20 years. Happy Blessings Celebration Day!

20 years
240 months
1,043 weeks
7,305 days
175,320 hours
10,519,200 minutes
631,152,000 seconds

20 things I’ve learned over the past 20 years. 

1. God makes no mistakes.
2. When I don’t know the why, I trust the WHO (God). 
3. When God does reveal His plan, hindsight is so awesome. 
4. God is very creative in supplying each need.
5. Look for God’s blessings, and you’ll find many! 
6. When you think God has forgotten you, He is really working behind the scenes preparing the next blessing! 
7. When people tell you it’s “your fault”, remember that they don’t know your heart or God’s plan. 
8. Pray for God’s will, rather than just want you think should happen. For when you change the focus of your prayer, you realize that God does know what He’s doing - and His plan is greater than what you can imagine. 
9. Our bodies are wonderfully made by God. Often one doesn’t realize how intricate the body is, until something doesn’t work as well. 
10. There are basically two types of Doctors. 1) All patients will fit into their pre-described molds. 2) Each patient is different and thinking outside the box is most beneficial for some. 
11. Don’t blame friends for not hanging around. Often when they can’t “fix” the problem, they move on. It’s ok. 
12. When God does bring friends into your life who are “God- sent” treat them as the awesome blessings they are! 
13. There is a balance between telling everyone all your aches and pains, and hiding it from everyone. 
14. Pain is NOT who you are. Rather, it’s apart of your life, and yes, it often dictates what you can and cannot do. 
15. When people share the newest and latest “fix” or remedy, Listen! You might just find something worth trying. The rest, well, just remember they want you to feel better. 
16. In spite of what all the TV ads say, medications do not provide an instant relief. 
17. The type of music, especially the words can and do impact your emotions and mental stability. Be careful what you listen to. 
18. It’s ok to cancel and say, “No,” without giving a specific reason. Sometimes you know if you can or can’t do something or be with people. 
19. Each day you have a limited number of “spoons”, be wise on how you use them. (Learn more about “spoons” here: https://butyoudontlooksick.com/articles/written-by-christine/the-spoon-theory/)
20. Take time to look back and remember all the blessings God has given you. If you want to look forward, remember that God has blessings waiting, so don’t try to figure it all out or get ahead of yourself . . . or God! 

October 25, 2000 - a day my life changed and I started to learn how to trust God in ways I could never imagine. 

20 years.

Happy Blessings Celebration Day! 

Psalm - Psalm 9

Psalm 9:9, 10

The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.

And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; for You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You.

Refuge: a cliff or other lofty or inaccessible place, a secure height, retreat, stronghold

Oppressed: injured, afflicted, distressed, crushed

In times: now, when, long season, so long as

Trouble: adversary, adversity, affliction, anguish, distress, tribulation

Know: acknowledge, acquaintance, be aware

Your name: as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

Put their trust: be bold confident, secure, sure, put confidence, make to hope

Forsaken: forsake, fail, leave, leave destitute, refuse

Seek: usually to follow for pursuit, specifically to worship

The Lord ·defends [ is a refuge for] those who ·suffer [are oppressed/exploited]; ·he defends them [a refuge] in times of ·trouble [distress].  

Those who know ·the Lord [ your name] trust ·him [ you], because ·he [you] will not ·leave [abandon; forsake] those who ·come to him [ seek you]. Psalm 9:9, 10 EXB

Psalm 9 -

A secure retreat that provides hope

and reasons to worship of God Almighty! 

Psalm - Psalm 7

Psalm 7:1a, 17O Lord my God, in You I put my trust;
I will praise the Lord according to His righteousness, and will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High.

Trust: to flee for protection, to confide in -- have hope, make refuge
Praise: to revere or worship with extended hands
According to His righteousness:  God's attribute as sovereign
Sing praise: celebrate in song and music
Most High: as title, the Supreme

As you read Psalm 7, the first words are "O Lord my God, in You I put my trust". Then you read about all the wickedness that was happening to and around the Psalmist. But because the Psalmist put his trust in God, the Psalmist could end the Psalm with Praise to God!

Psalm 7 -

Trust in God will result in Praise to God!

Psalm - Psalm 5

Psalm 5:11But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; let those also who love Your name be joyful in You.

