“Blessed are those who fear the Lord—those who revere Abba with deep affection and unhesitating surrender… They don’t fear of bad news, delayed news, or a different outcome than they prayed for. Their hearts are steadfast, trusting and resting in the Lord.” (Expanded paraphrase of Psalm 112:1, 7)
Heavenly Father, another day brings with it multiple opportunities to trust you with things we would rather control. The contrast between a trusting heart and an anxious spirit has never been clearer to me. It’s the difference between:
(1) Resting in your goodness and care—knowing you’re at work as my sovereign, loving Father.
(2) Vexing in my fear and control idol—anxious for you to do things my way on my schedule.
Abba, I really, really want the first of these two options to mark my heart, worship, and life. You know the beginning, middle, and end of all things. My perspective and understanding are limited; and my preferences, druthers, and hopes aren’t necessarily your best for my life. We pray and plan, and you order our steps and days—and that’s just as it should be. No immediate disappoint is final, and the best is always in front of us.
Whether I get “bad news”—or a confusing outcome, more delay, or something way beyond all I can hope or imagine—I want to honor you and always declare, “Abba does all things well.” Father, grant me and my friends trusting hearts, the perspective of eternity, and joy in the journey all the way Home. In our heart of hearts, we DO want you more than we want our way. So Very Amen.