Remember when we were little and there was always that older family member or teacher in our life that we could always trust to look out for our best interest...whether or not we wanted them to?
Remember how they always spoke the truth to you, with a loving smile, a gentle touch and strong words of wisdom that cut your heart if you were in sin, yet was exactly what you needed to carry you through a trial?
I'm grateful to my heavenly Father for all those adults who were used by God (whether they knew it or not) to make a frightened and often troubled little girl feel safe and loved. And as if that weren't more than I deserved, by God's grace and tender mercies, He provided me with the most magnificent husband who loves me better than anyone ever has because He loves me with God's perfect love that considers Christ first, rather than his personal desires, or even mine. I rest perfectly in that love.
"but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the LORD.”~Jeremiah 9:24
Many Christians lack much of God's peace that transcends understanding (Philippians 4:6-7). Like the rest of the world, we fret over painful circumstances and wallow in self-pity rather than stand firm like soldiers in Christ (Is 46:8-10; 1 Cor 16:13). We whine like infants in a playpen when something doesn't feel good and we moan constantly, demanding that someone give us quick and constant relief, as if we deserve it.
We all know that fear is the opposite of faith. And we know that fearing anything or anyone except God is sin when we allow our fear to determine how we react or respond to something or someone. If our fear influences our behavior, we're demonstrating we don't trust God and His unchanging character (Ps 78:21-22).
"The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man...'I tell you, My friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear Him who, after He has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear Him! Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.' "~Ecclesiastes 12:13; Luke 12:4-7
So what's the cure for this manifestation of distrust and lack of faith in God? The cure comes like a soothing balm that envelopes the soul with inexplicable peace, while providing supernatural strength (2 Cor 12:10; 1 Pet 4:11) through all trials, for every child who remembers this foundational truth: He is the LORD, He is sovereign, He is good and He loves His children to the uttermost (John 13:1)...even to the point of relinquishing His glory to come to inhabit the earth in human form, to suffer and be crucified so that we who are guilty of the most heinous crime (sinning against a righteous God) might be reconciled to Him in love and holiness (Philippians 2:6-8).
"I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember Your wonders of old. I will ponder all Your work, and meditate on Your mighty deeds. Your way, O God, is holy. What god is great like our God? You are the God who works wonders; You have made known Your might among the peoples."~Psalm 77:11-14
Mediate on the wondrous works of God to prevent from being swallowed up by thoughts of self-comfort or preservation.
Lack of trust results in lack of peace, but great trust, produces great peace and thanksgiving to the Lord.
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