Rejoice: cheer up, be make glad
Trust: to flee for protection, have hope, make refuge
Shout for Joy: To shout aloud for joy, triumph
Defend: to fence in, cover over
Love: beloved like, friend
Name: by implication honor, authority, character
Joyful: to jump for joy, triumph

Rejoice based on Trust in God Almighty.
Joy based on the Protection God Almighty provides.
Joy is a result of loving Who God is! 

Psalm 5:11 -

Rejoice & Joy because of Who God is! 

Overwhelmed? Need hope?

Keep my soul, and deliver me; let me not be ashamed, for I put my trust in You.
21 Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for You. Psalm 25:20-21

Keep: to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e. guard; generally, to protect, attend to
Soul: a breathing creature, life itself
Deliver: to snatch away, defend, escape—without fail
Ashamed: to be disappointed or delayed, be put to confusion
Put my trust: to flee for protection, have hope, make refuge
Integrity: completeness, morally innocence
Preserve: guard from dangers, to protect, maintain
Wait: look eagerly, to expect, vigilantly

Watch over my soul, and let me face shame and defeat UNASHAMED because You are my refuge. May honor and strong character keep me safe. VIGILANTLY I wait for You, hoping, trusting. Psalm 25:20-21 (VOICE)

Ever feel overwhelmed, like you are drowning? Can't catch your breath? When you feel like that, it's easy to be all consumed with fear and all-consuming depression. 
The Psalmist understood that feeling. That utter helplessness. But he also knew where to turn his attention — to God Almighty! The Psalmist would FLEE, RUN to God for protection, refuge and yes, even HOPE! The Psalmist vigilantly and eagerly waited on God. 

If you find yourself overwhelmed, run to God Almighty! He is a safe place of refuge and hope. Take comfort in God's safe arms knowing that He loves you and knows exactly what you are going through. Take comfort in God's love. 

Refuge. Place of Hope.

Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah Psalm 62:8

Trust: be bold confident, secure, sure, put confidence, make to hope

Times: continually, long, due season, so long as

Pour out: to spill forth,  gush out

Refuge: a shelter (literally or figuratively); place of hope

People, ·trust [have confidence in] God all the time. Tell him all your problems [ Pour out your heart before him], because God is our ·protection [refuge]. ·Selah [Interlude] Psalm 62:8 (EXB)

Why would I doubt? (James)

For let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord. James 1:7

For: indeed (a conjunc. used to express cause, explanation, or continuation); take note of what came before (James 1:6)

Not: where one is bidden to cease from something already begun, or repeated, or continued

Think: suppose, imagine

Receive: to gain, get, obtain, to get hold of

Anything: some or any object

From: the side or the vicinity of one, or from one's sphere of power, or from one's wealth or store

Lord: a person exercising absolute ownership rights; denotes an owner (master) exercising full rights 

Why would I ask something of God, knowing that He has FULL OWNERSHIP of everything, only to doubt that He could supply? (James 1:6- Seasick). Asking in faith, doesn't mean that God will automatically give me everything I ask for— rather it means that I will trust God to supply what's BEST for me. 

And remember what James is discussing here, it's not our "wants" in general. Rather, the emphasis is on WISDOM! We are asking God for wisdom, "the art of USING wisdom", so that we can live a godly life that honors and brings glory to Him. 

God is the only source of true wisdom. And if we want wisdom, all we need to do is ask God believing that we will receive wisdom. But often we become "seasick" as we don't trust God to give us what we asked. 

👉👉👉 Perhaps we don't care for the answer wisdom offers. We'd rather go it on our own—since we know better — (we may think that, but NO, we don't). 

👉👉👉 Perhaps we don't really want wisdom, as we know that we would have to change our attitude, actions, and thoughts. 

👉👉👉 Perhaps we don't really want wisdom, for if we USE wisdom, we may have to make lifestyle changes. 

So, if I want to put into practice the art of using wisdom, I need to ask God believing that He will give it to me — knowing that He is fully capable of doing so, as God is the source of wisdom. 

Why would I doubt knowing that I'd receive nothing? Ask in full confidence knowing that God is the source and will give wisdom—and be ready to put that wisdom to good use!

