It is part of our human nature. The fear of the unknown. We don't walk in the dark without a flashlight. Faith does not come natural for us. We struggle with it. We often push it aside because it seems easier to fear than have faith, even though the fears we allow to creep in can initiate a chain reaction of fear based actions. And then we have a whole new set of problems.
In my last post I shared how I am Praying with Anticipation in 2017. Prayer is one of those ways we prepare ourselves to be ready for what could cause fear in us, but instead we choose to trust God. Prayer brings us into the presence of God in a way that nothing else can.
January 1st I was walking our dog Ruby early in the morning. It was very foggy. Visibility was just about zero. As Ruby & I were walking, I began talking to the Lord, not expecting him to talk back. I know...I'm still learning what this "praying with anticipation" thing is all about.
I was basically complaining about the fog.
Lord, this is a crummy way to start the new year off. Fog so thick we can't see where we are going.
And then He began to whisper to my spirit...
Look at that fog, he said. Let that fog serve as a reminder to you that I can be trusted, especially when you can't see what is in front of you. When you don't know what direction I am taking you, trust me anyway, because I am taking you in a direction that others can't see. They don't have to trust in what I'm doing, only you do. My ways can be trusted.
WOW!!!!
My head knows I can trust God. I know his ways are perfect. I know he loves doing new and exciting things. But my heart often has a more difficult time believing it. And I am pretty sure that is why He has me praying Deuteronomy 6:5 this week.
Until my heart is completely consumed with the agape love for the Lord, trusting him will always be a struggle. I don't know about you, but I'm so done with struggling!
Fill me with your love oh God. Make my heart so consumed with your love that trusting you is second nature, something I don't have to consciously think about because I just do it. Help me to not fear the foggy days, but to face them with courage, knowing that you are leading me and will make my steps firm. A-men
