The Power of Stillness

 ”Be still and know that I am God” – Psalms 46:10

 

A FRAYING FAITH…

 

“If you can?”, said Jesus, “Everything is possible for him who believes.”  Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!“ – Mark 9:23, 24

_________________________

 Although we consider ourselves people of faith, sometimes when we suffer disappointments and setbacks over a period of time, our faith can become a little frayed at the edges.  We want to believe, but the image of our failure or loss burns too brightly in our minds and hearts.  What then, do we do when we realize that the staunch confidence and boldness we used to possess is slowly waning?

Perhaps an answer can be found in the example of David.  All through the Psalms, we can read David’s woes and laments, as he was no stranager to failure and loss.  Having had a mighty start to his ministry with the defeat of Goliath, he was then marked for death by King Saul and pursued for years, often having to hide in caves to protect himself.  Here would be a good place for fraying faith for anyone, but what did he do?  In Psalm 59 we can find out.  As he begins with a focus on his enemies and their actions, we can sympathize with the fear, pain and perplexity of being attacked for no reason that he could fathom.  However midway into his distress, He recalls that God is his Strength, and even though he continues on about his enemies, it appears to now be framed in the light God’s might and faithfulness, until he finishes with a focus solely on God in praise of who He is.  Now we all know what David did not see at that time, that God would ultimately fulfill His word, installing and establishing him as King, giving him victory over his enemies and numerous other blessings in the process.

So while it is natural to feel sad, discouraged, fearful or even perplexed at situations in our life we don’t understand, we don’t want to ever have our situation overshadow God’s sovreignity, because then our trial becomes our god and our God becomes hidden.  We must always remind ourselves, whether we feel it or not that God is faithful.  Ask Him to help you recall the things He has done for you and to even see the things that He is doing, especially in the midst of your pain.

In our walk, there will inevitably be things that will blindside us that we will not have the answers to–but isn’t that the very fiber of faith?  So, when we find ourselves beginning to be weighed down by the  burdens of life, let us fix our eyes upon The One who is able to not just carry our load, but us as well, and eventually He will weave even the frays into a taspestry of purpose as only The Master Designer can. 

Be Blessed!