Seasick

But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. James 1:6

Let him ask: request for oneself

Faith: with the predominant idea of trust or confidence

Nothing: no, none, or absolutely nothing

Wavering: to be at variance with oneself, hesitate, doubt

For he: assuredly, verily the one

Like: to resemble

Wave: a surge, a violent agitation of the sea

Driven by the wind: to agitate or blown by the wind

Tossed:  to toss to and fro (it is used of a person whose mind wavers in uncertainty between hope and fear, between doing and not doing a thing)

Doubt. Hesitate. When I don't trust God for wisdom, then I allow doubt and mistrust to gain a foothold. And when that happens, I then will be "tossed to and fro" as I waver between hope and fear. 

Doubt and not fully trusting God, allows fear to take a hold. And fear will then create it's own reality and continue to cause me to be in a violent storm tossing about—talk about being "seasick". That is not what I want for my life! 

So, I have a choice to make. Ask God for wisdom, and TRUST him. OR. Allow doubt and fear to take hold and endure "seasickness". 

My choice—Ask in Faith! 

(To read an earlier blog post on "Fear Creates its Own Reality" here: http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2010/06/fear-creates-its-own-reality.html)

Absolutely Trustworthy

The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; the God of my strength, in whom I will trust; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge; my Savior, You save me from violence. I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised; so shall I be saved from my enemies. 2 Samuel 22:2-4 (NKJV)

Trust: A primitive root; to flee for protection (compare batach); figuratively, to confide in -- have hope, make refuge, (put) trust.

Why is God worthy of trust, and trustworthy?

Rock: literally cliff, from a root word meaning to be lofty; a craggy rock, literally or figuratively a fortress, strong hold.

Fortress: Castle, a fastness, defense, a strong place

Deliverer: bring into security, carry away safe

Strength: mighty God one,  a rock or boulder, strong

Shield: to hedge about, i.e. protect, defend

Horn: symbol of strength

Of my salvation: liberty, deliverance, prosperity, safety

Stronghold: God as refuge, a cliff or other lofty or inaccessible place, high tower

Refuge: place of escape, a retreat

Savior: to be safe, deliverer

Violence: cruelty, damage, injustice, unrighteous

Call: summon, address by name

Worthy to be praised: to rave, to celebrate

Saved: be liberated, properly placed in freedom

Enemies: hating; an adversary, foe

http://biblehub.com/interlinear/2_samuel/22-2.htm

Meditate on each of the words describing God. Once the meaning of the words and the power displayed in each, then the truth that God is absolutely trustworthy stands out. 

Knowing who God is — how can you help but trust Him? 

Thanks Living: Take Notice!

But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; let those also who love Your name be joyful in You. Psalm 5:11 (NKJV) 

But let those who run to You for safety be glad they did; let them break out in joyful song. May You keep them safe—their love for You resounding in their hearts. Psalm 5:11 (VOICE)

Rejoice: to brighten up

Trust: have hope, make refuge, confide in

Ever: continuance, duration

Shout for joy: (cause to) sing (aloud, for joy, out), triumph

Defend: to entwine as a screen; to fence in, protect, hedge in

Love: beloved like, friend

Name: by implication honor, authority, character

Joyful: jubilant, rejoice, triumph

Take Notice! 

Notice where my trust is to be placed—in You (God Almighty). 

Notice why I am to shout for joy—because God protects me.

Notice how long I'm to shout—continually (because God is faithful).

Notice who I am to love—God because of his authority, character, simply because of who God is. 

Notice the reason for my joy—God Himself. 

Thanks Living is all based and centered on God Himself. No matter my circumstances. No matter my questions. No matter if I understand or not. It all is dependent on God, who is faithful, unchanging, loving, and in complete control. 

Thanks Living—Take Notice! 

Thanks Living: Entitlement

Good and upright is the Lord; Therefore He teaches sinners in the way. Psalm 25:8

Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him! Psalm 34:8

"We must learn to trust God, not live with a sense of entitlement." (The Gospel Project)

When I started studying "Thanks Living", I realized that it's easier to say "thanks" for things, but a bit more difficult to thank God for WHO He is. Not receiving anything, just thanks for God Himself. 

