trust God – Be Still…

Romans 8:28 – For Our Own Good

^“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” (Romans 8:28)

For “those who love God,” this verse has a significant promise. For those far from God or indifferent to him, this assurance does not exist. How do we respond to God knowing he has our best interests in mind?

Context (Romans 8:26-30): This verse is nestled in Paul’s discussion about the Holy Spirit helping us in our weakness. It’s a beautiful image of how God takes over when we aren’t capable. Sometimes we’re in such a dark place we don’t even know what to pray. That is when the Holy Spirit can shine through us. Our memory verse emphasizes the protection and provision we have when we love God. God knew we would need a helper. Continue reading “Romans 8:28 – For Our Own Good”

Proverbs 3:5-6 – When You Don’t Understand

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
do not depend on your own understanding.
Seek his will in all you do,
and he will show you which path to take.”
(Proverbs 3:5-6)

Can you think of a time when you were perplexed by something that was happening around you? God knew we wouldn’t understand everything we encounter in this world. That’s part of what makes discovery and adventure so much fun. We can marvel at God’s handiwork, we can seek out answers, and then we overflow with gratitude when those lightbulbs turn on. Our understanding of the complexities of God’s plan will always be limited.

Context (Proverbs 3): In the book of Proverbs, the nuggets of wisdom often stand alone. In this case, Solomon focuses his lessons on trusting God and what wisdom looks like. The fact those two themes appear in the same chapter are no accident. But as for context with a proverb, it’s good to remember the author was King Solomon whom God had granted great wisdom. Continue reading “Proverbs 3:5-6 – When You Don’t Understand”

Isaiah 41:10 – Never Alone

“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.
Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you.
I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”
(Isaiah 41:10)

This is one of those verses you want to write on your heart for those times when you are afraid of something you’re facing. We know life isn’t promised to be perfect. How much better when we remember we are never alone. Jesus is walking with us through all the valleys, too.

Context: Isaiah had been called by God to wake up the Israelites to their coming doom. Yet Chapter 41 is a beautiful example of how God cares for his children. Amidst discussion of how God will use unlikely enemy sources, he promises hope and provision for his people, Israel. They can put their trust in him. God is hoping the message he gives Isaiah encourages them to do just that.

This comment is so fitting of God’s character. He can discipline and love at the same time. He doesn’t want us to fear, only trust him. Imagine God is saying this to you. What are you afraid of or discouraged about right now? Doesn’t knowing God is holding you up help you feel more secure?

No matter what, God is there strengthening us. Life may be chugging along on a high note. God is still there. Once we open our hearts to him, God never leaves our side. The promise he made to the Israelites is for us as well. We have been welcomed into the family of God as believers in Christ. This protection is for us, too.

The Israelites would fall and be overtaken at some point after these words were spoken through the prophet. Despite that, God promised he wouldn’t abandon them. The Israelites had given God every reason to disown them by their behaviors and willful disrespect of God’s desires for them. Yet our God is forgiving, isn’t he? He doesn’t abandon us.

Jesus’ death made it possible for us to have better communication with God. Many times the abandonment happens because we leave God behind. God’s closeness can be reciprocated as we have been given access to God as well.

How do you approach God? Is it with reverence, on your knees, with the respect God deserves? I’m confident God’s okay with our on-the-run conversations, too. Sometimes those little pop-up prayers driving down the road can be precious and memorable.

I like when God sends reminders to reassure us he is still working. Sometimes you hear something on the radio that just resonates, like the perfect song. I know I’ve been a puddle of tears on more than one occasion when the lyrics of the song I’m listening to really strike a chord. I like to think those messages are from God and meant just for me.

The bottom line is we are never alone. God doesn’t want us to be afraid or worried because he’s there to strengthen us. He helps us and doesn’t let us fall. Lean into God today and let yourself feel his strength and support.

Let’s pray. Lord, I love you with my whole heart, soul, mind, and strength, and I want you to be the leader of my life. Thank you for never leaving my side and giving me what I need each day. Thank you for stepping into my mess and making things better. Lead me in the way you want me to go. I love your messages for me, may I keep my eyes open for them. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Isaiah 25:1 – Get Your Praise On!

“O Lord, I will honor and praise your name,
for you are my God.
You do such wonderful things!
You planned them long ago,
and now you have accomplished them.”
(Isaiah 25:1)

Are you one of those people who praise God only when you’re in church surrounded by other believers? Or are you someone who always has a praise song on their lips? Chances are, realistically speaking, you find yourself somewhere in between, aspiring to be more worshipful in your waking moments. Life gets in the way, doesn’t it? Sometimes the heaviness of a life situation makes it hard to feel grateful to the point you overflow with praise.

Context: For Isaiah, as a prophet of the LORD, he struggled with his own demons of distraction as he took on the abuse of his audience. He was being used by God, but the people weren’t listening. However, this verse opens a chapter full of hope, giving God the glory for being true to his word. Isaiah calls out both judgment and salvation, so depending on your relationship with God, these verses make you celebrate because of the hope or cower because of fear of doom. Continue reading “Isaiah 25:1 – Get Your Praise On!”

Psalm 103 – Praise the Lord!

Read Psalm 103

Praise the Lord! What an uplifting tribute to God’s majesty, provision, and love. If ever you find yourself at a loss of words in prayer, lean into this truth of who God is. When we remember and call out God’s goodness, more and more examples just flood out of us. God loves to hear our praise.

The psalmist cries out, “Let all that I am praise the Lord.” That some sincere devotion. How many of us have ever been that “all-in” for God in our lives? We tell ourselves we have responsibilities, tasks, people counting on us, jobs, only 24 hours in a day. Yes, we have those things. But are they more important than God? Continue reading “Psalm 103 – Praise the Lord!”