By: Debbie
In my last post, I referred to Psalm 55:22 as becoming my go-to verse while facing a head-scratching life detour my husband and I faced almost three years ago.
**Head-scratching: When something happens that causes you to scratch your head and say, “Huh?”. (ME)
Yes, we’ve spent almost 3 years of scratching our heads, encountering a variety of ‘roadblocks’, and….yes, trusting the promise of this verse.
However…it wasn’t always easy because, you see, I am a planner! I like to have everything all planned out in order to be prepared (my excuse!). This is especially true when it comes to planning a trip. I feel it necessary to plan out every detail of the journey, including what outfit and shoes should be worn each day. I mean, there is a big difference between wearing comfortable walking shoes when hiking (My kind of hiking involves comfortable walking shoes!) and appropriate water shoes at the beach. Even if someone else plans the trip, I want to be made aware of the details ahead of time…you know, so I’ll know how to personally plan for each step along the way!
So what does this have to do with our head-scratching journey?
As I claimed Psalm 55:22, I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that I could cast my burdens…my cares…my concerns…my worries upon my Loving Savior (see also 1 Peter 5:7). And, I had no doubt He would sustain us….provide for us…care for us…and, keep us afloat.
I was especially drawn to the last phrase, ‘He will not allow the righteous to be shaken’ (HCSB).
According to Vocabulary.com, ‘to be shaken’ means “disturbed or troubled emotionally…usually deeply”
He will not allow the righteous to be shaken!
This is a special promise I clung to deeply…but…. (Yep, it’s a ‘dangerous’ thing to say “I trust God completely” and “but” in the same sentence, wouldn’t you agree?)...But, I needed some details! God, how are you going to sustain us? Where are you going to lead us? What’s up? After all, I needed to plan!
Do we need to plan and prepare to move?
Do we need to prepare for a ministry transition?
What about…..?
I needed to know SOMETHING!
But, God had a ‘growth plan’ for me, and it included not letting me know the details! I struggled with not knowing what I should be doing…to help out, I guess. Should I sit around and just twiddle my thumbs while waiting, or should I take some form of initiative? Both can be either right or ‘wrong’. This truly was my biggest struggle. I think I quit scratching my head and started pulling out my hair.
We finally decided to continue serving, ministering, worshiping…living…while we waited. I stopped trying to make plans.
In the months that followed, my daily Bible reading showed me many special verses that reassured and encouraged me just when I needed it the most. He would not allow me to be shaken! I created verse images from many of these verses, and I hope to share some of these with you in the weeks to come. Next time, we will take a more detailed look at Psalm 55:22 and just how encouraging this verse can be!
But, today…for you:
1. Your Loving Savior will sustain you!
2. He will never allow you to be shaken!
3. Keep praying, reading your Bible, worshiping, serving…Keep living!
4. Don’t use the words “trust God” and “but” in the same sentence!
5. Allow Him to work HIS plan.
Easy enough?
~Debbie
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