Habit

How many times have you heard it said "I trust you"...the words may be those spoken to you, or from you, but they do have a way of catching attention if even for a brief moment. And when those words are used...it is either having faith that it will be carried out to whom it was said or you may be the person to whom it is implied. When those words are extended ...so is the responsibility that it infers. To be trusted is a character trait that we merit...it is generated through the repetition of doing what you say you are going to do, being who you say you are, boldly stating what you see to be truth...With each situation in which trust is faithfully tapped....and the outcome sustains the factor... trust swells and is built to a higher level .... at each occurrence. But it just takes one blunder...to knock the built up trust factor down...only to begin the building process over again ...this time with much resistance.

Many of you are familiar with the little devotional book that is titled, "Jesus Calling". It sits on my desk and I often refer to it becasue it is simple and very much to God's point. Today the first few sentences read:

"I want you to learn a new habit. Try saying, "I trust you, Jesus" in response to whatever happens to you."

Simple thought...but surely a habit worthy of contemplation. We choose the people we trust. But no matter who it is we choose, even if we choose to trust ourselves.. as much as we do not like to fess up....we are flawed in one way or another....and though we have every great intention of being trustworthy...we will fall short at one time or another and so will those whom we have trusted. Not a deliberate action...just a human one. But there is one who never falls short, who is always in a trustworthy position...and who sees whatever or whoever is in our path as an opportunity to bring us closer to him. Christ wants us to trust him...in all situations...but so often times we forget to hand the gavel of decision over to him in trust. We want to maintain and retain control...ok maybe you don't but I do.

I end each of my devotionals with a phrase that was put on my heart when my youngest daughter was diagnosed with cancer several years ago..
"Praise God wherever you are and whatever situation He has allowed you to be in . . . His glory will shine through!" It is hard to praise God when things are tough...and situations are bleak and way over my head...but I had to trust HIM...I had no choice...I had no control...I was desperate for someone I knew I could lean on and who would not only keep me standing but who would protect her through his power and grace. He was trustworthy. She is healthy and hopes to never have to talk about it again....even though I just have. Christ was my trusted friend and companion then and continues to show his faithfulness each day that I submit to his authority. Things don't always work the way I would like for them to...but I am convinced that they work our according to a plan that is much greater than my imaginings can comprehend.

It is a new year...time for a new habit...maybe this one is one to be considered...I have tried it but too often not with consistency...that is my prayer today...that I be consistent! As I sit her writing I realize that I have a pretty good list going on what I would like to control..and how I would like for things to be handled...but one by one I am going to mark those off my list with a comment beside each one stating.."I trust you Jesus!'....becasue I do! And hopefully when my new list begins to take shape for tomorrow...I will be able to do the same...and pretty soon maybe just maybe I can make a habit of this!

Isaiah 40: 10-11
10 See, the Sovereign LORD comes with power,
and he rules with a mighty arm.
See, his reward is with him,
and his recompense accompanies him.
11 He tends his flock like a shepherd:
He gathers the lambs in his arms
and carries them close to his heart;
he gently leads those that have young