I have to say that God has blessed me abundantly. And often people wonder how I can give praise to God, when I live in chronic pain. My reply is, "How could I NOT?!!" My pain level doesn't change WHO God is. My pain level doesn't make God stop being good. My pain level doesn't make God unfaithful. God cannot change. He is good. He is faithful. Period. 

"But if God was a good God, then He'd heal you." Really??!!! Who am I to tell God, the Creator of all, what He should do? Just because I would like it, doesn't mean it's best in God's plan. From God's perspective, my chronic pain is a good thing—as it is being used to accomplish His will. 

God is good. And He is a good God! Just because God has unlimited resources, doesn't mean that He has to give them to me. Entitlement is a dangerous mindset. When we start to think that we deserve something—we forget that what we actually deserve is punishment for our sin. Only by the grace of God and His provision of Jesus as the sacrifice for our sin, are we saved from eternal damnation. 

Thanks Living, has to begin with a solid understanding of Who God is, and that God does not "owe me anything." I am to give thanks to God for Who He is. I am to give thanks to God because He is good. I am to give thanks to God because He is faithful. God can be none other than Who He is! 

As I learn to trust God and understand that He is good — then my mind and heart will begin to develop a sense of Thanks Living, based on Who God is, not on a sense of entitlement. 

A Certain Christmas!

Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him!
Psalm 34:8

Gifts galore, decorations of red and green,
Cookies, candy, and overstuffed stockings
Our Christmas will be perfect this time around.
But sadly our expectations on things, let us down.

Love, peace, joy, happiness
The Babe in a Manger, the shadow of the Cross
Our Christmas should focus on the Person.
Oh the certainty we receive from God’s Son! 

Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Redeemer, Savior, Lord, and Friend
Our thoughts of Thee transcend!
-Rhonda Sawtelle

Proverbs 3:5b: Support Yourself

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding;  Proverbs 3:5

Heart: the inner man, indefinite, soul, comprehending mind, affections and will

Lean: support oneself

Not: to express with emphasis its negation

Own understanding: faculties, one of the powers of the mind, as memory, reason, or speech.

Yesterday, we looked at the word Trust. Now that we know that God is trustworthy, let's look at the extent to which we are to trust and what other words of wisdom are found in these verses. 

Trust the Lord with all your heart. With all, entirety, your mind, affections, and will. It's one thing to say or think of trusting, it's another to set aside your will and trust in what God is doing! 

Don't try to support yourself on what you remember or think you know. "But I do know what's best!" Oh, really? I have to think back to this past Summer, when God was directing me as I was looking for a place to buy.

(You can read about how God directed me here: http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2015/05/announcement-part-1-im-moving.html) 

One home which we put an offer on, seemed "perfect" in my mind. It had wood floors, access to a pool, nice location, and the right price. Yes, it only had 2 bedrooms, BUT in my reasoning and understanding it was "perfect". 

God knew that He had something far better in mind. But at that moment, I could only see "this house and pool" and couldn't imaging anything better. Thankfully, God slammed that door shut keeping me from buying that home. For in his Wisdom, He was working on something far better. I had to learn to TRUST God and rely on God's Wisdom, not my own. 

Do not support myself on what I think I know or can reason. It may come as a great surprise, but I do not know it all! That seems unbelievable... right? Of course I do not know it all.... but sadly, too often I act like I do. 

Trust God. Do even try to support yourself. God in His Wisdom will teach and instruct and guide you...... but you need to Trust and rely on Him. Trusting Him begins with having a heart that is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). For when one respects God, one can fully trust God. 

Proverbs 3:5a: Trust

Trust in the Lord ...... Proverbs 3:5a

Trust: rely upon

In: denoting motion towards

Lord: Yahweh

Trust. Dependence. Reliance. Sureness. Confidence. 

To be honest, I have trust issues. I tend to be self-reliant, after all, I can "do it myself". I know that 3-year-old mentality appearing again. BUT, if I do it myself, I know that it will get done. I know that it will be done right (or at least right according to me). I know that ....... the list goes on. 

Trust. The key to trusting is not the act of trust itself, but the WHOM. Who do I trust? We all, at one point in our lives, trusted someone who in our minds, let us down. But, we are NOT putting our trust, reliance, in a person. We are to TRUST GOD, the Creator of all. 

First, God is trustworthy simply because HE IS GOD. Period. 

