God is Not Bound by One Word

It’s only a few days until the end of the year, and I don’t have my One Word for 2016 yet. I’ve been thinking about it, and I’ve kind of asked God about it, but I’m not quite ready to move on from this year’s word—Renew.

Renew felt hopeful…full of possibilities. All year, it’s been my focus and I’ve been looking for ways in which God has brought about renewal in my life. Renew is a positive, uplifting word. Last year, God gave me Let Go for the year, so you can see why Renew was a breath of fresh air.

I’ve been wrestling with keeping Renew for another year or moving on. But I wonder if that’s like trying to put parameters around God’s work.

For the past four years, I’ve had a one word focus, and I’ve trusted God to identify that focus for me. So, clinging to Renew might not be the best idea. Maybe He has a better word in mind for me for the upcoming year, and if I don’t move forward, I’ll miss what He has planned.

And then I realized…it doesn’t matter. God will continue to bring about renewal, just as He always has. I just need to keep looking for it.

A One Word focus is for my benefit, not God’s. He is not bound by one word, or even two. He doesn’t need something to keep Him focused, but He knows I do.

I need the reminder that God is at work, no matter what I can see and not see.

God builds on what He teaches us, and there is always more to learn.

I am still learning to trust Him (One Word 2012), praise Him (2013), to let go of my will for His (2014), and to wait while He renews.

God is always at work. Always teaching. Refining me. Bringing me closer to Him.

I must continue to learn from Him. Listen for Him. And seek Him. Every. Single. Day.

I don’t know what my focus will be for next year, but I know there will be more lessons to learn.

…and that’s a good thing.

What’s been your One Word for 2015? Are you ready to move on to a new word for 2016?

If you’re new to this One Word movement, you can find more information here: #OneWord365.

In Christ,

Laura

Photo credit: FreeImages.com

Linking up with: Weekend Whispers, Sharing His Beauty, #RaRaLinkup, Coffee for Your Heart

My One Word 2015

This is my fourth year of choosing a One Word for the year. Or I should say, God choosing a word for me.

My first year was Trust and I readily accepted it. Next was Praise. I pushed back on praise because I didn't really get it. (Which is why I suppose God gave it to me, right?) But by the end of the year, I got it.

Last year was harder. He whispered Let Go...and it scared me. A lot. I asked Him to reconsider. Maybe I heard wrong. But no, 2014 was a year of letting go of so much of what was normal.

My One Word for this year?

Renew.

The word kept coming to mind around Christmas, and even though I had been asking God what my word would be, I didn't make the connection until He whispered it to me during worship one evening.

Renew. I was reminded that God can renew anything. And it felt comforting…especially after a year of letting go.

Maybe you could use the reminder too. God can renew anything—so much more than what we can even think to ask for.

God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us. Ephesians 3:20 The Message

What do you need God to renew in your life?

Your faith? He will.

Your health? He can.

Your marriage or family? He is able.

Renew...to bring back to life...to make new again.

In His time and in His way. Nothing is impossible for Him, no matter how impossible it looks to us.

Will you join me in waiting on God and watching for all the ways He will bring about renewal?

If you’ve chosen a One Word for 2015, consider sharing it with us in the comments. If you’re looking for more information on the One Word movement, go to #OneWord365.

In Christ,
Laura

Linking up with The Weekend Brew, Recommendation Saturday, Blessing Counters, Sunday Stillness, Spiritual Sundays, Give Me Grace, Sharing His Beauty, Unforced Rhythms, Playdates with God, Soli Deo Gloria, #TellHisStory, Coffee for Your Heart, Everyday Jesus

I Trust You, Jesus

Trust Me at all times. Trust Me in all circumstances. Trust Me with all your heart. When you are weary and everything seems to be going wrong, you can still utter these four words: “I trust You, Jesus.” By doing so, you release matters into My control…. - Sarah Young, Jesus Calling (pg. 93)

There’s been a lot going on since 2014 began—more than I can handle at times most of the time. So, when I read this a few weeks ago, it made me pause.

I trust You, Jesus.

I said it to myself silently. Then I said it aloud.

