Solid ground

Psalm 62:5-8  My soul, wait silently for God alone, For my expectation is from Him. 6 He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be moved. 7 In God is my salvation and my glory; The rock of my strength, And my refuge, is in God. 8 Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah

This has been a week of closed doors. I have spent the week in discussions with the banking industry looking at options for our financial future. God has allowed my house of cards to fall, and brought about a reality I have not experienced. I once experienced the life of excess in the unlimited availability of credit, and ghost funds of money I did not really have. The past couple of years has brought about the reality of the debt, and the ghost funds have disappeared. I am close to a financial bottom, and closer to God as a result. Even in my years of prosperity and thanksgiving, pride would still creep in. God has shown me that and left me relying only on Him alone. I am thankful for God taking me down roads I would have not chosen to travel.

In the restless nights and in the early morn, I plea to God. Honestly, I struggle to pray for myself, and rely on those closest to me to be interceding on my behalf. You must have those close to you that you confide in to pray for you also. I know so many of us right now are struggling; don’t try to do it on your own. Don’t get angry with God in the rebellion of “why”? 8 Trust in Him at all times. God is Sovereign (all knowing); He truly knows what is best for you every day, and for His eternal plans for you. Rest in that assurance. Your faith in these times of trouble is where you either grow closer to Him, or you rebel against Him. 6 He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be moved. When times get tough do NOT let your faith waiver. The book of James speaks about these trials of life, and this type of weak faith. James 1:6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.

James speaks to the reality of God’s work in our lives. He speaks of how God is working to strengthen us as a result of what we are enduring. God is either allowing or designing what you are currently battling with right now. But you can come out the other side of it either closer to Christ by that design, or headed in the wrong direction. James1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. Instead of the “why me” in the face of these obstacles, why not the “use me” there? God will stretch you, grow you, and strengthen your faith if you will stand on the rock he is providing in the storm.