Psalm 112:1,6-8 "Praise the Lord! Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, Who delights greatly in His commandments. Surely he will never be shaken; the righteous will be in everlasting remembrance. He will not be afraid of evil tidings; His heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord. His heart is established; He will not be afraid..."
What are some life changing moments that have occurred in your life? I keep thinking about these...some have been wonderful, and some not so wonderful...but they each brought about sudden changes; changes of direction, attitude, heart, position, health, wealth...and the list goes on.
The phone rings...it may be wonderful news...someone offering you a marvelous new job in a place you've always dreamed of working and living! Or, you are going to be a grandparent...or your son or daughter is engaged to the person of their dreams! On the flip side, it could be bad news...a tragic accident has taken the life of someone you dearly love, or a doctor's diagnosis is startling and very grave...or a child has been taken into custody for a crime you never thought could happen. The list could go on and on...we could each add our own "life changing moments" and perhaps write a book...but tonight I want to look at what the Psalmist is saying about such events in our lives...
I know there have been incidents in my life when I received "evil tidings", and I must admit that my heart did not feel completely "steadfast" at that moment. To be honest, I wanted to run, scream, cry...do anything but "trust in the Lord." I literally was very afraid of such news...and I was most definitely shaken. However, it was at those times that God drew me even nearer to Him, caressed my trembling body as He held my broken heart against His chest and whispered tender words of love and comfort into my ears. It was in those moments I learned to fully trust in the Lord, because He would not let me go until the storm passed. He picked me up and carried me to firmer ground, and enlisted the aid of His servants (people just like you...maybe even you) to minister to me until I could stand again..."Surely he will never be shaken...He will not be afraid of evil tidings; His heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord."
Although I do not seek these kinds of "life changing moments", things happen. No one makes it through this life totally unscathed. But this one thing I know: I know I can trust God even in the midst of the storm. I know that:
I pray that you also have this same confidence when those life changing moments happen in your life, and may we all have some very pleasant life changing moments today! Amen!!!"The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth...He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He also will hear their cry and save them." Psalm 145:18-19
Amazingly you have managed to enumerate my life. I have experienced absolutely everything you mentioned. I have not, however, doubted God was present in any of it. (Or should I say, all of it.) I am eternally thankful I am not plagued by doubt. I know many people struggle with this curse and I am blessed to be free of it. Maybe faith is my gift!?
ReplyDelete"My brethren (sisters), count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing..." James 1:2-4
ReplyDeleteGreat scripture I had not read in a while. Thanks for posting!
ReplyDeleteIt's one of those verses I've had to plaster on my forehead and palm of my hand...God is definitely still working on this "perfect work" He is doing in me! Patience is not one of my virtues! :)
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