Good Morning!

I’m having trouble understanding what it is about trusting in the Lord that I’m don’t get. I’ve been hit between the eyes twice since yesterday with messages about worry. One was an excellent sermon by my pastor, Steve Bakke. The other was today from a new devo of Puritan devotional readings. Side note – those Puritans put out some really good material! As I examine my life lately, I find that I am worrying quite a bit. In fact, much more than I should.

Why should that be? I mean, I know that God hears my prayer (Hebrews 4:16). I try my best to pray within the name of Jesus (John 16:23). I also know that I must be persistent (Luke 18:1-8). Furthermore, I know that if two or three agree, it will be done as we ask except for that which is specifically outside of the will of my Father (Luke 22:42). Finally, I know it is also God’s timing, not mine (Psalm 27:14).

I know all these things, yet I still worry. Well, I don’t exactly like to phrase it in those terms. After all, what I’m really doing is determining whether or not I am missing some cues for action on my part. Right? After all, God helps those who help themselves, right? Actually, that’s not in the bible. Still, you know what I mean. I don’t want to be that guy who simply asks and then expects God to miracle everything whilst I sit on my rear end and watch. He’s no fan of sluggards, or so I rationalize my concerns.

I suppose that is true for some things, but not so much with others. Just for kicks, let’s look at the verses that the Puritans put out:

Romans 8:28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Psalm 84:11 For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly.

Psalm 34:10 The young lions suffer want and hunger; but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.

Psalm 37:4 Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Then they had this line of reasoning that didn’t exactly sit well at first.

If it were good for you that there was no sin, no devil, no affliction, no destruction, the love of Christ would instantly abolish these. Nay, if the possession of all the kingdoms of the world were absolutely good for any saint, the love of Christ would instantly crown him the monarchy over them. (Voices from the Past Volume 1, page 29).

Fine, I get that. Even other people’s sin is an affliction that will benefit me in the big picture. I guess the sooner I look for that truth, the sooner I can be done with my lesson. Does that mean that the effect of sin will go away, or that the other person will stop sinning? No, but it will mean that I will get to enjoy something my pastor was trying to teach me.

John 16:33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

That I may have peace. Hmmm. Jesus tells me to take heart. Gotcha.

Psalm 27:14 Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!

Notice, David used an exclamation point at the end of that.

Father, I hear you. I understand. Be patient. Ok.

Copyright © 2018 Scott Powers