12/14/2025
"Prayer is the very life-breath of
true Christianity."
Today has been a tough one again, although I have been encouraged through tears and laughter, song and mirth. Always, always I find comfort when I fall into His arms or climb into His lap or sit at His feet. Just knowing that He is forever faithful, always present, never too busy to listen, giver of hope and love and joy unspeakable and full of glory. When I consider His ways, His gentleness, compassion, mercy and grace, my response can only be love and extreme gratitude. No matter what comes my way, I can always say that "The joy of the Lord is my strength! (Nehemiah 8:10).
It is so much easier for a parent to endure pain and suffering than to watch a child go through it. I have had much experience along both lines - being the receiver and being the parent who witnesses heartbreak, disappointment, and worse things, some too terrible to say. Right now is one of those times when I honestly don't know what to do except put one foot before the other and trust unreservedly in the God of my salvation. Yesterday I spoke of the faithful saints written about in Hebrews 11, who dared to trust God without ever seeing the fulfillment of the promises He gave them. They walked in faith, sight unseen, never questioning, never doubting, simply obeying. Remember the favorite old hymn, Trust and Obey? It's a timeless classic, so let me remind you of the words:
"When we walk with the Lord
in the light of his word,
what a glory he sheds on our way!
While we do his good will,
he abides with us still,
and with all who will trust and obey."
Refrain:
"Trust and obey, for there's no other way
to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey."
"Not a burden we bear,
not a sorrow we share,
but our toil he doth richly repay;
not a grief or a loss,
not a frown or a cross,
but is blest if we trust and obey." [Refrain]
"But we never can prove
the delights of his love
until all on the altar we lay;
for the favor he shows,
for the joy he bestows,
are for them who will trust and obey." [Refrain]
"Then in fellowship sweet
we will sit at his feet,
or we'll walk by his side in the way;
what he says we will do,
where he sends we will go;
never fear, only trust and obey." [Refrain]
Do you remember the words of this old hymn? It was and still is one of my favorites, as it reminds me to remain firmly planted, trusting in the Lord to guide me and keep me. Over the past week since the accident I have kept myself uplifted by studying the word of God and in singing choruses and hymns. I have been wailing out the chords like a rusty piano in English, Spanish, and the little Hebrew I have learned. Sometimes all three at once! Mostly, I have been remembering how much I have been cared for over the many years of living alone, and as I share my testimony, which is almost daily, the one word to describe my life has been AMAZING! I have no great wealth, rather limited funds, so I laugh wholeheartedly when I see the question in advertisements about how long $200,000 or less can last in retirement. I laugh harder when I see that gold is the only solution for the sinking dollar. It's not what we have or how much we have that describes our inherent worth or value in this world today, although most think it is. And the only security is faith in Jesus Christ. Most think less of that statement, even the church. I grew up with my dad self-employed, then employed as a mechanic at McLean's Trucking Company, no longer in existence. I think he also sold Bond Bread, no longer in existence. My mama never worked very much, but for a very limited time she was employed by the Green Stamp Store, no longer in existence. I remember the name of her supervisor was Gertie. Thanks to this store, I was able to get furniture and other necessities for my daughter when she was a baby, even if damaged or returned. I've lived with used furniture and hand me downs, but when I was able, I'd share my baby items and clothing to someone in need. I even gave my wedding gown to a friend, and I sewed a green satin bridesmaid gown for a lady for $30. I've been an entrepreneur my entire life, but I never did it for personal gain. I did it to survive, and if someone needed help, I was proud to help. I learned these values from my parents and grandparents and from my Savior, who was and remains the great Giver of all. I think generosity of spirit has been lost in this "me first" world. I thank God for my family who were able to make me feel like the richest person in the world. They too were givers.
As I sit here, listening to Pastors Jack and Greg, I sing wholeheartedly as I consider the days ahead. I'm sitting her waiting. I don't know what will happen, what I will be told about my car, but I am trusting God to meet my needs, as He always has. My eyes are trained on Him:
"I will lift up my eyes unto the hills -
from whence comes my help?
My help comes from the LORD, who made
heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot
to be moved; He who keeps you will not
slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel shall
neither slumber nor sleep."
Psalm 121:1-4
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