Discover His heart: He is faithful to His Word, and we can count on Him
When a friend let me down many years ago, I ran to my mom crying with disappointment expecting some comfort from her. She did console me somewhat but then informed me that all my friends would probably disappoint me at one time or another when I was counting on them. Furthermore, she said I would disappoint my friends. In fact, she confessed that she, too, would disappoint me at times, but then she said Jesus was a friend I could depend on that would never fail me. She was right.
@ Psalm 130
A few years ago I was going through a difficult time where I really needed the Lord’s help. I had prayed and had done all that I could do in the situation. In my daily Bible reading I came across this scripture in Psalm 130, “I am counting on the Lord; yes, I am counting on Him. I have put my hope in His word.” (5) I wrote it out on note cards and placed them around my home so everywhere I turned I was reminded that I was trusting in the Lord, not in myself, my friends or anyone but Him. I held on to this verse throughout the trial because of the hope that it gave me, and it carried me through to victory.
We find it easy to encourage someone to trust the Lord and to believe that they can count on Him, but so often they are hindered in trusting Him because of their past experiences. A parent, friend, spouse or some individual they were counting on for love and support may have failed them at one time. They find it hard to get past these moments of disappointment and to really count on the Lord. I’ve found it helpful to remember those in the Bible who faced the same thing.
Many believe that Hezekiah authored this Psalm. He certainly was counting on the Lord to bring healing to His body when he was at death’s door, and God gave him 15 more years. I think of the three Hebrew young men who faced the fiery furnace because of their faith but boldly declared, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.” (Daniel 3:16-18) These young men were counting on the Lord, but regardless of the outcome, they would serve the Lord. I’m thinking that if they were able to trust Him in their dire need, surely we, too, can trust Him in anything that we may face.
Moses at the Red Sea, Joseph in prison and so many others were counting on the Lord to show up BIG in their lives, and He did. Once again I find myself meditating on Psalm 130:5, memorizing my commitment to His faithfulness, “I am counting on the Lord; yes, I am counting on him. I have put my hope in his word.” Show up BIG, Lord!
Moving Forward: Today I declare it with my mouth that I am counting on Him to help me because I have put my hope in His Word.
Tomorrow @ Ecclesiastes 5-6
Phyllis Benigas 