trusting God – Be Still…

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”

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”

1 Thessalonians 5:8 – Thinking Clearly

^“But let us who live in the light be clearheaded, protected by the armor of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation.” (1 Thessalonians 5:8)

When I read this verse I sat up a little straighter in my chair, bursting with confidence in the Lord and his promise of salvation. We’ve been dealing with technical support for the past week on a new laptop that isn’t working. While that has nothing to do with my faith or trust in God, it has taken its toll on my confidence in humanity and my own understanding of all things technical. Being clearheaded sounds delightful!

Context: This verse in Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians comes amidst a discussion about the last days when Jesus will return. Paul was assuring his readers that while we don’t when this will happen, as children of the light we are in the best possible position to be ready. Jesus will return at the perfect time, and we need to trust that. Continue reading “1 Thessalonians 5:8 – Thinking Clearly”

Ezekiel 28:25-26 – Happily Ever After

Read Ezekiel 28:25-26

Amidst all of God’s plans to discipline Israel’s neighbors, Ezekiel inserts these two verses of promise. While the verses don’t seem to fit in with the other messages, the hope they bring is like a breath of fresh air. Ezekiel had to be feeling especially heavy with all these judgment messages he’d been hearing from God.

Hallelujah! There was a light at the end of the tunnel. The judgment of Judah has already come. The reality Ezekiel and his people were living in was captivity in exile. Others had run for the hills ahead of Jerusalem’s fall. What a wonderful message to know God is going to make all things right in the world. Continue reading “Ezekiel 28:25-26 – Happily Ever After”

Habakkuk 1:12-17 – When Your World is Rocked

Read Habakkuk 1:12-17

Habakkuk is processing God’s message to him in this second complaint. Have you ever said to God, “You’re going to do what?” You can imagine how unbelievable it would be to know that God was going to use an enemy nation to destroy the same misbehaving children who were appalling Habakkuk.

Habakkuk’s observations are valid, don’t you agree? Babylonian forces would be given victory and yet they weren’t believers in the one true God. How could that be? He calls out to God again saying, “Should you be silent while the wicked swallow up people more righteous than they?” This is a good example to show us how God can and will use any means possible to bring about his purposes in this world. We don’t always have to understand or agree.