Simply Trusting

This has been a rough week. Hurricane Michael made quite an impact. Even here in the Carolinas, then Tropical Storm Michael dumped a lot of rain in places that had not yet begun to recover from Hurricane Florence. As a result, times are tough right now for a lot of people. If you aren't one of those in the middle of a tough time, you probably know someone who is.

People are worried and stressed and fearful and feeling uncertain. About all sorts of things. There's the aftermath of the hurricanes. There's politics, which seems to have become a contact spot. We are wondering what is happening to our country, and we are fearful for the future.

People are dealing with health issues of various kinds. A bad diagnosis. Facing tests and feeling uncertain about what the diagnosis will be. Trying to navigate insurance challenges.

There's unemployment. And underemployment. And nervousness about just how long the job will last. And will it be long enough. Wondering when the next round of lay-offs will come. Worry that the job won't last until retirement. Concern that when retirement comes, there won't be enough money.

There are bills to pay. And too much month at the end of the money.

There are broken relationships. There's stress and anger and frustration.

How do we deal with it all? How do we get through the tough times without falling completely apart?

We adjust our focus. Instead of fixing our attention on the circumstances, we fix our attention in a different direction. Look up. 

"Fixing our eyes on Jesus....." (Hebrews 12:2 NASB)

We remember. Remember who God is. Call to mind the aspects of His character. Make a list of all the times and all the ways He has come to your aid, all the blessings He has showered on you. Remember how He has never forsaken you. 

"Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits."  (Psalm 103:2 ESV)

We trust. We fix our eyes on Jesus. We remember who He is and we remember all He has done. And we trust that He will continue to do that.

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."  (Hebrews 13:8 ESV)

No matter what the circumstances of your life are today, no matter how stressed or upset or worried you might be, rest today in confident assurance that God is in control. Nothing about your situation comes as a surprise to Him. He knows. He cares. And He's got it all under control. 

"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose."  (Romans 8:28 ESV)

 



 "Simply trusting ev'ry day, Trusting through a stormy way;

Even when my faith is small, Trusting Jesus, that is all.

Trusting as the moments fly, Trusting as the days go by;

Trusting Him whate'er befall, Trusting Jesus, that is all."

 

(Trusting Jesus - words, Edgar Page Stites; music, Ira Sankey)