Steadfast Love and Trust
“Let those who are wise give heed to these things,
and consider the steadfast love of the Lord.”
--From an ancient song of trust
Our week concludes with a verse from an old Hebrew hymn. This Psalm is a litany of the many ways God demonstrates steadfast love in all sorts of circumstances. It is as though the writer is concluding the song saying, “OK folks, if you are wise you will look at all these examples and trust in the steadfast love of the Lord.” Psalm 107 is filled with good observations that still ring true today—around 3,000 years later.
Popular writer, Max Lucado, has a deck of cards known as “Comfort Cards.” This 50 card set is a contemporary example echoing the sentiments of the Psalms. Here is a card that seems to incorporate our theme of the week, trust, and our meditation verse for today.
One side of the card says, “You can trust God.” The other side affirms this simple statement with these words; “You are not a candidate for insecurity. You are no longer a client of timidity. He has given His love to you; why don’t you give your doubts to Him?
On the days you don’t feel close to God, trust your faith and not your feelings.”
The steadfast love of God is trustworthy. Have a good day and a good weekend trusting in God’s steadfast love.
A prayer: Watch over me, God. Help me to recognize your steadfast love. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
02.26.10
Showing posts with label Trust. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Trust. Show all posts
Friday, February 26, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, February 24
Trusting is Difficult
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways, says the Lord.”
--The prophet Isaiah, 55:8
This week we are dealing with the subject of trust. The capacity for trusting can easily erode right before our eyes. With uncertainty surrounding so many public and private arenas, the heart song of many people these days sings the question, “In whom shall we trust?”
Our currency, both coin and paper, proclaim “In God we trust.” This is a bold, bold statement; a statement we often struggle to reflect in daily living. Today’s text serves to remind us that the thoughts and ways of the Holy are far different than our thoughts and ways. To trust God means accepting friendship with one radically different from us and, at best, mysterious. One writer calls it “naked commitment to live with God’s strangeness.”
How is your trust right now? The constant battle goes on and on and on, doesn’t it? We close today with a little poetic offering by Neva Perdue who penned these words while in a hospital bed and titled them “At Dark’s Edge.”
“and if I
should slip away
a quiet exhalation in time
a moment welling up on the edge of always
trickling without sound or regret
into the darkness of new birth
and if I
let go of your hand
forsaking the tenderness of flesh and eye
for uncharted embrace
will you smile?”
--Ben Keckler
02.24.10
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways, says the Lord.”
--The prophet Isaiah, 55:8
This week we are dealing with the subject of trust. The capacity for trusting can easily erode right before our eyes. With uncertainty surrounding so many public and private arenas, the heart song of many people these days sings the question, “In whom shall we trust?”
Our currency, both coin and paper, proclaim “In God we trust.” This is a bold, bold statement; a statement we often struggle to reflect in daily living. Today’s text serves to remind us that the thoughts and ways of the Holy are far different than our thoughts and ways. To trust God means accepting friendship with one radically different from us and, at best, mysterious. One writer calls it “naked commitment to live with God’s strangeness.”
How is your trust right now? The constant battle goes on and on and on, doesn’t it? We close today with a little poetic offering by Neva Perdue who penned these words while in a hospital bed and titled them “At Dark’s Edge.”
“and if I
should slip away
a quiet exhalation in time
a moment welling up on the edge of always
trickling without sound or regret
into the darkness of new birth
and if I
let go of your hand
forsaking the tenderness of flesh and eye
for uncharted embrace
will you smile?”
--Ben Keckler
02.24.10
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Daily Devotion - Friday, March 27
Trusting
“Let those who are wise give heed to these things,
and consider the steadfast love of the Lord.”
--From an ancient song of trust
Our week concludes with a verse from an old Hebrew hymn. This Psalm is a litany of the many ways God demonstrates steadfast love in all sorts of circumstances. It is as though the writer is concluding the song saying, “OK folks, if you are wise you will look at all these examples and trust in the steadfast love of the Lord.” Psalm 107 is filled with good observations that still ring true today—around 3,000 years later.
Popular writer, Max Lucado, has a deck of cards known as “Comfort Cards.” This 50-card set is a contemporary example echoing the sentiments of the Psalms. Here is a card that seems to incorporate our theme of the week, trust, and our meditation verse for today.
One side of the card says, “You can trust God.” The other side affirms this simple statement with these words; “You are not a candidate for insecurity. You are no longer a client of timidity. He has given His love to you; why don’t you give your doubts to Him? On the days you don’t feel close to God, trust your faith and not your feelings.”
The steadfast love of God is trustworthy. Have a good day and a good weekend trusting in God’s steadfast love.
Prayer: Watch over me, God. Help me to recognize your steadfast love. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
03.27.09
“Let those who are wise give heed to these things,
and consider the steadfast love of the Lord.”
--From an ancient song of trust
Our week concludes with a verse from an old Hebrew hymn. This Psalm is a litany of the many ways God demonstrates steadfast love in all sorts of circumstances. It is as though the writer is concluding the song saying, “OK folks, if you are wise you will look at all these examples and trust in the steadfast love of the Lord.” Psalm 107 is filled with good observations that still ring true today—around 3,000 years later.
Popular writer, Max Lucado, has a deck of cards known as “Comfort Cards.” This 50-card set is a contemporary example echoing the sentiments of the Psalms. Here is a card that seems to incorporate our theme of the week, trust, and our meditation verse for today.
One side of the card says, “You can trust God.” The other side affirms this simple statement with these words; “You are not a candidate for insecurity. You are no longer a client of timidity. He has given His love to you; why don’t you give your doubts to Him? On the days you don’t feel close to God, trust your faith and not your feelings.”
The steadfast love of God is trustworthy. Have a good day and a good weekend trusting in God’s steadfast love.
Prayer: Watch over me, God. Help me to recognize your steadfast love. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
03.27.09
Daily Devotion - Thursday, March 26
Trust and Releasing Anxiety
“Have no anxiety about anything,
but in everything by prayer and supplication
with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”
--Paul of Tarsus
The opening words of today’s text do not seem appropriate. Anxiety is a natural thing when life is not ordered and controlled. It seems to me that the helpful, interpretive word might be: “Having anxiety is understandable; letting your anxiety dominate your energy may not be helpful.”
Paul offers an alternative to anxious, tense, stress-filled and self-destructive tendencies. The alternative is not a shield from the uncertainties we face; it is a source of protection when we find our lives disrupted. The alternative is not an exemption; it is a comfort when we find the puzzle difficult. The alternative is not a magical wand for the disturbing condition; it offers a calming effect when everything appears fragile and tenuous. The alternative: “In everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.”
This radical alternative can be a most appropriate resource for moments of anxiety. Releasing our requests to God is a statement of trust, releasing our total being into the arms of the Holy One. Such trust can be liberating and empowering.
Prayer: God, whom I trust, I release my anxious inner being to you. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
03.26.09
“Have no anxiety about anything,
but in everything by prayer and supplication
with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”
--Paul of Tarsus
The opening words of today’s text do not seem appropriate. Anxiety is a natural thing when life is not ordered and controlled. It seems to me that the helpful, interpretive word might be: “Having anxiety is understandable; letting your anxiety dominate your energy may not be helpful.”
Paul offers an alternative to anxious, tense, stress-filled and self-destructive tendencies. The alternative is not a shield from the uncertainties we face; it is a source of protection when we find our lives disrupted. The alternative is not an exemption; it is a comfort when we find the puzzle difficult. The alternative is not a magical wand for the disturbing condition; it offers a calming effect when everything appears fragile and tenuous. The alternative: “In everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.”
This radical alternative can be a most appropriate resource for moments of anxiety. Releasing our requests to God is a statement of trust, releasing our total being into the arms of the Holy One. Such trust can be liberating and empowering.
Prayer: God, whom I trust, I release my anxious inner being to you. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
03.26.09
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, March 25
Trusting God
“Let me hear of your steadfast love in the morning,
for in you I put my trust.
Teach me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.”
--Psalm 143. 8
About a quarter of a century ago, Jean-Pierre de Caussade wrote Abandonment to Divine Providence. The book is a collection of letters that fall under the general theme of “trusting God who is often disguised.”