Let's look at this fact for a moment. He is the one who holds each star in place. He is the one who keeps the earth tilted at just the right angle so that the tides work, and so that the weather isn't too hot or too cold. He is in charge of the sunrise and sunsets. He is in charge of the vast galaxies. 

I'd say that the One who controls and takes care of all those details, is worthy of trust. 

But if you need more than that, God is trustworthy because He has PROVEN Himself trustworthy! God keeps His Word. Read through the Bible, and take note of each promise that God made, and how He kept that promise. 

And if you STILL need another reason to trust God.... well, I'd say look into your own heart. For if your heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG), then you'll understand that God is trustworthy. 

Trust. Not just in someone—but in God Himself. 

Trust: A Trustworthy Man

While he was still speaking, behold, Jonathan son of Abiathar the priest came. And Adonijah said, Come in, for you are a trustworthy man and bring good news. 1 Kings 1:42 (AMP)

King David was aging and many were wondering who he'd name as his successor to the Throne. 

Adonijah, a son of King David, thought for sure he'd be king. In fact, he was so assured, that he called all his friends together, had a big party and declared himself king! 

So picture this. Adonijah is surrounded by all his friends as they celebrate that he is now king. And then enters Jonathan with some news. 

At parties, we all expect great and good news. It's a happy occasion! Time to celebrate! So, when Adonijah hears Jonathan has come with news, he invited Jonathan in to share in the excitement. Notice what Adonijah says about Jonathan.... "you are a trustworthy man". That is key here. 

Jonathan didn't have to tell Adonijah the news. Jonathan could have made up something else to tell Adonijah. Yet, Jonathan was a trustworthy man. Jonathan knew that Adonijah needed to hear the news—no matter what it was. 

Adonijah is waiting to hear great news ... Jonathan replied, Adonijah, truly our lord King David has made Solomon king! (1 Kings 1:43)

Upon hearing the news the mood at the party changes. The party goers disperse very quickly and Adonijah, fears for his life. 

"You are a trustworthy man." Adonijah, didn't like what he heard, but he knew it came from a reliable source. 

A trustworthy man. One who speaks the truth even when it's difficult. One who has a reputation for honesty. A trustworthy man. 

That's a great testimony of Jonathan—a trustworthy man. Even in a difficult situation, Jonathan remained trustworthy. Being trustworthy does not change based on any given situation. Nor does it change because it's "hard". Remaining trustworthy is the right thing—24/7. 

Being trustworthy is easier when my heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). A true reverence and respect for God is where trustworthiness begins. 

Trust: Fact. Question.

As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is tried. He is a Shield to all those who trust and take refuge in Him. 2 Samuel 22:31 (AMP)

When looking to put your trust in someone what are the qualifications? 

1. Who are they? 

2. What is their track record? 

Looking at 2 Samuel 22, we learn first of all that God is GOD! That alone makes Him trustworthy. Secondly, we learn that God's word has been tested, and proven true. That makes Him trustworthy. And because He is trustworthy—He can be trusted! And when trust is placed in God, there is safety and assurance that God is in control and working things out for His glory and honor. 

Fact: God is trustworthy. 

Question: I'm I willing to trust God that His way is REALLY perfect? 

It's easy to say "I trust You, God." It's another thing to actually put my agenda aside and trust that God, indeed knows what is best. 

Looking back over the past 6 months, I had some great lessons in trusting God, as I looked for a home. If I had given up on God's direction and chose a home on my own, I would not have ended up at the Castle. Each home we looked at, seemed at that moment in time to be the BEST. However, as God worked in my heart and continued to teach me and lead me, and I was willing to TRUST Him, God then led me to the VERY BEST—HIS BEST. Each day, I continue to thank God for the King of king's Castle. He has supplied a home that is perfect for my needs. I'm very grateful. 

So, does that mean that since I'm now living in the Castle, that I stop trusting God? I can now "do it on my own"? The answer of course is, "no". However, I have to continue to learn to trust God, and not try to do it on my own. 

God is trustworthy simply because He is GOD! And He has proven Himself trustworthy. I only have to trust Him. And trusting God is easier when my heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). 