I trust You, Jesus.

It brought a sense of peace and calmness.

I decided to get specific.

I trust You with today, Jesus.

I trust You with this doctor visit, Jesus.

Jesus, I trust that You will show me what my next step should be.

When I felt myself starting to worry and panic, I told Jesus I trusted Him, and gave Him what was troubling me. I won’t pretend it was easy, or that magically, I skipped through the rest of my day.

No, I had to remind myself to give it to Him. I still do. I’m used to clinging to what’s troubling me. In a weird way, it’s comfortable—I know how to be stressed out and stumble through the day.

But relinquishing everything that I’m worried about and afraid might or might not happen? That’s unfamiliar territory. But maybe it’s not quite as scary as it once was.

Because I know He goes before me. He’s preparing the way before I even step onto the path. And it’s a lot easier to travel without the baggage I’m used to carrying. In fact, I think I like traveling light.

How about you? What do you need to trust Jesus with today?

I trust You with my marriage, Jesus.

I trust You with my children, Jesus.

Jesus, I trust You with my aging parents, and that You will strengthen me to care for them.

I trust You, Jesus with this time of unemployment.

Maybe it’s something else—something He’s waiting for you to let Him take care of.

Are you ready to hand it over to Him? Not just once, but every time you feel your stomach start to clench with worry.

I trust You, Jesus.

You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock. Isaiah 26:3-4 NLT

In Christ,

Laura 

Photo credit: Stock photo: Boulders

Linking up with Coffee for Your Heart, Soli Deo Gloria, #TellHisStory, Winsome Wednesday, Thought Provoking Thursday, Everyday Jesus, The Weekend Brew, Blessing Counters, Recommendation Saturday, Unforced Rhythms

My One Word 2013—Praise

Are you familiar with One Word 365? It’s a campaign to forget the New Year’s resolutions, choosing, instead, to focus on one word all year—intentionally keeping that focus in front of you every day.

It’s become quite a community of One Worders, sharing and encouraging each other along the journey.

2012 was my first step into the community. I chose the word Trust and it was a powerful year. (You can read about my year here: Trust—My One Word 2012.)

When I chose the word Trust for 2012, I also chose Hope for my One Word 2013.

That’s right, early in 2012, I chose my word for the following year. I like to plan ahead. (Don’t judge.)

So, early in December, I reflected on my year of Trust and I thought ahead to my next word—Hope.

Praise.

The word was in my head, but I hadn’t been thinking about it. It was as clear as if I said the word to you. Praise.

I had a feeling God was telling me something, but I didn’t do anything about it. I had my word planned. Hope. It’s a good word.

Days later, the same thing happened. Again, I knew, but ignored it anyway.

Have you ever sensed God trying to get your attention, but you chose to ignore it? Uh-huh, that was me. Until one morning while I drove to work…

As I drove, I complained and vented to God. I was frustrated and upset about a situation involving a particular person, and I wanted God to do something about it.

Praise.

Again? God, I’m not really in the mood for this right now.

Praise Me.

Huh?

And then it clicked.

Imagine a light bulb moment, complete with stunned face (although I didn’t actually look in the mirror) and the feeling as if everything froze for that brief instant.

Oh, I get it now, God!

Immediately, I thought of what a blessing it was that I could talk to God about what was bothering me. And I felt thankful I could do that. Thankful that He’s always there to talk to—no matter where I am or what I’m doing.

In that short drive to work, I let go of Hope as my One Word for 2013 and I embraced Praise.

What I’ve already realized is there is always a reason to praise God. I’m not saying praise for the terrible things we each have to endure in this life, but rather praise for who God is.

For His incredible, unimaginable, never-ending love He has for each and every one of us.

For the good He brings out of anything and everything.

For the way He draws us close by His side. And never lets us out of His sight.

Let all that I am praise the Lord;
may I never forget the good things he does for me.

Psalm 103:2 NLT

What’s your One Word for 2013?

In Christ,

Laura

Linking up with One Word 365, Soli Deo Gloria, Only a Breath, Winsome Wednesday, WholeHearted Home, The Weekend Brew, and Faith Barista Jam Thursdays.

