Can God Be Trusted?

Then my enemies will turn back in the day when I call. This I know, that God is for me. In God, whose word I praise, in the Lord, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can man do to me? Psalm 56:9-11

www.bibletourwithjoline.com

www.bibletourwithjoline.blogspot.com

www.bibletouravecjoline.blogspot.com

Can God be trusted when silent?
I know there have been times in my own life when my prayers didn't exactly seem to "avail much." I wonder if you have had moments in life when all seem dark. For about four years I prayed and expected God to restore my mother’s health. I don't think I ever desired anything more my whole life.  I can clearly recall the weeks that followed my mother’s death when she was still in her thirties. I remember the sense that I was loved, protected, and perfectly safe was gone and replaced with a devastating emptiness, deep loneliness, and a feeling that nothing will ever be the same again. Up to that point I had faith in God and I trusted Him to protect me but my mother’s death was a game changer. It was the first major loss in my life. I started to see things differently. I questioned whether or not God really loves me. I woke up one day and I realize that I no longer trusted God. I was on a dangerous path of self-destruction. For example, I can remember shaking my head in disbelief when hearing or reading, "Whatever you ask in prayer you will receive"? Or  "Ask and it will be given to you"? And “ if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted”

Fourteen years into the journey, I was ready to throw in the towel.  I find it comforting that the prophet Jeremiah experienced such despair as well. Read Lamentations and you understand what I mean. I don’t know what your journey with God has been until today but I am sure you have experienced your own bumpy ride. I want to assure you dear friend that the loneliness due to my mother’s passing was nothing compared to the level of hopelessness I experienced in the months when I no longer trusted God.  If there is one thing I love the most about God it has to be the fact that He is immutable. He is not shaken by our unbelief. He does not panic or act unreasonably as we often do. He remains eternally faithful.  He never gives up on us.  When we reject Him, He still pursues us patiently and lovingly. In the midst of his torment the prophet Jeremiah remembers God’s faithfulness. Even though God seems to be silent in answer to his prayers, Jeremiah realized through God’s dealings with others in the past that He is never absent though silent at and misunderstood at times.

My dear friend, our loving Father revealed Himself abundantly clear in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Listen, our heavenly Father can be trusted through adversity and pain even though He is unseen.  Like Jeremiah, I remembered God faithfulness and was able to run back to His loving arms before it was too late. He has always taken great care of me.  I have learned to patiently hope in Him even when I don’t understand His plan to the fullest. A loving relationship requires trust and I have learned to trust God. You too can trust Him.  Do not let illness, pain, and financial hardship keep you from trusting God. Listen; what we have in Him is far greater than what this world can ever offer us. Listen; even if we were to lose our health and wealth, we would still win. There is no losing with God.  Have God. Have it all.

Praise the Lord!

My Refuge in Times of Trouble.....

When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears, and rescues them from all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord rescues them from them all. (Psalm 34:17-19) 

Anyone who says that life will be a walk in the park once you become a Christian is a liar. To be honest, more trouble seems to come to those who accept Christ. It’s inevitable. Each one of us is going through something, I am certain of it because the past two years have been my most challenging yet. But why is there always so much opposition? As Christians we have a real enemy. He wants us to turn away from Jesus in order to hinder our sanctification and to make us doubt our salvation. He wants to blind us and lead us into sin to make us think that we can never be forgiven again. He wants us to feel alone, depressed and oppressed. He ultimately wants in hell, forever separated from God. This enemy is Satan. He is a well-known liar. It is important to know his nature. In times of need, we have to remember that the Lord is on our side, that He loves us unconditionally and that He renews the strength of those who hope in Him; so should we worry when going through the hard times? Those who believe that God is everything He says He is and that He can what He says remain firm in trouble for they knew every problem is an opportunity to see the glory of God. Every though situation is a privilege to see God do what He does best: taking care of His children. When all doors seem to be closing at once and I have no where to turn, I find a hiding place in God.

Recently my family experienced an especially difficult week, but God supernaturally gave each one of us the strength to pull through and God also opened up my eyes to understand that whether painful or hurtful, somehow it fits His plan for my protection and for a secure future, and that peace came only when I surrendered after having searched for alternatives comfort. There, in the privacy of a small office, my God came rushing in and only under the shadow of His sweet embrace that I felt at peace and safe. Not surprisingly, He has promised to keep each one of us safe, holy, separated unto Himself; and He is a promise keeper (glory!). “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth gives way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.” (Psalm 46:1-3) I realized today that God will always choose the hardships that best prepare us for the future challenges. It may not look or feel like it at the time but as we rest in Him, it becomes abundantly clear that it accomplishes its purpose and that in His chosen time and place He always comes. “My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.” (Psalm 62:1-2) 

Friend may you rest peacefully in His plan and provisions. Don’t be foolish to turn away from such deep love. Trust your Shepherd to lead you to green pastures. May you know without a doubt that God’s hand is never too far off to save. May you live in perfect union with Him. May you know that in Him alone you are safe so that you can be still, and unshaken in His divine presence and more importantly, may you know that He is God, your only hiding place forever. 

Meditate on the verses below: (email me for the complete list) 
Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still. (Exodus 14:13-14) 

The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you. (Psalm 9:9-10) 

My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life. (Psalm 119:50) 

Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes, with your right hand you save me. (Psalm 138:7) 

Praise the Lord!

Thank you Lord!

Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord. Always give thanks to God the father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 5:20-21)

www.bibletourwithjoline.com
www.bibletourwithjoline.blogspot.com

It takes an instant for the situations of our daily life to change.  I prefer to enjoy God today, by praising Him, and thanking Him for his grace, his mercy and unconditional and unmistakable love for me while I still can.

Are you one of these people who are waiting until things are going well in "all areas" of your life before you to enjoy your life?  News flash: tomorrow may never come for you. Take this moment to thank God for all He's done so far and praise Him in advance for the coming blessings.

Are you one of these people who feel that you have nothing to be thankful for? Think of salvation. God sent His son Jesus Christ to die for you, a humiliating death, at Calvary in order for you to inherit eternal life. You don't need anything else. Life is the best gift you will ever receive, if you haven't done so yet, pray this prayer now:

Heavenly Father, I refuse to wait until I get good news before I thank you, help me be aware of all my blessings today, before tragedy strikes. You are a wonderful father, the best caretaker I could ask for. I submit my destiny, my will, my entire being to your capable hand today; Do unto me, as you will. I thank you for all my past, present, and future blessings; and I thank you most of all, for sending Christ Jesus to die for the forgiveness of my sins and it is by His Holy name I pray. Amen. 

Friend, make it part of your daily routine to praise and thank the Lord for your many blessings, whether you recognize it or not, you are constantly being blessed, protected and loved by God.

Be happy today, and always. You are loved.

Praise the Lord!