'Tis so Sweet to Trust in Jesus

As I considered what to share in this post, so many things came to mind. The Lord is so good, so compassionate, so gracious... abounding in steadfast love. When I think on what He's been teaching me, a lot comes to mind (and I don't mean this pridefully... when you pray for the Lord to reveal sin in your heart no matter how hard it is, He is so faithful to do so - and there sure is a lot there). But, one thing that I keep learning, over and over, often in the midst of other lessons and struggles, is this truth - I am not God. I want to know what's coming next, I want to be in control, I want what I want. What do these sinful heart attitudes come down to? I am not trusting fully in the Lord and focusing rightly on who He is and who I am.

We probably all know the story of Job. I'd like to say that I would have rightly responded to the circumstances he faced, but I know my heart would deeply struggle. In chapter 38, we find the Lord answering Job out of a whirlwind. This chapter (and the rest of the book... and all of Scripture, really:) is full of reminders of the Lord's power, sovereignty, holiness, and on and on.

Job 38:4, ESV
"Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?
Tell me, if you have understanding."

...Have you commanded the morning since your days began

...What is the way to the place where the light is distributed,

    or where the east wind is scattered upon the earth?

...Who has put wisdom in the inward parts

    or given understanding to the mind?

...Who provides for the raven its prey,

    when its young ones cry to God for help,
    and wander about for lack of food?

Job 42:1-6, ESV

"Then Job answered the Lord and said:

“I know that you can do all things,
    and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.

‘Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?’
Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand,
    things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.
 ‘Hear, and I will speak;
    I will question you, and you make it known to me.’
 I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear,
    but now my eye sees you;
 therefore I despise myself,
    and repent in dust and ashes.”

When I respond to circumstances in frustration, confusion, questioning God's goodness in my life, do I really have my heart set on a right view of who God is? Do I have any right to question Him? Say it together now... Nope. I deserve eternal punishment, and I have from the moment I was alive. What grace He has shown us, not only to allow us to live on this earth, but to allow us opportunity to repent. What grace, what love He has shown to send His only Son to die for our sins. What grace He has shown us to draw such unworthy sinners to Himself. To allow us to know Him. To show us our sins and remind us that we are dust. To allow us to belong to His Church. How often I trample on His grace.

When I cling so tightly to my comfort and desire to be in control, I am not fixing my eyes on Christ as I should. He has been working on this so much in my heart lately. I find so much comfort and encouragement, not only in these truths that I am so often reminded of, but also in seeing how the Lord has been teaching me. I read passages like this one in Job, and I am reminded of how small I am and how dependent I am on my Creator for every moment of every day. His sovereign hand in my life, in my friend's and families lives, in His Church, and over all creation... It's overwhelming and should humble us before such a holy, merciful God.

I'd encourage all of you ladies to read Job 38-42 this week if you have time. Even as I was writing this post, I was so struck by the truths in those verses. Please pray for me as I continue to learn to trust in the Lord and view my circumstances through the truths in His Word. I am so thankful for all of you ladies... The Lord is so kind to give us one another and I love all of you sisters so very much. ♥

"Jesus, Jesus, Precious Jesus... Oh, for grace to trust Him more."