Trusting Draws You Closer

Yesterday in celebration of our nation's birth, public and private fireworks were displayed.  For most, it was a wonderful time of celebration ending with multiple oohs and aaahs.  However for some it was not so pleasant.

Trauma never takes a holiday.  While some were rejoicing, others were not.  As some may know, my family rescued a German Shepherd with a laundry list of phobias.  While aiding him through most of the night, I learned some distinct lessons about my relationship with God.

While trembling in terror, my family provided support and our presence to him.  Calming words, hugs, and a makeshift place for him to hide provided the strength that he needed.  When firecrackers, M80s and the neighborhood fireworks went off, we quickly responded with "It's okay, Duke.  Everything is okay."  When he responded positively, we lauded him with praise.  This went on until at least midnight, with most of the overnight hours spent transitioning him back to functioning independently.

This morning, Duke came close to me.  He gently licked me--which I really can't stand--and snuggled his head into my chest.  I patted him on the side and gently spoke about how brave he was and that he was a good boy.  It was then that it hit me.  As this dog bonds closets to me after times of trials, I too bond closest to God after the same.  As I shared words of praise for his bravery, God does the same with me for my faith.  What draws the dog closest to me are situations greater than he can bear.  What draws me closest to God are not blessings, but situations greater that I can bear.

In the end, I learned that the best way for me to know God will not come from books, sermons or bible studies, but from trials and his presence in the midst of them.

I will be with him in trouble (Psalm 91:15b)

Affliction and Joy Are Neighbors (1 Thessalonians 1:6)

In the mid 1800's, gold was found in California.  Thousands of fortune seekers flooded the state with hopes of finding the precious metal for themselves.  For those who found their fortune, it was a difficult task.  Only after a long period of digging through worthless rock was the gold discovered.  There, side by side, was rock and gold.  The only way to get to the gold was by digging through the rock.  Digging through rock was tiring, wearisome and injurious, but the gold made all the difference.

And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost: (1 Thessalonians 1:6)

All of mankind experiences difficulties in life.  For the lost, there is no hope, strength or consolation.  But for the believer, there is always joy to be found.  Many fail to recognize this because they focus so much on the affliction that they are experiencing.  What they must recognize is that next to the hurt, there is joy to be found.

It isn't joy for the affliction, but joy in the affliction.  At each low point in our lives, God is there waiting to reveal himself to us.  When you experience his presence, you will also experience the joy that comes from knowing him.  Paul along with Silas and in the darkness of prison, sang praises to The Lord.  While in prison at Rome, Paul again experienced joy as he penned the Epistle to the Philippians.  John, on the isle of Patmos, endured persecution and then experienced a great revelation.  Let's not forget you.  In your deepest of moments when you were lost, you found Jesus, the gem.  The history of mankind is filled with people, who is great distress, experienced the joy of what Christ brought to them.

In your trial today, Jesus wants to give you joy.  You may find it in a passage of Scripture or it may come to you as you are reminded of God's greatness as you focus of one of the many splendors of creation.  Joy is there.  Don't step over it or be blinded to its presence.  If you can't find it, pray for God to reveal it to you.

If you would like to read more of these thoughts in a hard copy format, my new book is now available at the link below.

https://www.createspace.com/4441566

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