Proverbs 3:5 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
As I was praying this morning I thought about this scripture and how easy it is to do this when things are going smoothly. But how do we trust in the Lord when the storms of life are blowing all around us? I just read a book titled, "The other side of faith." The focus of the book was how we allow fear into our lives without even realizing it. It is small anxieties over simply things. But the bible is very clear, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God" (Phil 4:6 NKJV). This literally means that we should not concern ourselves with the cares of this life.
As I pondered these scriptures, I thought of the Israelites prior to their departure out of Egypt. Exodus chapter 12 discusses the final plague that would strike Egypt. Draw your attention to verse 23: "When the LORD passes through to strike Egypt and sees the blood on the lintel and the two doorposts, He will pass over the door and not let the destroyer enter your houses to strike you."
We know the destroyer is the enemy as Jesus tells us he (the devil) comes to kill, steal and destroy (John 10:10). I was comforted by the thought that as long as I stay in the house covered with the blood of Jesus, the destroyer cannot harm me. There are many scriptures that talk about God raising a banner to protect His children when the enemy comes in like a flood (Ish 59:19) And we dwell in the secret place of the most high and hide under His wings (Psalm 91:1). All of a sudden it hit me, fear comes naturally to us. Think about that. It is easy to get into fear. It takes work to stand in faith. It takes work to trust in the Lord with all your heart when the bank account is low and the bills are high, the job is talking about lay offs, the cabinets are empty. It takes work to enter into the rest of God (Hebrews 4:11). It takes trust in God's word and His promises to cast down imaginations (2 Cor 10:5).
I have declared that 2012 will be a year of great victories. I have determined and purposed that my life will reflect the glory of God's goodness and greatness. I have decided to simply trust God. When my mind starts to wander to all the, "what ifs" and "what will I dos," I stop the thought and quote Psalm 23.
The LORD is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack.
2 He lets me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters.
3 He renews my life; He leads me along the right paths for His name’s sake.
4 Even when I go through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff—they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6 Only goodness and faithful love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD as long as I live. (HCSB)
These words are always a comfort to me. Over the past few years, I have faced many challenges. But this year is my year to simply trust God. I have made bad decisions which resulted in negative consequences. But through all of it, God showed grace and mercy. This year I stand on the promise that He will open the windows of heaven and pour out blessings that I can not contain. And He will rebuke the devour on my behalf because I return the tithe and bring an offering into His storehouse. (Mal 3:10-11).
God said to prove Him. Put pressure on the convenant to get all that He promised. All good gifts come from the Father above (Matthew 7:11 and James 1:17). It is time to stand on God's promises. I choose to trust His word. The Word is Jesus Christ (John 1:14). He is the promise on which we stand. No matter what you are facing. Look into God's word. Figure out what He wants you to do. Do it and then watch His glorious power manifest in your life.
Jesus made this simple declaration: "Have faith in God" (Mark 11:22). Let us choose to do that. Let us choose faith over fear. Let us create a better tomorrow by applying God's word.
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