trust in the Lord – Be Still…

Psalm 56:3 – Are You Afraid?

“But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you.” (Psalm 56:3)

We are all afraid of something. Maybe it’s an upcoming test at school, or spiders hiding in the closet, or getting old, or being left behind, or getting married, or becoming a parent. Depending on our season of life, our fears change. But this verse suggests that whenever fear finds us, trusting in God is the answer.

Context (Psalm 56): This psalm is ascribed to David when he was fearful for his life, having been seized by the enemy. Despite his situation, David’s words are very encouraging. David doesn’t forget to praise God amidst his storm in life. In fact, he praises God in word and deed. I like how David speaks of walking in the LORD’s life-giving light. Continue reading “Psalm 56:3 – Are You Afraid?”

Isaiah 40:31 – Trusting God

“But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength.
They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)

I love the image of soaring high like an eagle, even though I’m afraid of heights. It speaks of the freedom we have when we trust in God. We don’t have to fear, we will be given new strength. That sounds marvelous, especially when we’re feeling weak.

Context (Isaiah 40:12-31): This section of Isaiah has been entitled “The LORD Has No Equal.” Just sit with that truth for a moment. Every verse in this section speaks of God’s magnificent power over his creation. If you need a reminder of how great God is, this is the section for you. It masterfully sets up our memory verse today, giving us countless reasons to trust in the LORD. Continue reading “Isaiah 40:31 – Trusting God”

Psalm 34 – Why Fear the LORD?

Read Psalm 34

What a great testimony! This psalm is ascribed to David following a time he pretended to be insane while hiding from an angry King Saul in enemy lands. You have to be pretty desperate to attempt something like that to be safe. You can read more about David’s story in 1 Samuel 21. David memorializes his trust in the LORD during this frightening time in this beautiful psalm.

David says he will “praise the LORD at all times.” Do you have trouble singing praise to God when you are going through a rough patch in life, or do you draw in closer still? Some might say, “it depends.” David invites us all to “Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness; let us exalt his name together.” It’s hard to get lost in our despair when we are speaking of the great things God has done. If we have a hard time seeing the blessings in our own lives because of our circumstance, we can always look to how God moved among his people in Bible times. Continue reading “Psalm 34 – Why Fear the LORD?”

Job 16:1-22 – Encouraging Words

Read Job 16:1-22

In case you’re counting, this is Job’s fifth speech. Job is hurting, and he finally tells his friends their words aren’t helping. Job even tells them what it would look like if the tables were turned and they were the ones suffering. Job would be an encourager.

Those are good words for us to hear as caregivers in our day. We may rush to a loved one’s side offering all sorts of “help.” Sometimes, we’re in “fix” mode and words of wisdom come spewing from our mouths, just like Job’s friends did. The problem is “our” perspective isn’t always helpful. What will help most to alleviate the pain is encouragement. Continue reading “Job 16:1-22 – Encouraging Words”

Job 6:1-7:5 – Job Lashes Back

Read Job 6:1-7:5

Job’s response to Eliphaz didn’t surprise me, did it you? He felt totally exposed and blamed by Eliphaz. Job was suffering greatly, and it did not help him at all to feel like he was being reprimanded by his friend. After all that Job had endured, he felt like he had a “right to complain.” I agree with Job on that.

People complain all the time about one thing or another. Like the weather for instance. Either it’s too hot, too cold, too humid, too rainy, too sunny, you get the idea. People are never content. But Job’s contentedness, or lack thereof, had nothing to do with something so trivial as the weather. Yet people get away with complaining all the time, why couldn’t Eliphaz let Job vent a little bit? Continue reading “Job 6:1-7:5 – Job Lashes Back”