Trust, Delight, Commit, and Rest

Dr. David Jeremiah said, “I remember walking into my office years ago when there was a blizzard of conflicting issues around me. Instead of sitting down at my desk in the chair, I said, “ Lord, that is your chair. I don’t know what to do with all the things that are going on. So I lay them down on this desk in front of You. I commit them to you.” Dr. David Jeremiah wrote these wonderful words in his study guide for “Encouraging Words for Discouraging Times.” This is a short, excellent Bible study...Maybe his words can help you as they are helping me.

God controls the future and can help us through any obstacle. I can’t rely on people to love me, but I can rely on God. As Easter approaches and we think of the One who gave his life for us, let’s remember to put our Hope in Him who loves unconditionally while we “Trust, Delight, Commit, and Rest.”  

 

DEER IN THE HEADLIGHTS LOOK

 

 You know how it is—those mornings when you try to rush and somehow get farther behind. Yep, I had one of those mornings. I was running late to a Bible Study on 'Encouraging Words For a Discouraging World' and feeling pretty smug after making sure there was plenty of gas in the car and that I could make it on time if I just stepped on the gas a little.
    As I was driving, I could feel a mean minion, a metaphor for the negative thoughts and emotions that find a weak spot and try to take control, trying to make me lose my cool, freak out, get bent out of shape, flip out—oh, whatever you want to call it. I had rounded a curve, and there it stood: a 'little Bambi' standing in the middle of the road, giving me the ultimate deer-in-the-headlights look. (A little early in the day for that, fella!) I quickly checked the rearview mirror, wondering where the critter's momma was, and then slowed down to let the little one decide if it would fight or flight. (cue me getting frazzled). It decided on the flight.
    Next up, a garbage truck was sitting cock-eyed in the middle of the road. Being a good Samaritan, I stopped to let him readjust his rig. Naturally, the guy decided he was going in my direction, and, you guessed it, he stopped at every garbage can along the way to the study (cue me getting bent out of shape).
    Then, I encountered many fallen tree limbs strewn all over the driver's lane. It was like Mother Nature had a little temper tantrum. There were enough branches to rival a small forest (maybe I'm exaggerating a little!) blocking my way, forcing me to maneuver around them. (cue me getting my feathers ruffled).
    Finally, I made it. After an enlightening class on 'Encouraging Words For a Discouraging World' (how fitting was that?), I started home, feeling a pang of guilt for my impatience. I was convicted and mumbled my apologies to the Lord as I made a left-hand turn toward home.
    And then, a beautiful sight greeted me. Spring flowers, not just once, but twice. Bright yellow daffodils reaching for the sky, exuding a joy for life. It was a reassuring gift, a reminder that if He cares about the flowers in the field, I'm also being cared for.

Who is Your Neighbor?

Have you found 2025 has brought plenty of opportunities to be a good neighbor? Events happening in our world this year are getting up close and personal. We’re finding out our neighbor isn’t just the person living next door; it’s anyone you encounter daily. It’s the colleague at work, the stranger you pass on the street, and even the individual on the other side of the globe.

I watched the President and First Lady meet with folks of  N. Carolina on the 24th. It was so cold there it gave me goose bumps watching the T.V. screen.

The unhurried President exuded interest, compassion, and warmth for those displaced by Hurricane Helene.  The stories of those affected by the floods brought tears to my eyes. I heard one common theme in the North Carolinian stories. They thanked God for the mercy they had received by Him personally. A woman spoke of a church God had prepared in advance to meet the needs of others. One spoke of the people He sent from other states to assist devastated communities. Another appreciated the spiritual leaders He provided in their time of vulnerability. The praises went on and on. 

Who is a neighbor? California fires and the helicopter-jet crash yesterday made it clear. Each person you touch positively with your actions and words is your neighbor. I’m sure glad the LORD God is our sovereign “neighbor.” We can count on Him showing up in a big way, every day, no matter the circumstance.