God comes to us in the present moment, utilizing all sorts of disguises. Some, like snowfall, can be called wonderful or beautiful. Other disguises have had the label of "misfortune," “disaster,” “humiliating circumstance,” “a dark moment,” “something ordinary.” Truly God is present in every moment of life. The important thing is learning to trust that reality. Each of us would love to hear of God’s steadfast love every morning, but some days the disguise is far different than we expect, making it difficult to trust. Those we interact with today may be struggling with “disguises” that are difficult. They may feel abandoned by the Divine. May they experience God’s steadfast love through our words and actions. Have a good day and week!
Prayer: Lord, make me an instrument, playing melodies of your steadfast love. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
03.25.09
“Let me hear of your steadfast love in the morning,
for in you I put my trust.
Teach me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.”
--Psalm 143. 8
About a quarter of a century ago, Jean-Pierre de Caussade wrote Abandonment to Divine Providence. The book is a collection of letters that fall under the general theme of “trusting God who is often disguised.”
God comes to us in the present moment, utilizing all sorts of disguises. Some, like snowfall, can be called wonderful or beautiful. Other disguises have had the label of "misfortune," “disaster,” “humiliating circumstance,” “a dark moment,” “something ordinary.” Truly God is present in every moment of life. The important thing is learning to trust that reality. Each of us would love to hear of God’s steadfast love every morning, but some days the disguise is far different than we expect, making it difficult to trust. Those we interact with today may be struggling with “disguises” that are difficult. They may feel abandoned by the Divine. May they experience God’s steadfast love through our words and actions. Have a good day and week!
Prayer: Lord, make me an instrument, playing melodies of your steadfast love. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
03.25.09
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, March 24
Trust
“Cast your burden on the Lord,
God will sustain you.
I will trust in the power of God.”
--An ancient song of trust
This week we are dealing with the theme of trust, one of those important characteristics we hope will grow as we take risks in relationships. On several occasions we’ve cited the writings of Jean Blomquist in these daily devotions. Today is another day to recognize one of her contributions, “Trusting Nimbly.” The article is about a hike she took with her husband when they vacationed in Yosemite National Park. On this hike they were to climb to the summit of 10,850 foot Mt. Hoffman. When Jean took time to reflect on the successful ascent, she realized that she had learned three things about trusting. She identified her insights as:
Leaning: She discovered that trust meant leaning on others and on God.
Letting Go: Trust requires surrender of our pain, brokenness and requires vulnerability.
Leaping: Trust is the meeting point of the already and the not-yet. Sometimes we have to leap to arrive at the not-yet.
A few insights to think about today as we engage in exploring the theme of trust.
Prayer: Show me the moments when leaning is appropriate, when letting go would be helpful, and when leaping is the right alternative. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
03.24.09
“Cast your burden on the Lord,
God will sustain you.
I will trust in the power of God.”
--An ancient song of trust
This week we are dealing with the theme of trust, one of those important characteristics we hope will grow as we take risks in relationships. On several occasions we’ve cited the writings of Jean Blomquist in these daily devotions. Today is another day to recognize one of her contributions, “Trusting Nimbly.” The article is about a hike she took with her husband when they vacationed in Yosemite National Park. On this hike they were to climb to the summit of 10,850 foot Mt. Hoffman. When Jean took time to reflect on the successful ascent, she realized that she had learned three things about trusting. She identified her insights as:
Leaning: She discovered that trust meant leaning on others and on God.
Letting Go: Trust requires surrender of our pain, brokenness and requires vulnerability.
Leaping: Trust is the meeting point of the already and the not-yet. Sometimes we have to leap to arrive at the not-yet.
A few insights to think about today as we engage in exploring the theme of trust.
Prayer: Show me the moments when leaning is appropriate, when letting go would be helpful, and when leaping is the right alternative. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
03.24.09
Monday, March 23, 2009
Daily Devotion - Monday, March 23
In Whom Shall We Trust?
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways, says the Lord.”
--Isaiah, the prophet
This week we are dealing with the subject of trust. The capacity for trusting can easily erode right before our eyes. With uncertainty surrounding so many public and private arenas, the heartsong of many people these days sings the question, “In whom shall we trust?”
Our currency, both coin and paper proclaims “In God we trust.” This is a bold, bold statement; a statement we often struggle to reflect in daily living. Today’s text serves to remind us that the thoughts and ways of the Holy are far different than our thoughts and ways. Trusting God means accepting friendship with one radically different from us. One writer calls it “naked commitment to live with God’s strangeness.”
