Trust Comes with Promise

For many Proverbs 3:5-6 is a well-memorized verse. Although we struggle from time to time with the circumstances we face it is imperative, really necessary, to cling to God's word. These verses give us hope, promises we can apply and savor in our lives. If we simply trust in the Lord, He promises to direct us. Lighting the way of where we should go, do, etc. is critical to our spiritual and physical success. It's as critical as walking through the woods in a dark cloud covered sky. We are simply unable to see where we are going if we don't have light. The light we need comes only from Him and in these verses, if we simply apply our part of trusting in God, He promises to direct our path. Are you trusting Him with that big problem or hurdle you're facing? Am I? Trusting only comes from past difficulties and experience with God. We cannot trust someone or something we have not known something about. Each passing difficulty or hardship brings with it a history of experience. The experience we gain in seeing God's faithfulness shows us He is trustworthy. Think of this challenge you face as a stepping stone to deeper faith and trust in Him. I'm speaking to myself here too. No matter what we face, if we simply trust Him, He promises to guide the way. Let's trust Him and see where He takes us.

Team Players

As a usual routine, my family designates a night of the week as our "family" night. We use this as an opportunity to have a family meeting discussing any current family issues or upcoming events. We also take advantage of the time to read through scripture as a family discussing just a few verses at a time. Interacting together and discussing what God's word means as a family team, allows us the opportunity to answer questions our kids might have. We do a prayer request time and take turns praying for each other. During this time we try to have dessert to make it a little more exciting. Then we top the night off with a game, movie or something fun! Don't get me wrong, this does not take the place of our daily devotion or prayer time with our kids, this is just a fun night that we gather together purposefully. We always try to reinforce to our kids that we are a team. We work together and have the same goals in mind. Building that camaraderie gives them a sense of safety and togetherness. So however you can designate time together in your family's schedule, purpose to do it. Play as a team!

Off and Away

Away goes 2010 like a blur! I can hardly believe we're ready for a new calendar. Well, if time passes fast for you too, I'm sure you can relate to my frantic observation. January 1st has already come and gone, and I have not pondered my new goals for this year. Really I haven't sat down to ponder much. With undecorating and packing up the Christmas goods, I'm just exhausted. So...here we are a new year. I honestly should be bubbling with excitement at the thought of a new start, new year, etc. I usually am. Not this year. For me 2010 came with so many challenges, difficulties and trials I'm tired just telling you about them. Despite that I am reminded that those who wait on the Lord will have renewed strength. They will mount up with wings like eagles. Boy, I could use that strength! How about you? I must consider all the good the Lord has done in 2010 and walk confidently into this new year, not with anxiety but with encouragement knowing that He will give me the strength to face all that comes my way, if I simply wait and trust in Him.

Challenge: Sit and ponder what the Lord would have you do and accomplish this year.

Isaiah 40:31 "Yet those who wait for the LORD Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary."