I have found that life is a delicate balance of trusting in our faith, and taking action to help ourselves. I don’t think one can exist without the other, and each must be done with careful prayer and consideration.
As another saying goes, "God said we could move mountains, but He never said we wouldn't need a shovel."
When nothing in life seems to go according to plan, it’s easy for me to give up hope.
My first inclination is often to question God and His perfection and to be overcome with worry, negativity and fear.
In Psalm 119, David does the opposite. He writes how he earnestly seeks to obey God, that he delights in following God’s decrees and law. Even when his “soul is weary with sorrow” (Psalm 119:28).
David’s response isn’t to run away from God and ask God to strengthen him according to His Word. David asks for wisdom and understanding. He looks to God for hope and comfort.
It’s clear that David is making a CHOICE. In his darkest moments, he can either choose to be faithful and obey God or choose to make his own way in the world.
“To the faithful, you show yourself faithful” (Psalm 18:25). I realize how much I need to keep this verse in the forefront of my mind to remind myself of the promise of His faithfulness to me.
A reminder that I need to CHOOSE to trust Him and have FAITH in His good plan. I must remember all those times when I have given my faithfulness to Him, He has revealed His faithfulness to me.
If you’re going through a difficult time right now, and even if everything inside you says, “Run!” ask God to use His Word to strengthen you. Ask Him for wisdom, for understanding, and for the courage to CHOOSE to be faithful.
With love and joy,
Laura Pedersen