THANKFUL

Tuesday, December 17, 2019

Good morning, Jesus.

Lord, you know I love you. I’ve surrendered my life and given you my heart as I walk through this fallen world. My eternity is in your nail-scarred hands. Trials have been often and sometimes harsh, yet you’ve come through for me time and again. But as faithful as you’ve been to me, at times doubts creep in to disrupt my peace. Doubt usually brings its buddy, guilt, who has its fellow companion condemnation following along.

“How could you doubt the Lord?” guilt whispers. Condemnation chimes in. “God’s disappointed you doubted him—again!” “Do I really know God? All this time, have I been duped into denying reality?” These devilish playmates don’t need much of an opening to have a field day with our minds.

While they are romping through my mind, the Holy Spirit lovingly waits patiently. “Enough,” he gently whispers. “My child, don’t be alarmed if you have doubts. That leaves room for my revelation of something new about my character you haven’t seen before. Your doubts aren’t saying, I won’t believe. You’re telling me, Lord, help my unbelief. I’ve heard that prayer many times, my child. Hold my hand and let’s walk through this together.”

By your grace, we will remain faithful during these trials, illnesses and problems. Build our faith as we wait when we’re anxious, holding your hand, believing you will come through for us again. In our humanity, we want to avoid these character-building trials, but to be more like you, Jesus. we must go through these. But we’re never alone, since we belong to you and you’ve promised goodness and mercy willfollow us all the days of our life.

Lord, may I echo what pastor Greg Laurie states: “. . .may I doubt my doubts, and believe my beliefs.”

In Jesus’ name, my doubts are settled. Amen.