He's our Protector

1 Corinthians 13:7a
Love...always protects, always trusts...

Proverbs 3:6-7
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding;
 in all your ways submit to him,
    and he will make your paths straight.

When we're at home our dog, Tater, parks himself between us. He's our protector. Without a doubt, he'd place himself between me and an attacker. That's just who he is. He's a good dog who loves us. He trusts us, too. He knows he'll be fed, watered, and walked every

day. If my dog can show love through protection and trust, I can too. With my children, I've always been the mother bear. Protection mode, all the time. My husband loves me by watching out for me, and I love that. But what about the part, love always trusts? Yes, Tater trusts us to take care of him. But maybe there's more to loving and trusting.

I believe God wants us to not just trust the people we love, but to entrust them to him.

One of the most difficult things I've ever done is turn my loved ones safety, health, and life over to the one who loves them the most. At times, as a mama bear my anxiety choked my ability to think straight. I felt helpless. No matter what I thought I could do, it wasn't enough. That's when I knew I had to look up and pray to God. The one I entrust my loved ones to needed to hear my pleas. He's the one I truly have faith in. It's not easy to let go and give our needs to God. But I know when I do, God gives me strength and comfort. He pours his peace over me. I'll admit, I still struggle with letting go and letting God. But that doesn't keep me from trusting in him and crying out.

Love always protects and trusts when we hand our cares and worries over to the one we believe can move a mountain. Even when the situation seems impossible, God cares and listens. The creator and worker of miracles loves you more than you and those you love even know. Trust the Lord with all your heart because he loves you.

Trust in the Lord

Psalm 37:1-4
Do not fret because of those who are evil
    or be envious of those who do wrong;
for like the grass they will soon wither,
    like green plants they will soon die away.

Trust in the Lord and do good;
    dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
Take delight in the Lord,
    and he will give you the desires of your heart.

They lived in a perfect world. A lush garden filled with beautiful animals, soaring birds, diving fish, and trees. The two strolled through the greenery and the flowers. They watched the butterflies and the bees. They shared the joy of their lovely surroundings. Until the day they defied God. They disobeyed. Then everything changed.

Living in the world is hard. Ever since Adam and Eve's choice to eat the fruit from the tree of life, sin has flooded the world. With the sin comes discouragement, hurt, and frustration. But the good news, yes the very best, most wonderful news, is— I can totally, without a doubt trust the Lord to bring goodness to my life. He has my best interest in mind. As I delight in him, he gives me the delights of my heart. The joy, peace, and love that only he can give. Praise God that the evil passes away and the love of my Father remains.

Who's Your Ringmaster?

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
    and he will make your paths straight.

Recently, I've heard people say, "That's not my circus and they aren't my monkeys."  Then whose are they? I'm pretty sure the circumstances that surround my life are mine. The question is what am doing with them?

I've been to the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus a couple of times. The discipline and practice that goes into each act amazes me. The performers who swing from the trapeze bars in sync must have rehearsed for hours on end. They didn't miss a beat. Even the clowns moved in trained step.

Living a spiritual life sometimes feels like a circus act. Imagine walking the highwire, holding onto a balancing pole. You're holding steady until Satan adds the weight of worry to one end. The pole begins to dip and tugs you down. The Holy Spirit nudges and says trust your master. Whew...back in balance. A few steps later, boom...fear is hanging on the other end of the pole. No, I'm going to fall. Then I remember to pray and seek God's guidance. Back in step just a little farther to go. My footing slips. Anger tips the balance. I think on a scripture that fills my heart with peace. He's straightened my path. I'm almost to the platform. With joy, I step onto the safe surface and bow before Jesus, my Ringmaster. If I trust him, lean on him and submit to him, he'll be with me every step. Praise God for his son!

He Guides My Path

Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
    and he will make your paths straight. (NIV)

Some years ago, before GPS systems were popular, my work sent me to a class in downtown Cincinnati. Not used to city driving, I prepared by printing a map. As I maneuvered through exits and streets, I glanced at the map a few times. Unfortunately I did not read the directions correctly and ended up heading toward the west side of town. I hate to admit it, but I panicked and pulled into the V that forms when two roads split off. Not knowing what to do, I called my husband. Bless his heart, he answered his phone, calmed me down and redirected me to the original destination.

So many times in my life, I’ve failed to read the directions that God has given me. I dart this way and that and don’t make sense of life. Most of the time my misdirection comes because I’m not searching out the map that he’s prepared for me. Then I stop and park myself in the middle of my mess and acknowledge his will for my life. God’s given me his book that’s far better than any map and he encourages me to communicate with him. All I need to do is trust in him and he will direct me and help me along life’s path. Praise God for his all knowing and ever helpful guidance. 

How has God shown guidance to you?