Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)
Hebrews 10:23
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6
As Ann and I learned to trust God with more and more of every area of our lives, we noticed that it got easier to trust Him. It also took us less time to turn things over to Him so we could rest in trusting Him with them. As a result, we leaned less and less on our own, limited understanding of situations and circumstances that God wanted us to trust Him with.
Ann and I were shopping Saturday and I heard the words “Trust Is Power” over the store speakers. Immediately the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart. This is exactly what God has been teaching Ann and me over the last several decades. He wanted us to learn how to trust in Him with our whole heart. I thought of how He’s accomplished this incredible feat in two lives that were so filled with fear by circumstances. Wow, it’s amazing to be able to trust in God and how He backs up our trusting in Him. What power.
To know, really know, that we can count on Him to work all things together for our good is a life changer for us. We both realize that before we could trust God, we had no power over our circumstances and how they were defeating us. Now, we do have His wonderful, peaceful, joyful power as we rest in His almighty power to work things out on our behalf.
Thank You, Jesus. You’re simply incredible and wonderful.
*******
for the joy of the Lord is your strength.
Nehemiah 8:10c
The Lord’s “joy” is not of man. It’s not man-made. And it’s not something we have to psyche up for. It’s real, and we can tell it’s not from us. It comes from the Lord. Ann and I kept applying scripture to our lives and as we persevered, we began to experience the joy of the Lord.
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Hebrews 11:6
God’s joy is a knowing that He’s with you, is keeping you, is in control, and that He really is working all things – all things – together for the good of those who love Him. You’re aware of the fact that He really does have your best interests in mind. You have an anticipation that He’s working behind the scenes on your behalf and you’re excited to see what He’s up to.
I was doing some things around the house when the Holy Spirit suddenly spoke to me about the things that are coming on this world like the corona virus. He said, “The joy I want you to have now and always is the same joy I told you you could have had the whole time you lived in Oregon. Never let any situation or circumstance – no matter what it’s called – steal My joy that lifts you ABOVE this world. I always have My joy for you. Always. Remember My Name is ABOVE every other name.”
I shared this with Ann and we both just smiled big and lingered in His protection, love and joy.
Wow, what a Savior we have, friends. What miraculous overcoming power and joy as we await Heaven and being there with Jesus, forever.
Ann and I are still finding new ways to trust God and to experience His joy. We know He wants to take us to the place where we can always trust Him and have His wonderful surpassing joy in all circumstances.
Not that I speak in respect to want, for I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
Philippians 4:11
Happy Monday, everyone!
God bless,
Mark
Note: While we may not agree with everything a particular church or Christian group teaches or believes, there are times when we can be blessed by something outside the realm of our current understanding of God.