Trust—My One Word 2012

Trust.

To place confidence or depend; to commit or place in one’s care or keeping; to rely on the truthfulness or accuracy of. (Tyndale NLT Study Bible)

Trust. My One Word for 2012.

As the days of December fly by, I feel like I should write a recap of my year focused on trusting God. But a recap might imply that my year of learning to trust Him is complete, or that I’ve learned all there is to know. But nothing could be further from the truth.

Learning to trust God with everything, all the time, is an ongoing process because it’s so easy to fall back into depending on myself.

It takes a conscious effort every day to give it all to Him—and then leave it with Him. Not taking it back to worry a little more about it. Not snatching it away when He doesn’t act as quickly as I’d like.

Trusting God means waiting on Him, knowing that His Way is best.

It means seeking His Will for my life, asking Him for guidance and wisdom in every decision and situation.

It means spending time in God’s Word, growing closer to Him and learning all that He wants to show me.

Some days are easier than others. And some days feel like a test.

I’ve learned that when I depend on myself, I find myself confused, stressed, worried, distraught, and far from God.

But when I depend on God, He walks with me every day. He comforts and gives me peace.

Trusting myself leads me to act on emotions and feelings that are so often mixed up and out of control.

But trusting God leads me to wait on Him and act with His guidance and in His Truth.

Trust in God doesn’t mean everyday will be happy or a good day. But trust brings joy found only in the Lord.

I’ll have a new One Word for 2013, but my focus on trusting God first; instead of after I’ve exhausted myself will continue. Indefinitely.

You will keep in perfect peace

all who trust in you,
all whose thoughts are fixed on you!
Trust in the Lord always,
for the Lord God is the eternal Rock.

Isaiah 26:3-4 NLT

Did you have a One Word for 2012? How did focusing on one word impact your daily life?

In Christ,

Laura

Linking up with Sharing His Beauty, Grace is For Giving, Soli Deo Gloria, Just Write, Into the Beautiful, God-Bumps & God-Incidences, Winsome Wednesday, WholeHearted Home Wednesday, Word Filled Wednesday, Thought Provoking Thursday, and Faith Filled Friday.

Modern Day Idols {Something to Think About}

Modern day idols...anything we put before God.

“Do not put your trust in idols or make metal images of gods for yourselves. I am the LORD your God.”

Leviticus 19:4 NLT

Have a blessed day!

In Christ,

Laura

Linking up with Jumping Tandem - The Sunday Community, Fresh Brewed Sunday, and Sharing His Beauty.

Trust…Proverbs 3:5-6 {Something to Think About}

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.

Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT

Lord, thank You for teaching me to trust You…forgive me for the days I struggle and don’t do so well.

Please give me Your patience to wait on You.

You know I feel like I should be “doing” something while I wait. Remind me that trusting and waiting on You is doing something.

Help me to remember that You’ve got this…I don’t need to understand it.

Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track. Don’t assume that you know it all.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Msg

Have a blessed day!

In Christ,

Laura

Linking up with Jumping Tandem - The Sunday Community, Fresh Brewed Sundays, and Sharing His Beauty.

My Thank You Letter to God

Welcome! I’m joining Bonnie today at Faith Barista for Faith Jam Thursdays, where she offers a faith writing prompt. Today’s prompt: write a letter to God.

“What do you mean, ‘If I can?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.”

The father instantly cried out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!” 

Mark 9:23-24 NLT

Dear Jesus,

I believe…

Everything is possible with you.

You are the Way, the Truth, and the Life. (John 14:6)

Your promises are meant for me.

Help my unbelief…

For the times I worry, even though I know you are with me.

For my doubt, even though You know what’s best for me.

For the times I lose my temper and act out of emotions; I know better.

Jesus, I thought I trusted You…but my trust in You continues to grow by leaps and bounds. You have allowed things to happen in my life and I’ve asked You why.

Why? To show me…

When I’m at my lowest, You’re the only One I need.

When I cry out to You, You’re already there. You were waiting for Me.

To teach me…

To trust You. In deep, unspeakable ways. With everything.

