In my morning devotions this week, I have been focusing on Scriptures that feature the word "hope". Hope is my "word of the year for 2023".
This morning I was reading Psalm 33 and while the grey morning light was breaking out over my backyard, I could see birds from my dining room window, flitting from the pear tree to the feeder and back again. Many were on the ground pecking at the fallen seed or in the bush where there are tiny red berries. And it dawned on me that birds don't worry about where their food is going to come from. They just trust that there will be seeds, berries, bugs, etc. So I don't need to worry about God helping me. His word is true. His eye isn't just on the sparrow like it talks about in the New Testament. Psalm 33: 18 says His eye is on US. His eye is on those of us who put our trust in Him and who fear Him!
My friend Diane and I were chatting the other night about some of our physical challenges we've had this past year. I won't go into hers but you all know I've had the daily headaches and neck pain. Well, glory to God, most of that is easing up with good chiropractic care and the low level light laser therapy really did work well on my upper back. I don't have nearly the inflammation or tightness that I did all of 2022. Yes, I truly believe God is working in my body and that I need to be patient while He reveals His plan. I will continue to do my neck stretches, fitness ball routines, and watch what I lift, etc. Of course I will do what the experts show me. However, I also want to place all of my hope in God. It's in Christ alone that I can get the help I truly need.....He is a shield for us!
Of course we will do what is recommended for us, or pray about each decision regarding our health. Yes, we will practice good self-care and have times of rest and relaxation from work, ministries, etc. Yes, we will continue to read the Word, pray and go to church. But....are we really trusting God with our future?? Are we trusting Him with our health whether physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual?
I'm choosing to place my trust and hope in Jesus. He is the One who makes us whole. I'm choosing to cry out to Him daily for myself, my family, my friends, my students and colleagues.
Who are you trusting today?? Have you placed your hope in the Lord??
3 comments:
Hope is a beautiful word to guide you. I read a book you might enjoy The Kneeling Christian, for me it is life changing on how to deepen my prayer life. It is 99 cents on Kindle, I have the Kindle and now ordered the paperback edition.
So glad you feel that God is working in your body to heal you. This is a lovely post. Much to think about. :-)
Love your thoughts on your word for the year! My hope is in the Lord! I don't usually have a word for the year but I'm beginning to definitely see the theme for me is "Trust" this year. Trust in the Lord with everything I've got.
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