We say we trust God. But until a mess explodes in our faces with the reaction to first try to clean it or patch it with the our own resources we have on hand, our trust is not matured or reliable.  We preach, Trust God—He knows what He is doing!  But until we are tested with our own Job-like experiences with an immediate first response of turning to God, crying out for His mercy and guidance through the temporary troubles; trust has not been internalized as a part of our being.  Trust in God, as we mentioned a couple of days ago, is like a child who runs immediately, without thinking, to his or her father as the first line of defense!  They know and trust, without a doubt, their father or mother can and will do something to save them with help and protection against their foes. They know their parents who love them dearly will provide a solution to their troubles and trials.  We also know a lesson of correction will be taught in the process.  (Maybe that was just my parents; but I doubt it!)

I do not remember a time when my parents came to my aid without a lesson to arm me with the knowledge needed to avoid the same trouble the next time with teaching me the Supreme Resource to run to when tested and tried!  This was not a lesson of independence but a lesson of dependance our Jesus, The Resource who was  tried and true, who died to save me from my sins and rose again to give me faith in all circumstance with hope for a future beyond all the trials of earth.  I am grateful for this educational knowledge from my parents who led me to the Lord, the One they knew well because their parents taught them! 

Today’s song from our playlist accompanies well the psalm sung on the “playlist” of generations past when up against walls of terror; but yet they put their faith in God—Noah, Abraham, Moses, Joshua, Job, David, Joseph and Mary, just to name but a few! Imperfect people who put their trust in our Perfect, Holy, and Faithful God!

Christ is my firm foundation
The Rock on which I stand
When everything around me is shaking
I’ve never been more glad
That I put my faith in Jesus
‘Cause He’s never let me down
He’s faithful through generations
So why would He fail now?
He won’t

I’ve still got joy in chaos
I’ve got peace that makes no sense
So I won’t be going under
I’m not held by my own strength
‘Cause I build my life on Jesus
He’s never let me down
He’s faithful in еvery season
So why would He fail now?

Hе won’t, He won’t, He won’t fail

He won’t fail, He won’t.

Psalm 6, The Message

^1-2 Please, God, no more yelling,
    no more trips to the woodshed.
Treat me nice for a change;
    I’m so starved for affection.

^2-3 Can’t you see I’m black-and-blue,
    beaten up badly in bones and soul?
God, how long will it take
    for you to let up?

^4-5 Break in, God, and break up this fight;
    if you love me at all, get me out of here.
I’m no good to you dead, am I?
    I can’t sing in your choir if I’m buried in some tomb!

^6-7 I’m tired of all this—so tired. My bed
    has been floating forty days and nights
On the flood of my tears.
    My mattress is soaked, soggy with tears.
The sockets of my eyes are black holes;
    nearly blind, I squint and grope.

^8-9 Get out of here, you Devil’s crew:
    at last God has heard my sobs.
My requests have all been granted,
    my prayers are answered.

¹⁰ Cowards, my enemies disappear.
Disgraced, they turn tail and run.

WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?

David, the Psalmist, rejoiced because of God’s protection and peace. He encouraged others to trust in God. He knew, through deep struggle and grief, that God could and would sustain him.  Sorrow comes, but as believers we can place all our confidence in God because He indeed listens while restoring His joy in our hearts as He continues His work in us.  David psalms record the stages in his difficult experiences of life of moving by faith from trial to triumph.  We are given the same Resource to have and to hold onto, a faith in God for all seasons—a faith that forever builds in strength with wisdom  as God helps us.  May His Will be done.

Our response is up to each one of us:

Who do we run to first!

Who do we honestly cry out to then pause to listen to confidently with trust for help? 

I choose God—He knows what He is doing! Trust and obey, for there’s no other way…

Lord,

Thank you for this lesson of faith, trust and surrender to your will. Help us daily as you use the tests, trials and troubles to mature our faith in you—The One who is able and enough for all of us!

In Jesus Name, Amen

And we’re singing…

Rain came and wind blew
But my house was built on You
I’m safe with You
I’m gonna make it through

Yeah, I’m gonna make it through
‘Cause I’m standing strong on You

Christ is my firm foundation
The rock on which I stand
When everything around me is shaken
I’ve never been more glad
That I put my faith in Jesus
‘Cause He’s never let me down
He’s faithful through generations
So why would He fail now?

He won’t, He won’t
He won’t fail, He won’t fail, HE WON’T.  

(Official lyrics of Firm Foundation (He Won’t) by Austin Davis / Chandler Moore / Cody Carnes.)