Faith Walking

Second Corinthians 5:7 says, "For we walk by faith, not by sight." (NKJV) Memorizing this verse has been a very helpful tool for me. We live in a world saturated with "stuff" for the eyes to behold and pull our attention this way and that. However, our relationship with the Lord is one without a visual cue for us to cling to.

Faith can also be defined as trust, hope, or belief. One question we can all ask of ourselves is, "Where do I place my faith?" Is your faith in your income, your abilities and talents, your family, your connections, your friends? All of these things we can see and sometimes we get caught up in the tangibility of them, trusting in ourselves or our ability rather than in God whom we cannot see.

Developing a personal relationship with Jesus is the single most important decision anyone can make. It does not, however, guarantee a bed of roses or an easy life. What it does guarantee is that you will never, ever be alone again (Hebrews 13:5). Trusting the Lord with every aspect of your life, giving Him everything from your children to your bank accounts, your time to your vacations. Every single aspect small or large whether you think God would care about it or not.

Spending time quietly in His presence will grow your ability to hear His voice, understand His Word, and give you courage to stand on the solid foundation He will provide if you let Him. Read the Bible prayerfully asking the Lord to reveal the truths to you. Living a life of faith may require some things of you. It may require giving up some things or investing time, resources, or more of yourself, yet the benefits outweigh the expense.

I encourage you to take a "faith walk"; step out in faith and trust Him in an area He has been calling you to. Give it all into His hands and do not try to do it on your own.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart

And do not lean on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge Him,

And He will make your paths straight."

Proverbs 3:5-6 NASB

Trusting in Him and His Word,

Natalie

Safe in the Shepherd's Arms

"The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want." Psalm 23:1 NKJV

This week I have been memorizing Psalm 23. In my time memorizing, I have also been meditating on the significance of this verse. Sheep are not self-sufficent. They are helpless and in need of someone to tend, care for, and protect them. For them to be safe and secure, they need a shepherd. We are no different.

We are in need of a Helper. Someone who gets us. Someone who loves us unconditionally. Someone who is there for us no matter the situation or circumstance. Being human, we are flawed. As much as we may want to be self-sufficient, we are all in need of a Savior (Shepherd) who is there for us and knows our needs before we ask (Matthew 6:8).

Please don't misinterpret this passage of Scripture. It does not guarantee we will be exempt from hard times or difficult circumstances. It also does not mean that we will be given everything we want.

I encourage you to read the rest of this Psalm. I think you will find-as I have-your rest will be found in Him. Trust your life in the nail-scarred hands of Jesus as your personal Savior. Allow Him to be your Shepherd.

May the Lord bless you and keep you.
Natalie