To learn about the journey to the Castle start here:

http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2015/05/announcement-part-1-im-moving.html

Trust = Do What is Asked

Trust = Do What is Asked

Yet in spite of this word you did not believe (trust, rely on, and remain steadfast to) the Lord your God, Deuteronomy 1:32 (AMP)

Likewise when the Lord sent you from Kadesh-barnea, saying, Go up and possess the land which I have given you, then you rebelled against the commandment of the Lord your God, and you did not believe Him or trust and rely on Him or obey His voice. Deuteronomy 9:23 (AMP)

Trust is followed by obedience. Distrust is followed by disobedience. That's an easy concept to understand. Trust = do what is asked. Distrust = rebel, and do it on your own. 

Easy to understand. However, sadly, it can be hard to actually apply. The Israelites had seen time and time again God's miraculous care and provision, yet they still did not trust Him. Why the distrust? Because they figured that their circumstances were bigger and more difficult than God could even handle. They forgot WHO God was! 

Trust is not based on just what someone does, it's based on WHO they are. It's sad when I choose to look at my circumstances and tell God, "Sorry, but You can't handle this. This situation is just too difficult for You. Therefore, I'm not going to trust you to take care of it, I'll figure out a way for me to handle it—myself." 

The MOMENT I change my trust from GOD to MYSELF—I'm in BIG TROUBLE! The Israelites had seen miracle after miracle, yet they continued to forget WHO God was! Each time a problem arose, their first reaction was to complain and worry and fret. They should have instead, stopped and REMEMBERED what God did when they faced the last problem. Short-sighted for sure. 

If I trust God, then I'll obey Him and respect Him—no matter the circumstance, no matter the difficulty, and no matter the surmounting task at hand. If I make the decision to distrust God and do it on my own—then I have to live with those consequences. And those consequences will be that of my own choosing—often void of God's blessings. 

How do I make sure that I'm not short-sighted and that I continue to trust God and not be overwhelmed by my circumstances? It all begins with a heart permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God! For when I respect and honor God, I'll trust Him! My trust needs to be placed in God—not myself. And that respect and trust in God will then lead to obedience and doing His will. 

Trust: Proven Trustworthy

And the Lord said to Moses, How long will this people provoke (spurn, despise) Me? And how long will it be before they believe Me [trusting in, relying on, clinging to Me], for all the signs which I have performed among them? Numbers 14:11 (AMP)

The Israelites had been walking through the desert toward the promise land. They arrived at Canann. The spies went in to check it out, and returned with their report. Most said, "The land is awesome! But there is no way we can fight those that live there. They are just too strong and powerful for us." Two spies, Joshua and Caleb, said, "God said He'd give it to us, let's go get it!" 

The people rather than TRUST in all that God had proven He could do, relied on what only they, themselves could do. 

God had proven Himself to be trustworthy. He did what He said He would do. He took care of His people at the right time, even in the midst of their complaining and disobedience. God said it, all the Israelites had to do was TRUST that He'd do what He said. 

Trustworthy. God is trustworthy. That means when I don't understand what or why He is doing something, I have to stop and remember all that He did, and that He is One who always keeps His word! God is trustworthy. 

Trustworthy. We only know if someone is trustworthy by what they've done. However, with God, we know that He is not only trustworthy for ALL that He has done, but because of WHO He is! 

God is faithful. God is honest. God does not lie. God is God Almighty! 

Too often I, like the Israelites, forget Who I am placing my trust in—God Almighty! Rather, I look around and see the impossible situations—at least impossible based on my abilities. If I know someone is trustworthy, and they have proven themselves trustworthy time and time again, then I need to continue trusting. Sadly, it's too easy to get caught up with the impossibilities, instead of trusting in someone else. And the impossibilities are based on what I CAN DO—not on the one I am to be trusting to do it. 

Only, when I stop trusting in myself, and put my trust in the One who is trustworthy to accomplish all He says He will do, can I fully enjoy the journey and end results. And I will only be able to fully trust God when my heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). 

Trust Based on Sight

And Israel saw that great work which the Lord did against the Egyptians, and the people [reverently] feared the Lord and trusted in (relied on, remained steadfast to) the Lord and to His servant Moses. Exodus 14:31 (AMP)

The Israelites had just been led out of Egypt and WALKED across the dry land of the Red Sea. God had miraculously delivered them from the hand of the Egyptians. Exodus 14:31 is the response as they looked back at the Red Sea, and the dead Egyptians. They were now delivered. 

