Waiting & Trusting #1

I titled this “Waiting & Trusting #1” because I’m positive that I’m going to write about trusting in the Lord many times throughout this journey.  One thing that I’m convinced of is that my God, the Triune God-  Father, Son, Jesus Christ and Holy Spirit – the God of the universe is trustworthy.

For 25+ years, I’ve battled Chronic Lyme Disease and the coinfections that hitch a ride along with it.  Throughout that journey, as hard as its been, I’ve come to trust God more and more because I’ve learned that I can trust Him because He is trustworthy.  I don’t blame Him in any way for the Lyme Disease, because I know that we are in a fallen world, and there are bad things that happen to all who inhabit this world.  God is sovereign over all though,  He is in control, and I do believe that He filters everything that comes our way.  He only allows those things to touch us that will ultimately, continuously, and forever be for our good.  I think of Job and his many trials – heartbreaking and really, really hard trials – that ultimately were for his good.

We are not promised an easy ride in this life, but we are promised that God will always be with us (Joshua 1:9), that He is always working good for those who love Him (Romans 8:28, and that He will never leave us (Deuteronomy 31:6) nor forget about us (Hebrews 13:5).  He is always working good for us, no matter how it feels, looks, or seems to our eyes, our flesh or our senses.

So with all of this in my heart, I am waiting once again for a report of the MRI that I had yesterday.  As I’ve been waiting during these last 6 weeks including waiting for the biopsy results this past week,  the Lord brought to mind Psalm 112:7, “They will have no fear of bad news;” and that’s where I’m landing once again.   In my own strength and flesh, this is REALLY hard, especially since I received bad news earlier in the week.  Fear and foreboding can set in which can lead to a spiraling down of negative thoughts which can take a person to a really bad place.  But God tells us what to do during times of waiting for a report in Psalm 112: 7 & 8.  By the way, this psalm describes the  blessings and character of a righteous person (one who is covered by the righteousness of Jesus Christ through salvation; His death and resurrection).  His answer for the times of waiting –  you will not fear nor be afraid of bad news because your heart (mind, will and emotions) is steadfast.  As we purposely fix our thoughts in the direction of Jesus Christ and His goodness, we will not be afraid.  As we fix our gaze like flint onto His character and nature, who He is, and as we walk with unwavering faith, we will not be afraid. Our hearts  are secure and WE WILL NOT FEAR as WE TRUST IN THE LORD!   We will triumph over our enemies!

In this world we will have tribulations and bad news will come.  But… we can walk in faith and not fear a bad report.  But how?  There’s really only one answer:  trust in the Lord with all your heart, knowing that:

•  He really does love us;
•  He is working the very best plan for us;
•  He will provide everything that we need to walk through trials;
•  His grace is sufficient;
• And knowing that His resurrection power, that same power that raised Jesus Christ from the grave is at work in our lives this very minute!

Have a very blessed day!

Psalm 112:7 & 8

“They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the LORD.” 8 Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear; in the end they will look in triumph on their foes.” New International Version

“They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the LORD to care for them. 8 They are confident and fearless and can face their foes triumphantly.” New Living Translation

“He will not be afraid of evil tidings; His heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD. 8 His heart is established; He will not be afraid Until he sees his desire upon his enemies.”