The Treasure of Trust
Several years ago, many of us watched the TV quiz program “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire”. Contestants were given opportunities to win money by answering questions of increasing difficulty. Beginning with easy multiple choice questions, the categories moved to questions with one obvious “no” answer, but unless you had expert knowledge on a subject, you had little idea of the right answer. At that point, the game show host offered options: walk away with the money you had earned, or use your lifelines- remove two choices so the field was narrowed and your chances of being correct were better, or phone a friend—one who might know the answer. Sometimes it worked, and sometimes it didn’t.
We face choices too.
The mocha java chip vs. the caramel macchiato is an easy one depending on your taste for chocolate, sweetness, or calories. Other decisions might involve spending a large sum of money and knowing this is a “good idea vs. a bad one”. Sometimes issues present fine differences between good, better, and best and the decision isn’t an easy one.
How do we respond? Probably similar to the game show contestant: a definite “yes” or “no”; eliminate choices; look for the better or best option; or phone a friend for wise counsel.
Sometimes the obvious, or the best options just aren’t there and we don’t see a solution. So,
when we face something so big, we can’t understand it, so deep, we feel we’re sinking,
so unknown, we can’t define it
so unfamiliar, we can’t describe it, or
so painful, we think we’ll break…
we just stand, trust, and hold our Father’s hand.
When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.Psalm 55:6 (NIV)
Can you share a verse that is your “go to” lifeline in difficult times?
What considerations do you make when faced with choices?
The Conversation
My go-to is Isaiah 55:9 – "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." It helps me to keep the necessary decision in the proper perspective. Love your verse too, Marilyn!
Psalm 46:10, Be still. Be still and know that I.AM.GOD. Be still…
Thank you Cathy for sharing. I agree. We are so prone to look at the temporal rather than place things in perspective.
Definitely! That is one of my "go to's". I have it on my sunroom wall where I have my quiet time each morning. It is a reminder for sure. Saying each word is a help to me-including the "and". Thanks for your comment.
Thanks for sharing those thoughts, Marilyn. One of my 'go to' verses is from Isaiah 30:20-21: "The Lord will make you go through hard times, but he himself will be there to teach you, and you will not have to search for him any more. If you wander off the road to the right or the left, you will hear his voice behind you saying, “Here is the road. Follow it.”
Take care
Nola
Thank you Nola, for contributing to this discussion and encouraging us with your reply. Love that version of the verse.