They SAW the GREAT WORK the did. And their response was REVERENT fear and TRUST in the Lord. 

There is something being said for SEEING and then trusting. That can be good as recognizing what God has done is very appropriate and it should be seen, recognized, and remembered. However, if trust is BASED on sight, then trust can be short lived. 

We see that with the Israelites. For in Chapter 15, three days into their wilderness journey, they could not find water, so the murmuring and complaining  started and DISTRUST set in among the Israelites. 3 Days into their journey..... (Exodus 15:22).... and they forgot what GREAT WORK the Lord had done. 

Trust based on sight is short-lived for as the scenery changes often the trust is misplaced as well. Trust is not to be based on WHAT as been done, but rather WHO is involved in the doing. Trust based on sight, is too often blurred by our doubts, our anxiety, our circumstances. Trust based IN God Almighty is steadfast, for He does NOT CHANGE! He is not only worthy of trust, He has proven Himself faithful for generations, and He is the One who knows what the future holds. 

Trust based on sight is not true trust. Rather it is short-sighted trust, based on ME and what I can see or have seen. And since my sight is limited to only what effects me, or the present, I do not get the big picture of what God is doing. 

Seeing what God has done and giving Him honor for it, is the respectable thing to do. Recognizing all that God has done is part of having a heart permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). However, if I truly have a deep sense of reverence for God, then my trust will NOT be based on sight, rather my trust will be PLACED in GOD—period.  When my heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God, my trust will not be short-sighted. 

Trust: Accomplish His Plan

Trust

As I continue on my desire to have a heart permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God, I thought I'd study "Trust" throughout the Bible. What is trust? In whom do I place my trust? Who is trustworthy? Am I trustworthy? What are the results of trusting God? How do you continue to trust God with things don't go as I planned? 

I'm looking forward to learning about Trust, hope you will enjoy reading what I learn as I study God's Word. 

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And he [Abram] believed in (trusted in, relied on, remained steadfast to) the Lord, and He counted it to him as righteousness (right standing with God). Genesis 15:6

The command to go to the land which the Lord would show him, accompanied with the promise to make of him a great nation, had awakened in him a certain expectation; which, however, waited for some performance to ripen it into faith. But waiting in a state of suspense is not faith, but doubt; and faith after performance is not faith, but sight. 

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible

What was there now, then, to call forth Abram‘s faith more than at the first promise? There was the reiteration of the promise. There was the withholding of the performance, leaving room for the exercise of pure faith. There was time to train the mind to this unaccustomed idea and determination. And, lastly, there was the sublime assurance conveyed in the sentence, “I am thy shield, thy exceeding great reward,” transcending all the limits of time and place, comprehending alike the present and the eternal, the earthly and the heavenly. This, coupled with all the recorded and unrecorded dealings of the Lord, leads him to conceive the nobler feeling of faith in the Promiser, antecedent to any part of the execution, any unfolding of the plan, or any removal of the obvious difficulty.

Thus, faith springs solely from the seed of promise. And from that moment there stands up and grows within the breast of man the right frame of mind toward the God of mercy - the germ of a mutual good understanding between God and man which will spread its roots and branches through the whole soul, to the exclusion of every noxious plant, and blossom forth unto the blessed fruit of all holy feelings and doings.

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible

Abram trusted in the Lord even when it seemed impossible, because God had fulfilled other promises. Although Abram couldn't understand or even begin to see how God would accomplish His promise, Abram trusted. 

Abram trusted in God. And God saw that Abram was willing to trust God to make the seemingly impossible happen. When we place our trust in God and WAIT on Him to accomplish HIS plan in HIS time, we have a peace and joy that overflows when God acts. However, when we try to do things on our own, then we cause trouble for ourselves and others! Consequence of trust in God lead to promises fulfilled and joy! Consequence of trust in oneself or others, often leads to misery and heartache. 

If I want to learn to trust God and wait on Him to accomplish His plan for me and through me, then my heart must be permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). For only when I have a deep reverence and respect for God, will I be willing to wait on Him and TRUST that He will, in His time and in accordance with His will, accomplish His plan.