To thank You. To see Your blessings in everything, everywhere, and every day.

Nothing is impossible with You. You make a way where there is no way.

Forgive me, Lord, for the times I stumble in my trust and belief.

Thank You for your unending patience with me, for showing me…again and again. For knowing when I’m trying. And for getting my attention when I’m not looking Your way.

Thank You for teaching me…for opening up Your Word of Truth to me. For seeing me for who I can be in You and for leading me there.

I love you Jesus, with all my heart.

Love, Your Daughter,

Laura

How about you? What would your letter to God look like?

In Christ,

Laura

Linking up with Faith Barista, On Your Heart Tuesdays, Word Filled Wednesday, Walk with Him Wednesdays, Grace Cafe, Life in Bloom, and Faith Filled Friday.

Isaiah 40:31 {Something to Think About}

But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not faint.

Isaiah 40:31 NLT

Have a blessed day!

In Christ,

Laura

Linking up with Fresh Brewed Sundays and Jumping Tandem-The Sunday Community.

What I Know Now

Welcome and thank you for meeting me here today. I’m joining Bonnie at Faith Barista for Faith Jam Thursdays, where she offers a faith writing prompt.

Today’s prompt: to write a letter to yourself at an earlier time in your life (any time you’d like to address) and share what you know now about the faith journey…“What I Know Now.”

My letter is to myself in my high school and college years.

Dear Laura,

If I could share one thing with you, it would be this…

Your personal relationship with Jesus is the most important relationship you will ever have.

Right now, you know about Him, but you don’t know Him personally.

I know you don’t know what this means and you’re wondering how it’s possible to have a one-on-one relationship with someone who isn’t with you in person.

Let me tell you…He is with you. Every minute of every day. And He’s waiting for you to want to get to know Him. He won’t force you; He’ll wait patiently for you.

There is nothing you can do to make Him stop loving you. Nothing.

And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39 NLT

He knows your actions, what you’re thinking, and how you feel. He is full of love, mercy, and grace, and you can tell Him anything without condemnation. When you confess your sins to Him, you are forgiven and He chooses to never remember it again. It’s a promise, and God never breaks His promises.

“For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” Jeremiah 31:34 NIV

Talk with Him and study His Word. As you spend time getting to know Him, you will be given greater understanding of God’s character and His Ways. Your faith will grow and you will desire to trust Him, even when you don’t understand.

Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he's the one who will keep you on track. Proverbs 3:5-6 The Message

Your trust and faith in the Lord will get you through anything that comes your way.

When your emotions get the better of you…spend time with Jesus before you do anything else. Cry out to Him and receive His comfort. Don’t let your actions come from hurt or angry feelings. It only makes things worse. (Believe me, I know.) Instead, ask God for guidance and wisdom, knowing that He will provide both.

When you feel you can’t trust others, even a loved one…you can always trust Him. Verbalize it—“Lord, I don’t trust this person, but I trust You.” Then keep your eyes on Him and let Him handle it.

You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Isaiah 26:3 NLT

When life is spinning out of control…God is constant. He doesn’t change. You can build your life on the solid foundation of Christ.

Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock. Isaiah 26:4 NLT

Life will happen, and so often it’s not the way we want or hope for. But when your faith is built on solid ground, God is there to soften the blows of life. Sometimes He will stop the storm, and other times He’ll allow you to go through it, but He will always walk beside you and guide you every step of the way.

The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.” Psalm 32:8 NLT

God has a plan for your life. A wonderful, glorious plan.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 NLT

He knows you.

He loves you.

And He’s waiting patiently to be a part of your life. Get to know Him.

In Christ’s Love,

Laura

How about you? Based on what you know now, what would you tell a younger you? 

In Christ,

Laura

Linking up with Bonnie at Faith Barista, Ann at Walk with Him Wednesdays, Joan at Grace Cafe, Denise at Life in Bloom, Laura at Faith Filled Friday, Always Alleluia Encore, and Allume.

Trust God to Comfort

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 2 Corinthians 1:2-4 NIV

A few years ago, I read this verse in a friend’s Bible and wrote it down. Little did I know that months later, I would experience it.

