Trusting Or Worrying??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #454

I saw a post on something earlier this week, and I had to laugh but at the same time feel very sad at the truth of what I saw.  The writer had intended to write “prayer warriors”, but what was printed for all to see was sadly funny, it said “prayer worriers”!  Oh how true that often is of us as we pray!  We go to God but have little faith in The One to whom we are lifting our prayers!  I just want to share a bit today about real faith and trust in the God we claim to serve.

I’ll start with several verses from one of my favorite Psalms —and apropos to the world we live in; a world of faithlessness, compromise and self-will all around us, even in the church that claims the name of Jesus Christ ‘The Lord’ freely!

“1 Fret not thyself

because of evildoers,

neither be thou envious

against the workers of iniquity…

…7 Rest in the LORD,

and wait patiently for him:

fret not thyself

because of him

who prospereth in his way,

because of the man

who bringeth wicked devices to pass.

8 Cease from anger,

and forsake wrath:

fret not thyself in any wise

to do evil.

9 For evildoers shall be cut off:

but those that wait upon the LORD,

they shall inherit the earth.”  Portions of Psalm 37:1-9

I find it interesting that in the last portion refers to those who “wait upon the LORD”, we most often think of that waiting, as referring to time; but I think it can also refer to those who ‘wait’, as in serving the King of Kings, rather than only seeking Him when we want to be served!  Food for thought —which are you/I?  But the main thought I want to consider is that our God does provide for us and has told us to call upon Him.  We are to trust to His care rather than fretting or getting angry!  Both things which are a frequent battle for me; how about you!  But there is a better way.

“For we have not an high priest

which cannot be touched

with the feeling of our infirmities;

but was in all points tempted

like as we are,

yet without sin.

16 Let us therefore come boldly

unto the throne of grace,

that we may obtain mercy,

and find grace to help

in time of need.”  Hebrews 4:15-16

We can have hope and joy knowing that our Lord Jesus has paid the price for our sin, and He was able to do that because He was the sinless Lamb of God who takes our sin away!  We just have to quit taking it up again.  John the baptizer recognized Him and proclaimed His person and His purpose.

“The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him,

and saith,

Behold the Lamb of God,

which taketh away the sin of the world.

30 This is he of whom I said,

After me cometh a man which is

preferred before me:

for he was before me.”  John 1:29-30

Very similar to the message that Joseph received before Jesus’ birth.

“And she shall bring forth a son,

and thou shalt call his name JESUS:

for he shall save his people from their sins.”   Matthew 1:21

You see, sin was, is and ever shall be the issue—we can pray in faith to The One who saves from sin, or go our own way being a “prayer worrier”.  Or we can come to Jesus in recognition of our sin, repenting of it and believing/trusting in His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for my sin and yours!  It’s all because of the blood HE shed for me and you!  And when we come to Him, we are His and He keeps us in His care.  Paul gives us such a powerful call to trust and know Jesus’ care. We can have this confidence that Paul refers to in Jesus, and we can grow in trust and faith, by following the amazing instructions he gives us—one of my favorite reminders of how we are to order our steps!

“Rejoice in the Lord alway:

and again I say, Rejoice.

5 Let your moderation be known unto all men.

The Lord is at hand.

6 Be careful for nothing;

but in every thing

by prayer and supplication

with thanksgiving

let your requests be made known

unto God.

7 And the peace of God,

which passeth all understanding,

shall keep your hearts and minds

through Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brethren,

whatsoever things are true,

whatsoever things are honest,

whatsoever things are just,

whatsoever things are pure,

whatsoever things are lovely,

whatsoever things are of good report;

if there be any virtue,

and if there be any praise,

think on these things.”   Philippians 4:4-8

And in closing a reminder that I come back to again and again; it’s about our God and His Son Jesus, not about me!

“After this manner therefore pray ye:

Our Father which art in heaven,

Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done

in earth,

as it is in heaven.”   Matthew 6:9-10

Amen and Amen!!!