Trusting the Lord

by Jessica Grimbleby


Anyone who grew up in the church knows the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abendnego. It is a great one taught in sunday school. As I was reading Daniel recently, a very powerful verse (3:18) stuck out to me. One that I don't remember from sunday school.

If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from your majesty's hand. But even if he does not, let it be knows to you, oh king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the image you have set up.   Daniel 3:17-18

So often we have the attitude of expectation with God. And if he doesn't come through the way we want, then we are angry/sad/disappointed with him. This shows how much we don't fully trust in him. His plans are better than our plans.

God never promised life would be easy. But he has promised to walk through life with us. Even when we find ourselves in places we don't want to be and feel like God hasn't come through in the way we wanted, we need to remember to keep our eyes fixed on him. He wants us to trust him and keep our eyes on him, no matter the situation and no matter the outcome, good or bad.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.  Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust him. Trust him fully with your life, no matter the outcome. That is what he wants.

The Joy of the Lord

by Dianne Sackrider

As I was driving to work today, I was marveling at what a beautiful morning it was.  The sun was shining, the citrus trees were blooming and sharing their fragrances and the birds were singing loud and clear.  I began to think about the goodness of God and my heart was overwhelmed with joy.  It brought me back to the scripture in Isaiah 55:12,

"So you'll go out in joy, you'll be led into a whole and complete life. The mountains and hills will lead the parade, bursting with song. All the trees of the forest will join in the procession, exuberant with applause."

Dwelling on the goodness of God is what gets us through the good times and the bad times. When I'm feeling insecure or unappreciated, I just have to think about what God has done for me. When I think about where I used to be and recognize that I'm not there anymore, I begin to smile. When I begin to smile, my attitude changes and I am once again able to walk in the joy of the Lord. Let's not get so wrapped up in the mundane that we can't recognize the goodness of God. Stop and smell the roses. Enjoy the scenery and let the praise of your mouth and the meditation of your heart be pleasing to the Lord.