My friend and I had spent the day together. I was worn out and upset over a situation, and during our time together, we talked and cried, she shared Scripture and prayed over me. God used her to comfort me, and it was a powerful afternoon. I borrowed her Bible to look up the Scripture she had prayed over me, and in the process read this verse. I wrote it down along with notes. It impacted me, but I didn’t know exactly why at the time.

Months later, she called me upset and distraught. That morning I had read a devotion by Max Lucado, and not surprisingly, it was exactly what God wanted me to share with her during that call. I remembered this verse and where and when I had read it, and I realized I was able to minister to her in a way I had never done before. Not only had she found comfort and strength in our conversation, I was in awe (and tears) at how God was using me.

I believe God provides comfort we won’t find anywhere else—often in ways we don’t expect. The question is…do I turn to God right away, or after I’ve given in to fear and panic?

Maybe you’ve seen an overtired child headed for a full meltdown. The sooner the child can be consoled, the less chance of a complete meltdown. But once that point is reached, it’s more difficult and takes longer to calm the child.

Sometimes I feel like that. I’m an emotional person and can easily get carried away with my feelings and the what-ifs in life. However, I’m learning that the sooner I go to God, the less easily fear can take hold of me.

When I turn to God immediately, or better yet, when I’m in constant communication with Him, He gives me a perspective I don’t have on my own. If there is something I can do about what is going on, I trust Him to show me; and if there is nothing I can do at the time, He reveals that also. Either way, He comforts me, gives me peace, and reminds me that it’s all in His hands.

Times when I wait or forget to take it to God, fear, worry, and panic have time to set in and take over. Even when my head reminds me that God can handle it, my emotions have already led me into a full meltdown. Then it’s harder for me to calm down and let go of it.

I really like Matthew 6:34 in The Message translation…

Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes. Matthew 6:34 The Message

How reassuring it is to know I’m not on my own. God is at work right now and He will be at work in the future. No matter what happens or doesn’t happen, He will comfort and strengthen me, and will be there to walk me through.

Thank you for joining me here today! If you are reading Do You Know Who I Am? by Angela Thomas with us, we are in chapter 3 “Do You Know I Am Trembling Inside?...He Is My Comfort.”

In Christ,

Laura

Linking up with On Your Heart Tuesday, Women Living Well Wednesday, Word Filled Wednesday, One Word Wednesday, Life in Bloom, Thought Provoking Thursday, and Faith Filled Friday.

Trusting That the Words Will Come Again

For the past week, I’ve felt unable to write. I want to write. I’ve made plans to write. Ideas have even formulated in my head, but only when I was unable to grab paper and pen or find a laptop.

When I sit down to write, the words don’t come. My mind goes blank. I pour through Scripture. I stare at the blank screen. The paper remains inkless.

I’ve been staring out the window a lot. Thinking. Praying. But my thoughts don’t make it into sentences and paragraphs for you to read.

As I’ve been reading friends’ blogs, and even some of my own posts, hoping for inspiration, I remembered my One Word for 2012—TRUST.

Trust.

I feel discouraged. I feel frustrated. But I’ve decided not to worry. I have to trust that when I’m supposed to write again, God will give me the topic, the ideas, and maybe even the words. He has before. I trust that He will again.

Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust him, and he will help you. (Psalm 37:5 NLT)

How about you? Have you ever felt this way? Will you share by leaving a comment?

In Christ,

Laura  

Linking up with my friends at Sharing His Beauty, On Your Heart Tuesdays, Just Write, Winsome Wednesday, Word Filled Wednesday, Women Living Well Wednesdays, One Word Wednesday, and Faith Filled Fridays.

TRUST Acrostic Challenge

Trust is my One Word for 2012. If you haven’t heard of One Word 2012, it’s choosing one word, through thought and prayer, to focus on for the year. 

Today I’m taking a fun challenge offered by my friend Tracy at My Daily Walk in His Grace. The challenge…to make an acrostic using my one word—Trust.

T he Truth found in God's Word

R eveals His

U nlimited and unending love for us.

S urrendering my will for His

T o experience all He has planned for me.

