Nothing to Fear When You're Looking into the Father's Eyes

Stella is learning to be a toddler. Sometimes she will take a step or two on her own. But most of the time she likes to hang onto someone’s finger with one hand. She’s little yet, so her mother gets a backache after a while. The other day she held on to a stick that her mother was holding onto. She walked and walked. As soon as she let go of the stick she was down. Her mother would try to let go of the stick and Stella would teeter for a moment and go down again. Some would call that a crutch. I would call that faith.  She knows that the stick is not important but the fact that her mother has the other end, that’s what’s important. She’s not looking at the stick itself for support but into her mother’s eyes.

Learning this life of faith can have its ups and downs.  We try to hang onto people, things, dreams, money and more.  We look at each one and if it fails or we lose our handle on it, we find ourselves down again. But when we look at the Lord, hold tightly to Him and let Him hold all our possessions for us, we walk confidently as our eyes are on Him.

Oh beloved, look into your Father’s eyes. Concentrate on Him alone for He is the one who gave you new birth and will carry you through to the end. He promises that nothing will separate you from His love, that all things will work together for good and that no good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly. Hang on tightly to His Word for that is His Nature. He means what He says and when He says I love you and I’ve got you He means it! Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Micah 7:7  As for me, I look to the LORD for help. I wait confidently for God to save me, and my God will certainly hear me.

Psalm 112:7 They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the LORD to care for them.

For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Hebrews 12:2 a We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.

Romans 8:28  And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

Are You looking only at Your Circumstances? Look to God!

We had a ride planned yesterday but early on there was thunder lightning and heavy rain. Probably the heaviest rain our county's seen in months. Mid morning the weather broke and we headed out for our destination. It remained cloudy and cool the entire day, which made for incredible riding. An August day in Arkansas with a high around 76 degrees is unheard of. We rode to Petit Jean, ate a late lunch and went to survey the bear caves. While there someone checked the radar on their phone which showed heavy rain coming in. Much discussion went on about hurrying to leave, putting on gear, making it home.  We knew that any moment it might start raining but some folks had never been to Petit Jean so we continued the plan, hoping to outrun the rain. There was frequent looking to the radar which still guaranteed a deluge.  Finally someone said, “If all we do is look at the radar we will miss the fun of all we’re doing right now while it’s not raining.” As it turned out it never rained on us despite the gloomy radar.

Life is a trip full of ups and downs and changing weather.  Often the road we travel has its potholes, steep hills and hairpin curves.  Just like the weather life’s circumstances can change in an instant. We may be having the time of our life and suddenly it’s all different.   We may spend much time looking to the future, knowing that a storm is brewing and we wish we could avoid it.

Oh beloved, if you continue to look only at your circumstances or what you think may be ahead, you will miss the beautiful life God has given you! Everything you will go through in life is sifted through fingers of Love. God knows the road ahead, He knows the weather and He knows your heart. He is more than able to care for you throughout life. He’s not only able to get you through, but because He is going ahead of you, you can enjoy today full of joy in Him without dread of the future. Run to Him this morning, quit looking at your circumstances and let Him show you the beauty of this day.  How much does He love you? Enough to give Himself up on your behalf. How much does He care for you? Enough to send His angels to guard  your entire life.  Jehovah Jireh, Our Provider, has grace for today and bright hope for tomorrow prepared just for you!

Philippians 4:6-7  Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.  Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

Psalm 91:11  For He will order His angels to protect you wherever you go.

Proverbs 15:15  For the despondent, every day brings trouble; for the happy heart, life is a continual feast.

Isaiah 43:1 But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says,
“Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine.

Deuteronomy 31:8  Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; He will neither fail you nor abandon you.”