“You, Lord, are all I have, and You give me all I need; my future is in Your hands. How wonderful are Your gifts to me; how good they are! I praise the Lord because He guides me.” Psalm 16:5-7
Dependence
I’ve walked through so many experiences on this long unexpected journey. Most of them are things I’ve never had to deal with before. I’ve had to make so many decisions. Again, most are about things I’ve never had to face before—and I’m facing them without Floyd by my side. It has seemed like a never-ending “trial by fire.”
With each experience, each decision, each trial, I’ve prayed and sought the Lord. I’ve asked for grace and wisdom for each thing. I’ve sought advice and counsel. I’ve read and researched to glean information. I’ve tried to the best of my ability to do and choose the right thing.
Overall, I think it’s gone pretty well. But occasionally I end up second-guessing myself, wondering if I’ve done the right thing. Wondering if I could have done more, done differently. I was recently wondering about something I’d decided and the Lord brought a special verse to my attention: “Those who look to Him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame” (Psalm 34:5).
It was such a sweet encouragement from the Lord. I have looked to Him—day by day, minute by minute. He has helped me, guided me, sustained me. I felt the Lord saying that there should be no shame on my face. Sure, I may have made mistakes, but He has seen how my heart has focused on Him in each thing I’ve faced.
The previous verse says, “I sought the Lord, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears” (Psalm 34:4). As I’ve sought Him, He has answered, and He has lifted fear from my heart. How faithful He is.
I’m so grateful that because of His goodness and help, I don’t need to have shame on my face. He has helped me! In the United States on the 4thof July, Independence Day is celebrated in a big way. I’ve been thinking that I’m thankful I can be fully dependent on Him! I’d never make it on my own.
“‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.’ So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me” (2 Corinthians 12:9).
“Father in heaven, we declare our dependence on You. May we be ever mindful of the times we act independently or think ‘we’ve got this.’ Enlarge our faith, Lord. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”