Trust in God’s word.

Trust in God’s love.

Trust in God’s plan.

This is what I’m striving for.

“For the word of the Lord holds true, and we can trust everything he does.” (Psalm 33:4 NLT)

Do you have one word you’re focusing on this year? Care to take the acrostic challenge? To share, leave a comment and/or link up with Tracy at My Daily Walk in His Grace.

In Christ,
Laura  

Linking up with My Daily Walk in His Grace, Grace Cafe, and Thought Provoking Thursday.

God-Sized Dreams Depend on Trust

Wait and trust the Lord.

(Psalm 37:7a NCV)

Last week I wrote about God-Sized Dreams—a dream we feel called to, while knowing it can only be accomplished through God. But what about the dreams we can’t identify? Sometimes a God-sized dream is more of a feeling. A feeling that God is calling us to do more…but He hasn’t shown us what we’re supposed to be doing.

In that case we have two options…rush ahead and try to figure it out or trust that God will give us more than a feeling in His own perfect time.

Which option would you choose?

In my experience, option one doesn’t work out so well. While I may be praying, I’m not listening. Although I don’t know what I’m supposed to be doing, I convince myself that I have God’s plan figured out and I rush ahead to act. When I look back, I see that God hasn’t moved forward with me. I didn’t hear Him say “wait” because I was too busy taking it into my own hands and trying to control His plan.

Option two is to wait patiently, knowing and trusting that God has it all under control. Waiting patiently is not easy. I want to be doing something. I want to get started on whatever His plan is. But that’s not how it works. Sometimes God gives the feeling of a dream long before He reveals what the dream is.

That’s what happened to me.

Last year, I started my blog for the purpose of hosting online Bible studies for women. It wasn’t my idea. It was God’s.

I’m employed in church ministry, but for at least a year prior to the idea of an online study, I had a very real feeling that I was supposed to do more. More of what, I had no idea. But the feeling was undeniable.

I mentioned it to only a couple of friends, and when I talked about it, I felt like I was bubbling over with energy and excitement. I still didn’t even know what I was excited about, but I guess that’s how a God-sized dream is. You can’t help but feel energized thinking about it.

During that time, I continued to pray and trust that when He was ready, He would share the plan with me. As I look back now, I see that He was preparing me to step outside of my comfort zone. I knew nothing about social media, nor did I want to learn, so this was a huge leap for me. Without the year of God growing the feeling of a dream in my heart, I most likely would have quickly dismissed the idea of an online study. I think God knew that. {smile}

In Christ,

Laura 

Linking up with Write It, Girl, On Your Heart Tuesdays, Just Write, Winsome Wednesday, Women Living Well Wednesdays, and One Word Wednesday.

Trusting God…With Me

Trust

Trust is my One Word for 2012. If you haven’t heard of One Word 2012, it’s choosing one word, through thought and prayer, to focus on for the year. Since beginning this, I’ve been surprised, and sometimes amazed, at how often the issue of trust becomes present in my relationship with God.

A few weeks ago, I shared that I planned to spend more time studying Scripture verses regarding trust. While I’m still doing that, this week I realized that the issue of trust is underlying even when the word “trust” is not in the verse.

Have you ever felt like a Scripture verse leapt off the page when you read it? I love when that happens! I feel like God is being really obvious in getting my attention, and honestly, sometimes I need that. He grabbed my attention this week as I read Psalm 139.

Search me, O God, and know my heart;

test me and know my anxious thoughts.

Point out anything in me that offends you,

And lead me along the path of everlasting life.

(Psalm 139:23-24 NLT)

I’ve read these two verses many times, but what came to mind this time was trust.

Do I trust God…with me?

I often turn to God in prayer asking Him to change my heart, but then I slip in a change in situation or someone else that would benefit me.

Lord, please change my heart…and could you also change him (or her)?

God, I know I need work on my heart, but if you could also change this situation, everything would be a lot easier.

After all, these are the sources of my troubles, right?

As I read these verses over and over, I wondered…When I ask God to change my heart, am I prepared to accept that He might work on me and not the other person or the situation at hand?