How is your trust right now? The constant battle goes on and on and on, doesn’t it? We close today with a little poetic offering by Neva Perdue who penned these words while in a hospital bed and titled them “At Dark’s Edge.”
“and if I
should slip away
a quiet exhalation in time
a moment welling up on the edge of always
trickling without sound or regret
into the darkness of new birth
and if I
let go of your hand
forsaking the tenderness of flesh and eye
for uncharted embrace
will you smile?”
Prayer: God of my life, continue to teach me the lessons I need to learn. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
03.23.09
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways, says the Lord.”
--Isaiah, the prophet
This week we are dealing with the subject of trust. The capacity for trusting can easily erode right before our eyes. With uncertainty surrounding so many public and private arenas, the heartsong of many people these days sings the question, “In whom shall we trust?”
Our currency, both coin and paper proclaims “In God we trust.” This is a bold, bold statement; a statement we often struggle to reflect in daily living. Today’s text serves to remind us that the thoughts and ways of the Holy are far different than our thoughts and ways. Trusting God means accepting friendship with one radically different from us. One writer calls it “naked commitment to live with God’s strangeness.”
How is your trust right now? The constant battle goes on and on and on, doesn’t it? We close today with a little poetic offering by Neva Perdue who penned these words while in a hospital bed and titled them “At Dark’s Edge.”
“and if I
should slip away
a quiet exhalation in time
a moment welling up on the edge of always
trickling without sound or regret
into the darkness of new birth
and if I
let go of your hand
forsaking the tenderness of flesh and eye
for uncharted embrace
will you smile?”
Prayer: God of my life, continue to teach me the lessons I need to learn. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
03.23.09
Monday, November 10, 2008
Daily Devotions - Monday, November 10
Trusting in God and Others
“Restore us again, O God of our salvation,
and put away your indignation toward us.
Will you be angry with us forever?
Will you prolong your anger to all generations?
Will you not revive us again,
so that your people may rejoice in you?
Show us your steadfast love, O Lord, and grant us your salvation.”
--An old hymn from the Psalms
Sometimes a lot of stuff comes our way and we feel that the steadfast love of God is missing. Trusting in God’s steadfast love is not necessarily easy.
Have you ever been in a group that is working on trust exercises? One activity that facilitators sometimes use is called “Trust Fall”. Here is how it works: One person stands facing away from the rest of the group. The assignment is to fall backwards into the arms of another person or persons in the group. Many people have great difficulty with this exercise. In Mitch Albom’s book, Tuesdays with Morrie, he tells of a time when Morrie asked his class to attempt this exercise. Mitch still remembers when one person was able to trust and fall backwards. The person was caught and it worked fine. Morrie, Mitch’s professor, observed:
“You see, you closed your eyes. That was the difference. Sometimes you cannot believe what you see, you have to believe what you feel. And if you are ever going to have other people trust you, you must feel that you can trust them, too—even when you’re in the dark. Even when you are falling.” (Page 61)
Ben Keckler
11.10.08
“Restore us again, O God of our salvation,
and put away your indignation toward us.
Will you be angry with us forever?
Will you prolong your anger to all generations?
Will you not revive us again,
so that your people may rejoice in you?
Show us your steadfast love, O Lord, and grant us your salvation.”
--An old hymn from the Psalms
Sometimes a lot of stuff comes our way and we feel that the steadfast love of God is missing. Trusting in God’s steadfast love is not necessarily easy.
Have you ever been in a group that is working on trust exercises? One activity that facilitators sometimes use is called “Trust Fall”. Here is how it works: One person stands facing away from the rest of the group. The assignment is to fall backwards into the arms of another person or persons in the group. Many people have great difficulty with this exercise. In Mitch Albom’s book, Tuesdays with Morrie, he tells of a time when Morrie asked his class to attempt this exercise. Mitch still remembers when one person was able to trust and fall backwards. The person was caught and it worked fine. Morrie, Mitch’s professor, observed:
“You see, you closed your eyes. That was the difference. Sometimes you cannot believe what you see, you have to believe what you feel. And if you are ever going to have other people trust you, you must feel that you can trust them, too—even when you’re in the dark. Even when you are falling.” (Page 61)
Ben Keckler
11.10.08
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