My husband, Micah, had an important medical appointment last Tuesday at a well-known and very large institution. I don’t know if I had a preconceived idea of how I thought this appointment would go but I had some hopes. I hoped that the doctor would have an astounding depth of knowledge and be able to address our specific concerns about Micah’s current treatment plan, but within minutes of the doctor walking in I realized that this appointment was not going to go the way I wanted it to. He walked in thinking this was an open and shut case with routine answers, and we walked in hoping for new direction and insight, neither of which he could offer.
2 Corinthians 5:7 For we walk by faith, not by sight.
2 Corinthians 5:7 was chosen for August’s Speaking and Praying Scripture in reflection of this doctor’s appointment where the outcome was not what was expected or desired. It would be easy to keep our focus primarily on this frustration and live under a dark cloud of disappointment, but as Christians we have hope that is greater than our circumstances. We are instructed and encouraged to walk through life by faith that Jesus is who He says He is and trust in the promises of God, knowing he is with us and we are Not Alone.
2 Corinthians 4:17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.
Hebrews 6:19 We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. (NIV)
Isaiah 41:10 Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Psalm 100:4 and Psalm 63:3 is complimentary in my mind and reminds me of a phrase I remember my mom telling me from time to time that is, “When in doubt, worship.” I admit I really didn’t enjoy hearing that advice and rarely chose to try it. I would be frustrated, angry, or hurt in a situation and wanted empathy and the situation to change, not to praise God! But I was missing the point. God deserves our praise, adoration, and thanksgiving because of who He is, not because of our situation. Even more so, worship repositions our eyes on Christ and his steadfast love reminding us of our firm foundation that we have in Christ alone. Psalm 100:4 tells us the best way to begin this worship, with thanksgiving!
Psalm 100:4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!
Psalm 63:3 Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you.
If you are struggling, know that you are Not Alone. I have been there so many times and the pain, grief, and heartache is very real. Remember that our faith and hope is because of the Resurrected Christ, not our circumstances, and that this life is temporary. It is not easy, but I encourage you to lay down your pride and pain at the feet of Jesus and worship him through it. He is the author and creator of Resurrection Hope and with Him, we are Not Alone.
August
2 Corinthians 5:7 For we walk by faith, not by sight.
Psalm 100:4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!
Psalm 63:3 Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you.
PRAYER:
Dear God, You are a good, good Father who loves us so much. Thank you for the gift of your son, Jesus, who died on the cross for our sins so that we can have a relationship with you and know that we are never alone.
God, I pray that you help us to walk by faith and not by the sight of our circumstances. Help us to stand firm in the Truth of who you are and trust in your promises.
God, because of your steadfast love you are more wonderful than we can imagine, and we thank you that you love us and give us the gift of eternal life, our Resurrection Hope. Your steadfast love is better than life itself and we praise your Holy name.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
NOT ALONE MINISTRIES 