Do I trust Him enough to change my heart knowing it means laying down my hopes and desires that might not line up with His plans for me?

Maybe you’ve considered this before, but it struck me in such a way that I had to think about it and have a heart-to-heart with God. If you’ve ever had an honest heart-to-heart talk with God, you know it can be gut-wrenching.

As I spent time (and shed a few tears) with Him, He showed me a few areas that need some work, to put it mildly.

Jealously…it starts with comparing myself to others, and wanting something more, better, or different than what I have. Jealously feeds on itself until it’s completely out of control and making me sick.

Disappointment…it comes from relying on others instead of God. I don’t mean the “don’t forget the milk at the store” type of reliance. I mean putting my trust and hopes in someone, expecting that person to handle such a huge burden and not let me down.

Unhappiness…the outcome of jealously and disappointment. It’s what happens when I spend my time focusing on what’s not going right in my life (according to me), instead of what’s going well. Unhappiness leads to a lack of thankfulness.

God searched me and showed me what is offensive to Him.

Do I trust Him to clean this poison out of my heart and change me? Yes.

I know it won’t be easy. In fact, at times I think it will be emotional and painful. But I surrender. I trust God to make changes…in me.

In Christ,

Laura

Linking up with my friends at Grace Cafe, One Word Wednesday, Faith Barista, Thought Provoking Thursday, Faith Filled Friday, and Spiritual Sundays.

Vulnerability and Trust

Trusting someone comes with a certain level of vulnerability. To trust means we rely on someone else to be responsible, to take care of something or someone we’ve placed in their care. It leaves us vulnerable to be disappointed if that person doesn’t prove reliable.

The more we get let down, the more hesitant we are to trust again, and that spills over into other relationships.

I wonder if this is why we find it difficult to trust God. Having been burned by others, how do we know God is reliable?

Trusting God means we leave our lives in His hands. We trust Him with those we love and situations we go through. We trust that He will guide us to the path He wants us on. Trusting God means we believe He knows what’s best for us.

So, how do we know God is reliable?

I Choose to Trust God

Welcome and thanks for visiting! If you’re studying An Untroubled Heart by Micca Campbell, we’re in Chapter 6 “Learning to Trust Again” this week. I apologize for being late in getting my thoughts posted. Thanks for your patience!

“The choice is ours. We can focus on the worries, burdens, and fears of our limited experience and miss the joy that can be ours or, like Joseph, we can take the risk, venture out, and truly believe that God has a plan.” ~Micca Campbell, An Untroubled Heart

Which choice do you make?

I know which choice I want to make. I want to trust God so completely that I don’t worry about the day-to-day, and I don’t get down when life isn’t going smoothly.

Trust in God Sustains Me

Have you heard about One Word 2012? It’s choosing one word to focus on throughout the year—making the effort to keep that focus in front of you every day. My word for 2012 is Trust—complete and unquestionable trust in God.

As I focus on trusting God in all things, I want to spend more time in Scripture looking specifically at verses on trust. And I’d also like to share them here with you.

Today I’m looking at Jeremiah 17:5-8 (NLT)…

My One Word for 2012 – Trust

"Do you trust Me?"

For the past year I’ve felt God asking me if I trust Him. I thought I did. And yet when I don’t understand, I question and doubt. I know my faith and trust in Him have grown, but I still have so far to go. So, I continue to work on trusting Him.

I trusted Him as He led me outside of my comfort zone. Now I look back and know that He never left me, but continued to guide me all along. By following Him I have been blessed. I have proof that I can trust Him. I shouldn’t needed proof, but He graces me with it anyway.

I know He will continue to lead and bless me. As long as I trust Him. So that is my focus—complete and unhesitant trust in God.

When I doubt and worry sets in, I will trust Him.

When I don’t understand, I will trust Him.

When I am afraid, I will trust Him.

When I don’t feel His presence, I will trust Him.

When the storms of life whip around me, I will trust Him.

And when it’s calm again, I will trust Him. 

Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight.
(Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV)

In Christ,

Laura 

Linking up with: Stefanie at My One Word Wednesday and Ann at Walk With Him Wednesdays.