Yesterday I spent the afternoon with one of my best friends. Her daddy went home to be with the Lord. I was scared, what was I to say? Praying all my words would be filled with HIS wisdom. But I kept telling myself just hold them and love them. No words can take away the pain. But what I seen and witnessed made my selfish “what if’s” pale in comparison to their unshakable faith. What I witnessed was strength and courage that could come from only One source. Wow, what an example they were to me! I pray that when I lose a loved one that I hold dear to my heart (eventually we all will) that I will have that same unshakable faith, filled with such peace, strength and courage. Trusting in my Saviour that HE knows and does what is best.

Today’s daily bread so reminded me of my experience yesterday, it spoke volumes to my weakness that I deal with every day, the anxiety. I’d like to share it with you:

Psalm 16:

Keep me safe, my God, for in you I take refuge. I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.” I say of the holy people who are in the land, “They are the noble ones in whom is all my delight.” Those who run after other gods will suffer more and more. I will not pour out libations of blood to such gods or take up their names on my lips.

Lord, You alone are my portion and my cup; You make my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.

I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With Him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay.

You make known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

When Life Is Hard

Physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausted, I curled up in my recliner. Our family had followed God’s leading and had moved from California to Wisconsin. After we arrived, our car broke down and left us without a vehicle for two months. Meanwhile, my husband’s limited mobility after an unexpected back surgery and my chronic pain complicated our unpacking. We uncovered costly problems and our new-to-us, old home. Our senior dog suffered with health issues. And though our new pup brought great joy, raising a furry ball of energy was far more work than anticipated. My attitude soured. How was I suppose to have unshakable faith while travelling on a bumpy road of hardships?

As I prayed, God reminded me of the psalmist whose praise didn’t depend on circumstances. David poured out his emotions, often with great vulnerability, and sought refuge in the presence of God (Psalm 16:1). Acknowledging God as provider and protector (vv.5-6), he praised Him and followed His counsel (v.7). David affirmed that he would “not be shaken” because he kept his eyes “always on the Lord” (v.8). So, he rejoiced and rested secure in the joy of God’s presence (vv.9-11).

We too can delight in knowing our peace doesn’t depend on our present situation. As we thank our unchanging God for who He is and always will be, His presence will fuel our steadfast faith.

How can offering God praise for His unchanging character and wondrous works increase your faith during challenging circumstances? What situations do you need to place in God’s trustworthy hands?

Thanks for being You, Father!

Our Daily Bread-February 14, 2020 issue by Xochitl Dixon