The first definition of faith that you’ll find online is complete trust or confidence in someone or something.
Complete trust or confidence.
Ohhh, that stings.
Soooo, I can’t put my trust in my new husband? Or confidence in G and his plan for us?
No, no I can’t.
When I said yesterday that one of the biggest changes I’ve seen in my life since becoming a newlywed was my faith, I meant it. It could be because I’m spending more one on one time with Him {more on that tomorrow} or maybe because I’m praying more {more on that Saturday}.
It’s simple but I complicate it. Spending more time with my God strengthens and deepens my faith – just like spending more time with G deepens and strengthens our relationship.
I find it hard to comprehend that God wants to be a part of my messy life. But He does. He not only wants to be a part of it – He wants to be the center of it all.
This week on my agenda: praying, pausing, and painting {because I think we all could use a little bit more of these things in our life}. But before I head off into a quiet space for a few days…
Yesterday when G and I were at church, we stood to sing a new song that was unfamiliar to both of us. Forgive my lack of musically descriptive words in the words that follow. The first few notes of the piano were so chilling. As the music continued and we began to sing the words, the chills did not stop and the words pointed me to the greatness of our God. The lyrics were all about Him and the only time it mentioned us was adoring Him – which is exactly what He created us for. In the times that I’ve listened to it since then, I picture the day I get to meet my God: a chilling entrance by my God where we recall all of His goodness, which only causes us to raise our hands and say,
“Behold our God seated on His throne Come let us adore Him Behold our King nothing can compare Come let us adore Him!”
What a day that will be. May true worship not wait until that day…
Last winter, I saw the words of this song below. With all that was going – changes at work, wedding plans, the upcoming responsibility of being a wife – the words were a challenge to me to keep my eyes fixed on Him.
You call me out upon the waters. The Great unknown where feet may fail And there I find you in the mystery; In oceans deep my faith will stand.
So I will call upon your name And keep my eyes above the waves. When oceans rise my soul Will rest in your embrace, For I am yours and you are mine.
Your Grace abounds in the deepest waters. Your Sovereign hand will be my guide. Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me; You’ve never failed And you won’t stop now.
So I will call upon your name And keep my eyes above the waves. When oceans rise my soul Will rest in your embrace, For I am yours and you are mine.
Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders. Let me walk upon the waters Wherever you would call me. Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander And my faith will be made stronger In the presence of my saviour.
I will call upon your name Keep my eyes above the waves My soul will rest in your embrace I am yours and you are mine.
In the following months, I listened {and continue to listen} to this song over and over. What a challenge those words are. It also reminds me of a passage in the gospel of Matthew.
And in the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea. But when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” Matthew 14:25-33
How many times have been I been confident like Peter to take a step, only to be overcome with details. I begin to take my eyes off of Jesus and what happens? I start to sink. But in the moments, hours, and days that I continue to fix my eyes on Him – no matter what stands before me – I feel the peace that only He can give.
It’s a scary thing to pray the words to the song – for me anyways – but the comfort knowing He is always there to hold our hands is a reassuring truth I am confident of.
Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:23-26
Sweet Jesus – continue to take our hands and lead.
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