I Know

There are things that I know and believe to be true, but I can’t prove them. I have confidence in the Lord that others probably think is stupid. I have been through some sufferings and struggles in my life and the Lord was there with me and walked with me through it. The Lord’s Presence is often subjective and personal. I have seen people who walk through suffering and struggle with amazing strength and resolve and the Presence of God in them screams out to me.

I can also remember times of suffering and struggle when the Lord felt far away. I felt like He was just allowing me to walk through the darkness along. That was my perspective in the middle of the struggle and suffering. When I made it through, I now look back and I can see His hand through the darkest times in my life.

My feelings are a bit fickle. I “feel” loved somedays and on others I “feel” like others don’t care – even those closest to me. I’ve learned over the years that my feelings will lie to me in a “New York minute”! Feelings seem to blow whichever way the wind is blowing. Feelings are a thermometer – they simple move with the temperature of the room. My convictions are firmly planted and anchored in the Word of God. I know what I know because of my beliefs are set in the concrete of His Word.

King David, writes a psalm to his music director and two-thirds of it, he is asking where God is. He seems to be “feeling” all alone. Then, it’s like he comes to his senses and starts declaring his faith and trust in God and the sentiment changes. Check this out….

²² I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters.
    I will praise you among your assembled people.
²³ Praise the Lord, all you who fear him!
    Honor him, all you descendants of Jacob!
    Show him reverence, all you descendants of Israel!
²⁴ For he has not ignored or belittled the suffering of the needy.
    He has not turned his back on them,
    but has listened to their cries for help. (Psalm 22:22-24 NLT)

I’m going to go with what I know about the Lord instead of trusting my feelings in the moment of struggle, suffering or stress. I have seen and felt His Power and His Presence in my life in some of my most desperate moments. I know He doesn’t leave me or abandon me. I know He loves me. I know He is good to me. I know He’s forgiven me. I know He will protect me.

I’m going to go with what I know and my “feelings” will just have to catch up to that truth.

Pressing On!

Dwayne