Trust: A Pathway to Peace

I've had a remarkable few years. Like the little drummer boy, I gave God the most precious gifts He gave me to use for His purposes. As I've stepped more fully into His calling on my life, I trust that the One who called me will continue to equip me. It's an exhilarating process that still amazes me daily as I recognize that it is possible to have what you most desire. Psalm 37:4 agrees,  

"Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart."

One of the disciplines I took on as I became more intentional about fulfilling my purpose involves a commitment to do those things that nurture my soul and keep me full of the Lord's Spirit. This includes reading God's Word, spending time surrounded by nature, pursuing inner stillness, volunteering my time and talents to serve others, and pouring into key relationships in my life, among others.

Today I read a chapter from Brennan Manning's book, Ruthless Trust. Here's what spoke to my soul, "The splendor of a human heart which trusts that it is loved gives God more pleasure and delight than Westminster Cathedral, the Sistine Chapel, and all the other human glories combined. Why does our trust offer such immense pleasure to God? Because trust is the preeminent expression of love."

Brennan's words resonate within me and are close to my experience. As I've come closer to God, I know Him better. And the more I know His character, the more I trust Him.

As I trust God more, I have more joy, more peace, and I am more whole. And then, naturally, my attitude, thoughts, and actions reflect that trust. Others notice, which gives me the opportunity to share Him with them as well. I believe this sequence of events that flows from a trusting heart makes God (and all of heaven) smile.

The more we trust God, the more we learn to rely on His strength, which means we move away from relying on our weakness. We learn to rest in Him, which moves us away from a natural inclination to worry and fret (my previous specialty!). As we trust God more, we experience a peace that is beyond understanding even in the toughest moments.

Trusting God is a fruit of faith, and it bears its own fruit of other-centered living.

Today, resolve to seek strength outside of yourself. Choose to get to know God and His character better, and you'll enter into a relationship unlike anything you've ever known.

Trust God!
Dr Mari

Today, I Am Thankful

“As you do not know the path of the wind, 

or how the body is formed in a mother’s womb, 

so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things.”

(Ecclesiastes 11:5)

Today, I am grateful for thoughtful children and a loving husband. 

For people who help those who need them and do so with excellence and compassion.

 For the Father's protection and the Son's selfless love.

For the Spirit's guidance, direction, and inspiration. 

Today, I thank God that although I do not understand,
I can know Him. 

Although I cannot see Him,
I recognize His hand prints everywhere 

and discern His voice in gentle whispers.

Today, I look around and see blessings. 

Some are hidden, like the seed that awaits its blossom.

Others yell out, 

"Open your eyes. 

God is real. 

Love is alive!"

Today and every day, I am thankful.

Joyfully,

Dr Mari

*Photographs by Manuel Díaz. All Rights Reserved. www.manueldiazphotography.com.

The Joy of the Lord

"But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; 

the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, 

and by His wounds we are healed." (Isaiah 53:5)

We have now lit the third candle in our Advent wreath, the one signifying joy. To me, it's a reminder of the joy that comes from knowing, serving, and following our Lord. In times of deep sadness or difficulty, Nehemiah 8:10b exhorts us with these hopeful words,  

"This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, 

for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

The joy of the Lord is our strength.

As many of my readers know, I am married to a pastor who serves at a local church and also as a hospital chaplain. While working the night shift at the hospital this week, Russell became keenly aware of the presence of Jesus. He was called in to minister to a family whose premature infant was not doing well, and the parents asked for prayers.

As Russ baptized their 26-week old newborn, he laid his hands on the baby's forehead and proclaimed, "You have been sealed by the Holy Spirit in baptism and marked as Christ's own forever." And while making the sign of the cross on the child's forehead, Russell prayed over him, ending with these words from the prophet Isaiah,  

"By His wounds (you have been) healed."

That instant, at the sight of Russell and the awestruck parents, and for the first (and only) time since his birth, the tiny child opened his eyes. Time seemed to stand still as he looked around thoughtfully. He took in his surroundings, filled the room with innocence, hope, and wonder, and then he closed his eyes again, leaving the place transformed by a gaze that seemed to cry out, Yes! Yes! Yes!

Yes!

The above words from Isaiah gain some of their profound significance from the fact that they were written about the Messiah hundreds of years before the birth of Christ. The New Testament writers clearly speak of Jesus as the fulfillment of Isaiah's words. Indeed, by His wounds we are healed.

When Russ shared this powerful moment with our children and with me, he reminded us that even in great sorrow, there is joy because of Jesus, who transforms everything by His mere presence. Whether the infant lives or dies, Russell and the child's parents know that something remarkable happened in that room. Joy broke through the sadness, the fear, and the doubts, and healing followed. The joy spread by the One who was pierced for us broke through, changing everything.

During this third week of Advent, we welcome the joy that comes from knowing and staying close to our Lord - our Savior and Healer. May we rejoice as we know Him better and surrender more and more to God's perfect will for our lives.

Rejoice!
Dr Mari

For more Advent reflections, read Advent Word of the Day: Devotion. To learn more about the tradition of the Advent wreath, read The Light of the World: Advent Reflections.