Simple Faith Christian

Psalms 27:1 (NKJV)

“The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?

           When the everyday grind starts taking its toll what do you do? Is there someone that you can turn to? What if you feel like you are going in circles, is there someone that is available to stop the spinning? But are they always there no matter the circumstance to catch you if you fall? If they are not what do you do?

          Depending on the day, or even just part of a day, we can reach a point where there is a feeling like we are walking on a narrow path along a deep canyon and the ground under our feet is very unstable. Then we stare at the jagged rocks below wondering which one has our name on it. The little doubts that start to form in our minds, now change into apprehension, some frustration, and even varying degrees of fear.

Once we get this far there are many things we can do. Step back to decide if we should take a deep breath or maybe just push through. If you have a tight knit family you may always have someone there to reach out to. If you don’t, there may be a close friend, a trusted co-worker, or even your therapist to help pick you up and put you back on your feet.

          Your journey may be different. Instead of standing on the edge looking down, it may seem more like you’re going in circles. A series of events that keep repeating themselves so many times you can predict what is going to happen next except for how to escape. At one time I heard this described and running full speed, but one foot is stuck to the floor. This brought to mind visions of Curly in the old Three Stooges reruns.

          I also wonder if this might be how the Israelites felt when they roamed the wilderness for forty years. It would be like passing the same rock or bush every few days. I know I get frustrated with a situation that may last for a few days, I don’t know if I could take a few years. As we search for answers we encounter the little doubts that creep in to begin twisting our emotions.

          Then if we don’t fill in these cracks quick enough, they become wider and longer turning into various fears that could shut us down or push us in the wrong direction. Sometimes we can’t see the solutions or they don’t come easy. That door we reach for is locked. In fact, every door we find is bolted shut and will not open. Now the ledge gives way and we are hanging on, but you are too tired to pull yourself up and too scared to let go.

          Even if you hear God’s voice telling you to let go, can you? I know there are many times when I know that I should, but I hold out a little longer. As I read through scripture I found that David spoke of being afraid several times especially in Psalms 56. This chapter is very enlightening, but I want to focus on Psalms 56:3 “Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.” and Psalms 56:11, “In God I have put my trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?”

          If you notice, both verses give us the same answer. The one that when times get rough we seem to forget. Trust. Putting our trust and faith in God will see us through the situations we face. In most cases all our troubles won’t just disappear, but we may find the answers or at least the peace we seek. Now some of you may chuckle because you know that saying what to do is much easier than actually doing it when the time comes.

          Far too often we tend to go the other direction and lean toward a more earthly solution rather than look to the Father. There may be times when we feel a spiritual disconnection, but usually it is us causing this. All those fears and doubts that are swirling through our minds cloud our vision and get in the way. So we reach out to what we can see, instead of keeping our trust and faith in the Lord.

           Have you ever had those calls go unanswered? I can remember several times when I reached out to someone, but they were unable to help or just unwilling to get involved. It is much easier to handle if a person legitimately can’t be there, but it is difficult to listen to a made up excuse or have that trusted friend just say sorry you’re on your own. This is always the hazard when you depend upon the physical realm.

          Although, I can say that every time I have felt those shadows surrounding me and called on God in faith he has been there. I may not get immediate relief of the situation, but I can feel the sense of peace I need to continue. This feeling is deepened when I also spend time in His word. I can not count the times I have been led to the perfect verse or it let me see a new solution. I even have my favorite ones that I go to when I need that extra boost to my spirit.

          It is amazing that we can feel trapped on that ledge, but once we let go and trust in the Lord we find that door that was locked now open. There are times that He is preparing us for the next part of our journey and some doors may not be ready to be opened or a portion of His plan for us revealed till it is time. That is why we need to remain steadfast in our faith.

          When things are chaotic and you’re hanging from that ledge, it is not always so easy to take that breath while you give thanks to the Lord for all that He has given you, then have the faith to trust Him and let go. So join me in reminding ourselves that His love for us never changes and release ourselves into his hands. Now also please enjoy, “Follow Where I Lead.”          

FOLLOW WHERE I LEAD

 Some days it’s like hanging by my fingernails from a crumbling ledge,

All these trials and troubles that I have faced push me to the edge. 

As I keep trying to push forward everything is moving in slow motion,

A spiritual numbness has washed over me like sinking in the ocean.

I thought I was making progress only to discover my way is blocked,

And the doors I have passed along the way are shut and securely locked. 

When I search to find another direction, I turn a corner to find a wall,

My path now feels like it’s giving way and I am afraid that I may fall.

 I now find myself back on the ledge staring at the empty space below,

Lord, I’m asking if my faith is strong enough for me to just let go.

My child, those many doubts you created have become the fears you feel,

You talk as if I have abandoned you, but you know deep inside it’s not real.

You need to take the time to be thankful for everything you have now,

Then you have to be patient for what is to come and soon you will see how.

 Fore many of the doors that are before you are not ready to open,

As you pray to me you must listen for My guidance to be spoken.

My word will help ease the confusion when the shadows hide the light,

Then once you stop resisting you will find the path that is right.

Your arms are getting tired while searching for the faith you need,

It is time to let go of all your fears and follow where I lead.

 

Simple Faith Christian

 Copyright 2018