Central Truth

Trusting the Lord is a choice.

Reflections

In my favorite Bible, I have the date, January 2008, written beside Psalm 13. I remember all too well living these words, and I totally identify with David, as a melancholy mess, when I read what he wrote.

In December 2007, our 23 year-old son, Jake, was diagnosed with cancer. It was a shock to all of us. We tried desperately to take each step by faith as we walked through the early process. But each step we took led to a worsening diagnosis and treatment plan.

The lowest point was the day we found out the cancer had spread to his lung and lymph nodes. It was that day that I personally hit a wall. I "felt" like the Lord withdrew His presence and hid His face from me. David said it well in Psalm 13:1, "How long, O Lord? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide your face from me?"

I prayerfully searched to find the Lord in the whirlwind of fear and doubt. Finally after 24 hours of agonizing prayer I sensed His presence again, but not until I turned my doubt into trust and my petitions into praise.

Verse 5 begins with a BIG little word, "BUT". But I have trusted in Your lovingkindness; My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, Because He has dealt bountifully with me." (Psalm 13:5-6)

Trusting in the Lord is a choice. No matter what the diagnosis, what the situation, what the trial, we (like David) can say, "But I have trusted..." The word "trust" means "to lean wholeheartedly, to place the weight of confidence upon." That was the choice I had to make, to lean wholeheartedly and place my confidence in Him. The good news: He was always there as I leaned hard upon Him during those difficult times. He will be there for you, too! (By the way, Jake has been in remission for almost 4 years.)

Discussion Questions

1. What is the hardest thing you have faced in your life?
2. Was it easy or hard to trust the Lord? Why?
3. What from God's Word will you remember as you face a difficult
   circumstance in the future?