Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Trust and Obey


This is another of those posts just for me, another stone to lay down and mark the way. I want to remember, so that I don't have to stumble and fall again.

I was praying yesterday - giving Him all of my worries and cares, my memory verse playing over and over again in my mind:

"Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you."
I Peter 5:6,7


One pesky "worry" in particular kept pushing its way to the front of my fretful heart, and I felt that gentle prompting: "Don't try to figure it out right now. Leave it with me, and I'll work it all out."- such a comfort. I determined to just wait silently and not follow my usual m.o. of talking it to death with everyone involved.

I made it through about the first hour of the morning before I spoke about it to my husband. Fortunately he didn't hear me, and I felt that check in my spirit. I was thankful for the "do-over" and promised not to do it again.

It happened during a telephone conversation - I knew I should be quiet, but we touched on the subject in a very round-about way, and I blurted it out yet again. This time the words were heard loud and clear and had the affect of upsetting the other person. She asked me to please not burden her with one more thing just now. I felt terrible. Not only had I upset her, I had done exactly what I knew the Lord advised me not to do.

When will I learn to simply trust Him and walk in obedience - even when it goes against my own inclinations? It was a good lesson. When I insist on my own way, it will inevitably lead to difficulties. I seem to have to learn things the hard way. I am so thankful that He is so patient and gracious. Had I listened to Him, I would have avoided hurting someone dear to me. He really does know what is best.

"The Lord says, 'I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. Do not be like a senseless horse or mule that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control. Many sorrows come to the wicked, but unfailing love surrounds those who trust the Lord. So rejoice in the lord and be glad, all you who obey Him! Shout for joy, all you whose hearts are pure!"
Psalm 32: 8-11

picture: Several years ago my Christmas Cactus decided that she preferred Easter to Christmas. Every Easter since she has set out her beautiful blooms.

Blessings,
Linda