His word I put my hope.” Psalm 130:5 Saturate your mind with His truth – meditate on it. Take Him for his word.

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10

1st Day of School

Just a few moments ago my two oldest boys headed off to school with full backpacks, new shoes, and a little discontent about the schoolwork ahead. I'm glad for the return of routine and this time of day when I pull out my Bible and enjoy a little quiet with God before my youngest wakes up. I thought you might enjoy this Psalm and join me in praying for your children and those you love who are back in school.

From Psalm 5:11-12
'Let my children take refuge in You and be glad, let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them and let these who love You rejoice. Surely, O LORD you will bless the righteous. Thank you for surrounding them with your favor as with a shield.'

Don’t Believe Everything You Think

If you’ve raised kids or were one this scenario’s probably familiar. Two of my boys were recently jockeying for position on the couch. The younger was sprawled out end to end when his brother came and sat near his feet infringing on his space. I arrived after the voices rose and the kicking began . . . the younger insisted he was there first while the other reasoned his kid brother should share the couch. These kinds of skirmishes just seem to happen—two sides, both insisting they are right. Looking back, it makes me chuckle how silly it is.

I remember once my husband said, “You always think you’re right.” I replied, “Of course I do, it’s my opinion, it wouldn’t be my opinion if I didn’t believe it.” Now, THAT makes me laugh.

We don’t easily outgrow justifying ourselves do we? We think our opinions and choices are right and warranted. It’s difficult to notice the error in our own beliefs. Jesus was a master of confronting the religious leader’s wisdom and logic. He challenged the ‘innocence’ of the mob who was about to stone an adulterous woman and Jesus confronted the Pharisee’s misconception He was not from God since He healed on the Sabbath. Our strong conclusions lead us to some pretty weighty actions.

It’s easy to get into a battle of wills insisting we are right. I think we form opinions all the time that could be better enlightened by the Holy Spirit. Proverbs tells us plainly, “All a man’s ways seem right to him, but the LORD weighs the heart.” (Proverbs 21:2) It’s difficult to notice the error in our own thinking, but God knows. He can cut through our logic, emotion, motives, and actions to instantly weigh our heart. The good news is: God is for us. We don’t have to rely on our own limited knowledge and process of reasoning.

God’s willing to show the way . . . to any follower humble enough to ask.

“Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.” Psalm 25:4